The Iliad Network

We are the Iliad Network, a nascent nonprofit hoping to address the plight of displaced people. We are based in the United States, and our staff members, who are volunteers, are U.S. citizens. While we are based in the U.S., we have contacts in various parts of the world, predominantly in Turkey, who are interested in assisting Uyghur, Syrian, and Central Asian displaced persons.

The idea of starting such a nonprofit originated with a network of likeminded people who noticed that many refugees simply are not aware of the options available to them in terms of housing assistance, legal aid, and immigration choices. Once introduced to such options, many displaced persons use such resources prudently and gratefully, sharing them amongst their communities. We are hoping to act as a gap-filler organization with regards to testimony gathering, fundraising, and education for refugee communities, predominantly those transiting through or residing in Turkey.

Specifically, we are aiming to do the following:

-Directly gather testimony

-Share any and all testimonies with other nonprofits

-Discuss fundraising techniques, media relations, and professional networking with both refugees and the groups supporting them

-Implement factchecking training to counter false narratives

-Assist refugees by helping them find scholarships, legal aid, and immigration guidance

-Advocate as needed with governments to raise awareness of refugees' struggles in their communities

Currently, we have a need for: social media volunteers, grantwriters or other fundraising volunteers, and volunteers who can liaise with other nonprofits. We are hoping that we can appoint one volunteer to a dedicated task, in order to make the best use of everyone's skillset.

While we are not currently a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we are open to becoming one. Such guidance would be warmly received from experienced volunteers, such as those we are trying to meet via Idealist.