USA for UNHCR launched the Blue Key campaign to raise awareness in the U.S. for the plight of refugees worldwide. 

The statistics are heartbreaking - more than 43.7 million refugees worldwide, many of whom are women and children, have been forced to flee their homes due to war, conflict or persecution. Through no fault of their own, the door to their home was closed, locked, and the future they were counting on was forever changed. 

Our symbol, the Blue Key, was selected to illustrate the safe, secure home these refugees will one day see again with the help of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). 

Purchasing a key for just $5 is a great way to show support for both refugees and the 6,000 UNHCR staffers worldwide, who often work in dangerous locations to provide refugees with the protection, food, shelter and support they need. 

The campaign's goal is simple: We need 6,000 people in the US to order their own Blue Key by December 31, 2011. 

Please help us reach our goal, spread awareness and grow support for this critical issue by attending our Blue Key Tweetup! 

The first DC #bluekey Tweetup was such a blast that we decided to do it again! We hope you can join us for our second DC #bluekey Tweetup in a celebration of the refugee spirit. Along with some of our Blue Key Champions, you'll be able to meet some of USA for UNHCR's staff and learn firsthand how they support UNHCR's work here in the U.S.

"Meeting other Blue Key Champions was irreplaceable and it was motivating to learn from advocates who have visited firsthand the very refugees we aim to help," Jill Foster, Blue Key Champion. 

Your ticket price covers the cost of your very own Blue Key, to be picked up at the event, and Eventbrite's service fees. The tweetup follows a typical tweetup format, with casual networking as the only agenda item. Ceiba will be offering happy hour specials to keep our good spirits going.

Photo courtesy of Nakeva Corothers, Nakeva Photography.