When news outlets reported that more than 100 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide last year, it felt like a distant global tragedy until I met Jamal, a Marine Corps veteran teaching coding to a classroom of refugee teenagers at a community center in Ohio.
That contrast — a headline and a human connection — is the spark behind the work many nonprofits and local programs are doing today: connecting veterans, youth, and communities across International Aid, Local Programs, Social Empowerment, Youth Development, and Veterans services.
Why now matters
Global need is urgent. The UN Refugee Agency notes the unprecedented scale of displacement in recent years, with over 100 million people uprooted worldwide in 2023 (UNHCR Global Trends 2023).
"More than 100 million people are now forcibly displaced worldwide," said UNHCR in its 2023 overview.
At the same time, charitable giving remains a powerful tool: Americans donated nearly $500 billion to charity in 2022, a reminder that individual and corporate philanthropy can be redirected to amplify local impact (Giving USA 2023).
Where people are making a difference
Organizations like Team Rubicon mobilize veterans to respond to disasters worldwide, turning military skills into humanitarian action that also supports veterans' reintegration. Local institutions such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America partner with veterans and volunteers to deliver mentoring and workforce programs for youth. Meanwhile, international and national aid groups such as UNHCR and UNICEF continue to highlight needs and coordinate responses for displaced children and families.
Stories that inspire
Jamal's coding class is one small example: a veteran uses discipline and mentorship to teach displaced teens critical skills. One student, who arrived with limited English, built a simple website within weeks and found a volunteer internship through the club. This is the multiplier effect of combined local programs and social empowerment.
How you can help
Action is simple and immediate:
- Donate or volunteer with organizations blending veteran expertise and youth services, such as Team Rubicon or local Boys & Girls Clubs (bgca.org).
- Support international relief groups addressing displacement by visiting UNHCR or UNICEF to learn current needs.
- Partner with local veteran service organizations to create mentorship programs that empower youth and provide veterans meaningful purpose.
Small acts add up: mentor one young person, donate a few hours, or fund a classroom laptop. These choices turn alarming statistics into real futures.
Hope is not passive. When veterans teach, youth learn skills and confidence; when communities support local programs, they build resilience that endures through crises. If you want to start today, reach out to a local Boys & Girls Club, contact a veteran nonprofit like Wounded Warrior Project, or explore international needs at UNHCR. Your action builds the bridge.
