Kaup featured in Lutheran Services Carolinas newsletter

Furman University’s Katherine “Kate” Kaup, the James B. Duke Professor of Asian Studies and Politics and International Affairs, was the subject of a volunteer spotlight appearing in the July newsletter of Lutheran Services Carolinas. In March this year, Kaup connected with LSC’s Upstate SC New Americans Program where she is helping a Venezuelan family acclimate to life in the U.S. She explained what motivates her to serve refugees and offered advice for those seeking to do the same.

She urged would-be volunteers to think about the ways they might enjoy serving, then “go for it.” Kaup also said it’s easy to get discouraged by the magnitude of the global refugee crisis where millions need support.

She said, “Don’t get paralyzed by the scale of the problem. You’re going to make a huge impact in whatever way you contribute. Remind yourself that whatever you do is going to be more helpful than not doing anything at all.”

Kaup also encouraged readers to lean on facts and not be swayed by misinformation swirling around refugees and immigration.

“I think it’s important for the Greenville community to remember that refugees have gone through an extraordinarily rigorous vetting process. They have followed the rules and the protocols that the U.S. government has set and the UN High Commissioner on Refugees has set. They are fleeing horrible life-threatening circumstances to come here …We should do all we can to make them feel welcome and safe,” Kaup added.