TABITHA MCDUFFEE
I hate clickbait. Maybe that’s why I find titles more difficult to write than anything else. I work hard to compose my words on the bedrock of authenticity and integrity, and while I am skilled at drawing readers into my writing, I refuse to do so on false pretenses.
Perhaps this is in part what led me to pursue an MA in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies. During my undergraduate years in Chicago at Moody Bible Institute I became heavily involved in volunteering with the local refugee community. As I do about everything in my life, I began to write about what I was learning. But I felt that if I wanted to speak with intelligence and integrity about the biblical mandate to welcome the stranger, then I needed not only theological knowledge, but also to become familiar with the secular field of forced migration.
While it’s obviously impractical to pursue graduate studies in every topic that interests me, this is how I approach my craft as a writer: with a commitment to mining information and wisdom from diverse voices, in order to offer a truly unique perspective and the greatest value to my readers.
Favorite topics: faith & culture, immigration, disability & mental health, theology
Writing
Theology & Culture
Our Advocacy Should Reflect God’s Beauty | Christianity Today, July 2020
In the midst of trying to do the right thing,
it’s easy to forget to do it in the right way.
I Am Arab-American | Feature Essay at Fathom Magazine, September 2021
God’s Beauty and Portland | TabithaMcDuffee.com, August 2020
Freedom to Welcome Refugees | TabithaMcDuffee.com, June 2018
How to Talk About Refugees with Conservatives | TabithaMcDuffee.com, July 2017
Current Event & Program Reporting
Turkana: Struggling Land, Resilient People | World Relief, April 2018
Altering one’s livelihood in order to adapt to the rapidly changing
landscape is no easy task, but the Turkana are rising to the challenge.
Disability & Mental Health
We Were Women Comforted by Shared Pain | Christianity Today, December 2018
I never imagined my fibromyalgia would help me serve refugees.
But chronic pain is something we both understand.
Our Dis-ease with Disease | TabithaMcDuffee.com, October 2018
Reviews
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins: A Book Review | TabithaMcDuffee.com, February 2020
Christian Hospitality and Muslim Immigration: A Book Review | TabithaMcDuffee.com, January 2018
2018 Annual Ministry Summary | World Relief, Spring 2018
As you read these highlights from 2018, may you also be filled with hope. You are making a difference, and we are grateful to be journeying together with you.
Social Media
The Project
World Relief Chicagoland Brand Messaging
Overview
The following were our goals for World Relief Chicagoland’s social media:
To establish consistent brand messaging, in both graphics and written captions
To improve the frequency of social media content across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
To increase follower counts and engagement across all social media channels
Strategy & Tactics
Developed consistent social media content focused on key organizational messaging
Developed a style guide, color palette, and photo editing guidelines for images
Created infographics and quote graphics that were consistent with the style guide and color palette
Established a posting schedule based on consistent social media presence and messaging
Developed Facebook advertising campaigns to expand reach and further awareness of organizational programming
Actively monitored social media accounts for brand engagement, conversation, and mentions
Results
Increased Facebook page likes by 35%
Doubled Instagram followers
Tripled average monthly post reach
Doubled average monthly post engagement
See before and after of brand messaging and aesthetics in Instagram feed below
The Project
World Relief Chicagoland 2019 Global Gala Social Media Campaign
January - April 2019
Across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Overview
The following goals guided this campaign:
Develop new branding for World Relief Chicagoland’s annual fundraiser
Create buzz about the event on social media
Sell tickets to the Global Gala
Raise funds for World Relief Chicagoland’s ministry to refugees and immigrants
Strategy & Tactics
Developed consistent social media content focused on promoting the Global Gala
Created social media images that were consistent with the Gala’s branding
Increased social media buzz with teasers about Gala speakers, activities, and raffle prizes
Established a posting schedule based on consistent social media presence and messaging
Developed Facebook advertising campaigns to expand reach and further awareness of the Gala
Actively monitored social media accounts to answer questions about the Gala and help supporters purchase their tickets
Coordinated with the development team to establish consistent brand messaging between social media, email campaigns, and the website
Example Images & Captions
This year's Global Gala will feature musical and dance performances from around the world—you don't want to miss it! Come join us as we celebrate 40 years of welcoming refugees and immigrants to our communities and catch a vision for the next 40 years. Buy your tickets today through the link in our profile!
Mehret and her family arrived in the U.S. as refugees in the late 1980s when she was only 4 years old. They were forced to flee Ethiopia when violence erupted after the neighboring country of Eritrea gained its independence. Now, three decades later, Mehret is giving back to her community. Find out how at the Global Gala where you can hear from Mehret and two others like her. Buy your tickets today through the link in our bio!
Back in Mexico, Abraham’s father owned a successful trucking business, but life in their home city of Guadalajara was becoming increasingly violent and dangerous. When one of his truckers was kidnapped and held for ransom, Abraham’s father knew it was time to find a safer place for his four sons to live. Years later, Abraham and his family are the proud owners of the Salsa Verde restaurant chain in the Fox Valley area and are helping to grow the local economy by creating dozens of jobs. Come hear more of Abraham’s story on April 26th at World Relief DuPage/Aurora’s Global Gala! Purchase your tickets through the link in our bio.
Results
The Gala was attended by over 200 guests
Over $125,000 was raised in one evening to support World Relief Chiagoland’s work with refugees and immigrants