With the holidays fast approaching, we have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with friends and family about refugees and asylum seekers. Use these tips are resources to help frame your discussions on why these issues matter: 1/ 
Be Prepared! Have an understanding of your goal, what you hope to communicate, your own personal anecdotes to match your knowledge, and what kind of counter points you might be able to anticipate. This will help you shape the space for a meaningful conversation. 2/
Engage in Active Listening! This often looks like reflecting back what others are saying in your own words - reassuring that you've heard and understood them - and exercising patience. 3/
Share Stories! Having facts and accurate information is important - but facts alone can sometimes reinforce anothers' previously held beliefs. Illustrating why something matters through personal stories helps others understand why you care, and why they should too. 4/
Ground Your Stories! Everyday in the news we're exposed to the threats posed against refugees and asylum seekers. Here are just a few of pieces of background to help ground your personal stories. /End.
