In class we are working on an advocacy book project that provides statistics and information about migrant, immigrant, and refugee populations in various countries. My group's particular focus country is the Netherlands. This book will consist of information from the Netherlands, Germany, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. This book can be used to advocate for children on the move in Europe. Although we are focusing mainly on four countries, the concepts and ideas can easily be translated and applied to other countries and cultures. In 2013, the Netherlands passed a new migration policy allowing relocation easier for people who have the potential to provide input into the economy. This has also made movement more difficult for those who appear to possess no special skills or benefit to the economy. I prefer not to take a stance on potentially controversial topics unless I am able to make an informed and educated response; however, I do believe it is essential to protect children no matter what.
We got into an interesting discussion in class about unaccompanied minors entering the country. Many countries in Europe turn a blind eye regarding the treatment of unaccompanied minors to avoid having the blame fall in their hands. Countries will often hold children in detention centers, sometimes for months at a time, and treat them as though they are not in the country at all to avoid granting these children the same basic rights as any other citizen. Regardless of what country these children are in, they all deserve to be treated equally while keeping their best interest at heart. We were challenged to come up with a solution to better the treatment of unaccompanied minors, and I recommended having a lawyer, social worker, or human services agent work with the child to decide on the best course of action. Some others in the class found this solution unrealistic and were worried about funding or where you would find a social worker at 3am in the morning when a child arrives. This was a silly response to me because I would wake up at all hours of the night to help a child in need regardless of whether I was being paid. Working the overnight shift at Women Helping Battered Women has given me some inside perspective into how large service providers operate. Part of my job is waking up at 3am to answer the hotline or providing case management for women and families living in shelter. Although I'm a paid employee, this organization started with passionate women who wanted to make a difference for women who were experiencing domestic violence. The founders of Women Helping Battered Women would even take women into their homes if they had nowhere else to go. All it takes is a few passionate people willing to go above and beyond to make a difference. I think there are enough people willing to wake up at 3am to assist an unaccompanied minor arriving in a new country. It is important to listen to the child and believe their story. Children may be young, but they see and understand a lot more than we give them credit for.
It was going to be another long night at Distortion, so after class we made a hearty meal of fajitas, potatoes, corn, and more homemade guacamole. This might have been our best meal yet. The seasoning made the chicken and peppers melt in your mouth. We must have been making people drool up because you could smell the deliciousness up and down the halls. I was so full, but it was worth it. And besides, I needed a good meal before going out again tonight.
Tomorrow is Lindsay's 20th birthday, and we decided to celebrate tonight because Natalie would be out of town tomorrow evening. For her birthday, Natalie and I got Lindsay a bottle of Jagermeister and four cans of Red Bull because Jager Bombs are her favorite drink. Needless to say, this night was a little more messy than the last night.
Shortly after arriving at Distortion, we decided to go find a place to dance and get out some excess energy. That was short lived because we soon went to find a bathroom, like we do every 20 minutes or so. While waiting in line for the bathroom, some random woman threw her beer down and my arm got the worst of it. Luckily it wasn't my clothes and my arm would dry soon enough. Then when Lindsay and I were in the bathroom (going into the stall with someone else must be a girl thing) we spilled some Red Bull. There must be something in the water because Distortion seems to be making everyone un poco loco.
The rest of our night consisted of walking in circles to find a burger for Lindsay, hanging out in an apartment in the area, trying to take pictures with people in costumes, and then finally ending up at a bar.
Lindsay and Natalie were talking to some guys, so I decided to go into the other room and sit at the bar. I ended up talking to a nice man who introduced me to some of his friends. I even met a professional hockey player who was out of commission until September because he was a little banged up. Later in the evening it was time to hit the dance floor again. I danced with a nice Danish military man who, according to Lindsay, looked like an Abercrombie model.
As 4am rolls around, we decide it is probably best to head home. Natalie and I make it to the subway station only to find that we have a 40 minute wait. It always amazes me, the people we manage to find at 5am. From beginning to end, this has proven to be an interesting night to remember.
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