Refugee World Cup
Below, you can read the talking points, I wrote for the Chicago mayor to read at the 2023 Refugee World Cup.
Talking Points
Mayor Brandon Johnson required a speech to deliver to asylum seekers, refugee athletes, and other Chicagoans for the city's 2023 Refugee World Cup that would help attendees feel welcome and safe.
Focusing on combining the themes of hope and community while writing in Johnson’s voice, I drew on my experience with solo performance scriptwriting, as well as a wealth of city government knowledge from over a year in the mayor’s office.
The product was a well-received speech read word-for-word by the mayor that highlights my skills in storytelling, tone, and audience engagement. From this experience, I learned about addressing refugee communities. As with any engaging story, emotional connection with an audience can mean the difference between negative and positive reception. Because I identified shared values between Johnson and refugee communities, the communication was authentic and welcoming.
Refugee World Cup Talking Points
Good morning fútbol fans! It’s great to be here in the company of fellow sports fans and some incredible athletes.
The Refugee World Cup is a testament to our love of the game as well as the strength and dedication that brought you here today.
I am proud to lead a city where refugees feel empowered to become a part of our communities while also carrying their homes and culture in their hearts.
Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Myanmar, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo—these are just some of the many places connected through this game.
Everyone on this field today should feel pride in themselves, their families, their found families, and the friends they made along the way, for the sacrifices they made to be here today.
But this game is not about our past. It’s a step forward into our future.
I hope every refugee who has found sanctuary here in Chicago can create the life and future they desire in our city.
Everyone playing in this tournament today is leading by example, showing us what can happen when we support our new neighbors and truly integrate them into our communities, rather than try to assimilate them.
Chicago will always be a city that stands in solidarity and support of our refugee neighbors.
To all asylum-seekers, refugees, and new neighbors, I am committed to supporting you and ensuring that you can exist safely and comfortably, no matter where you’ve come from or where you will go.
Only one team can come out on top today, but as far as I’m concerned, you’re all winners today.