USA for UNHCR launched the Blue Key campaign to raise awareness in the U.S. for the plight of refugees worldwide. 

The statistics are heartbreaking - more than 43.7 million refugees worldwide, many of whom are women and children, have been forced to flee their homes due to war, conflict or persecution. Through no fault of their own, the door to their home was closed, locked, and the future they were counting on was forever changed. 

Our symbol, the Blue Key, was selected to illustrate the safe, secure home these refugees will one day see again with the help of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). 

Purchasing a key for just $5 is a great way to show support for both refugees and the 6,000 UNHCR staffers worldwide, who often work in dangerous locations to provide refugees with the protection, food, shelter and support they need. 

The campaign's goal is simple: We hope 6,000 people in the US will order their own Blue Key by December 31, 2011. 

Please help us reach our goal, spread awareness and grow support for this critical issue by attending our Blue Key Tweetup! 

The first #bluekey Tweetup in DC was such a blast that we decided to have Tweetups in other cities! It's a celebration of the refugee spirit where you'll also have the opportunity to network with other people passionate about the cause and meet some of our Blue Key Champions.

"Meeting other Blue Key Champions was irreplaceable and it was motivating to learn from advocates who have visited firsthand the very refugees we aim to help," Jill Foster, Blue Key Champion. 

Photo courtesy of Nakeva Corothers, Nakeva Photography.

Your ticket price covers the cost of your very own Blue Key, to be picked up at the event, and Eventbrite's service fees. The tweetup follows a typical tweetup format, with casual networking as the only agenda item. 

You'll also have a chance to win a beautiful sterling silver and freshwater cultured pearl necklace valued at $345 donated by Honora Pearls. Raffle tickets will be $1 and the drawing will be held at the end of the night so make sure you stick around to see if you win! All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to USA for UNHCR to help refugees.