What motivates “ordinary people” to support refugees emotionally and financially?
This is a timely question considering the number of displaced people in today’s world is at an all-time high. To help counter this crisis, it is imperative for the Canadian government to determine which policies encourage volunteers to welcome asylum seekers, and which ones must be reviewed.
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Actions relates the story of the St. Joseph’s Parish Refugee Outreach Committee over its thirty years in action, revealing how seemingly small decisions and actions have led to significant changes in policies and in people’s lives—and how they can do so again in the future.
By helping readers—young and old, secular and faith-oriented—understand what drives individuals and communities to welcome refugees with open hearts and open arms, the authors hope to inspire people across Canada and beyond its borders to strengthen collective willingness and ability to offer refuge as a lifesaving protection for those who need it.

Stéfanie Morris has a Master’s Degree in Public and International Affairs and is a Juris Doctor candidate at the University of Ottawa’s Common Law program. She expects to graduate in 2023.

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Karina Juma is a Juris Doctor candidate and MA student in International Affairs at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. She expects to graduate in 2024.

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Meredith Terretta is the Gordon F. Henderson Chair of Human Rights and Professor of History at the University of Ottawa where she teaches and directs student research in African and legal and human rights history.

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Patti Tamara Lenard is Professor of Applied Ethics at the University of Ottawa’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.

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Geneviève Tellier is Professor in the School of Political Studies at the University of Ottawa. Her current research focuses on the role of parliamentary institutions in the budgetary process, the attitude of citizens toward budgetary policies, and the budget decision-making process of federal and provincial governments. She has authored two books, co-edited one, published several scientific papers, and is currently serving as a member of the board of directors of the Canadian Study of Parliament Group.

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