I would like to commend Mark Schultz for the recent article he wrote about the Chapel Hill 2020 outreach volunteers taking time to listen to the concerns of the Burmese refugees living in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area.

In Chapel Hill's 2020 vision statement, there is one phrase that rings out the loudest: "Chapel Hill 2020 is a plan that involves Chapel Hill, every community, every race, every age, every culture, and every corner." How great to see that the representatives follow through on this vision. The vision to include every race, every culture, and every corner is such an important message to all, including refugees. I wish more towns, cities and villages would do the same and follow in Chapel Hill's footsteps.

The article tells of the challenges refugees experience with language barriers, jobs and housing issues. Most of these challenges can be found in any city throughout America. These refugees are brought to our country leaving behind a life of torture, rape and possible death from countries all over the world. The Karen refugees featured in the article are from Burma (Myanmar) a country governed by a military dictatorship with one of the worst human rights records in history.

I am a filmmaker who has completed a documentary film called "Nickel City Smiler" which chronicles the challenges Burmese refugees face after being resettled here in America. I found that their kindness, warmth and determination for a better life is no different then any American. If we as Americans give refugees a voice (as the Chapel Hill 2020 is doing) and truly listen to their concerns and ideas, the future of our communities will prove to be better for us all.

If you would like to find out more about refugees, please visit: www.nickelcitysmiler.com.

Scott Murchie

Buffalo