Humanitarian writer, producer and strategist. Current UNHCR Communications Officer. Proud Kansas Jayhawk. All posts and views my own. Let's connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerburkshttps://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3mmpedt33g22tMy grandmother hinted at a darkness in our family history. Genealogy helped me understand why. Some stories disappear, but the feelings they leave behind do not. New Substack essay, "The Silence Had a History" — https://rogerburks.substack.com/p/the-silence-had-a-history25 May 2026 20:53 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3mmpedt33g22thttps://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3mirfg4wcyk2kSomething is being chased. I wrote this more than a decade ago. It came back to me this week. It’s an #Easter story – just not the kind you expect: rogerburks.substack.com/p/keep-running05 Apr 2026 18:37 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3mirfg4wcyk2khttps://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3mhc63applc22Happy #StPatricksDay. I’ve been tracing one Irish thread in my family history – beginning near Slemish Mountain and carrying across generations, through fateful journeys and chance meetings. I wrote a short reflection on how families take shape over time: rogerburks.substack.com/p/near-slemish17 Mar 2026 23:51 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhc63applc22https://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3mgv4xlvqws2dA week after I began my Peace Corps service in Togo, a farmer named Felix knocked on my door and said something I’ve carried with me ever since. 30 years later, the lesson still shapes how I listen. I wrote about it as #PeaceCorps marks its 65th anniversary: https://rogerburks.substack.com/p/we-are-both-strangers-here12 Mar 2026 19:26 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3mgv4xlvqws2dhttps://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3mfn62a3vq22lThe earliest memory I can replay isn’t of a playground. It’s of a door opening in the dark. New piece is up: https://rogerburks.substack.com/p/one-floor-down24 Feb 2026 21:59 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3mfn62a3vq22lhttps://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3mfmjpau4ek2kIt's #TwinPeaksDay. I used to think the ending was about failure and uncertainty. Now I think it’s about humility – and humanity. Not everything broken can be fixed. Some stories can only be witnessed. 🌲 (Grateful to David Lynch and @markfrost.bsky.social for ongoing mysteries and wonderment.)24 Feb 2026 15:55 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3mfmjpau4ek2khttps://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3mf5nu42jfc27The creek ran behind our houses. The trees kept secrets. One summer, we found ours. 🚀 https://rogerburks.substack.com/p/how-we-got-here18 Feb 2026 17:59 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3mf5nu42jfc27https://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3mcwmocuems2t8 years in. Grateful for colleagues who choose care over indifference – and for the people who trust us with their stories. I wrote a short reflection today: https://rogerburks.substack.com/p/a-phone-call-from-denmark21 Jan 2026 11:59 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3mcwmocuems2thttps://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3lkghaoaues22I don't agree with a certain billionaire's assertion that "the fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy." To me, empathy has been one of the greatest strengths of the United States, and one of the biggest reasons that our country and its generosity have served as a beacon for so long.15 Mar 2025 15:35 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3lkghaoaues22https://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3lifv74bj2s24Happy heavenly birthday to my maternal grandmother, who I called "Bimby." She taught me how to fix dinners that I still cook, showed me how to plant a garden, and once made a slingshot for me. She was the best storyteller I've ever known, and the biggest reason I have pursued a career as a writer.17 Feb 2025 23:21 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3lifv74bj2s24https://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3lhojgatbh22sHappy 93rd birthday to John Williams. So many of his songs are the soundtrack to my childhood - as well as continuing awe and inspiration today - but this will probably always be my favorite. It's music for dreaming and adventure, and I've played it many times in different places around the world. https://youtu.be/HuxdSeQexVY?si=dlwtjuoNTcbXedwY08 Feb 2025 16:19 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3lhojgatbh22shttps://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3lhmzpo7fcs23The bad news is the poison is here. The good news is you have the antidote. Here's how - together - we can help alchemize the toxicity of the past few weeks and turn it to something else: hope. Action. The chance to make a difference. Take a look at my new Substack and let me know what you think. https://rogerburks.substack.com/p/the-alchemy-of-hope08 Feb 2025 02:06 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3lhmzpo7fcs23https://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3lhhvhy52wk2b"To billionaires in the White House, it may seem like a game. But to anyone with a heart, it’s about children’s lives and our own security, and what’s unfolding is sickening." Great @nytimes.com article by the always-eloquent @nickkristof.bsky.social, exploring what USAID has come to mean to him. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/05/opinion/usaid-spending-trump-musk.html?unlocked_article_code=1.u04.uI5F.-g-rZAqOMz51&smid=url-share&fbclid=IwY2xjawIQ6QRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHd-ls0oiodAiDSLEMT4xTAtAek-_VYFQKodr0tPravzKXr8Q5YRw1w-HOA_aem_44_nBbkLVCJNg3FJ09vnlg06 Feb 2025 01:06 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3lhhvhy52wk2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3lg6qhjhirc2pEveryone: let's be more compassionate. Be kinder. Grow stronger. Grow wiser. Help address injustices. Call out lies and disinformation. Stand up to cruelty. Fight against those who seek to harm the vulnerable. Help protect the marginalized. As always, let's be the change we want to see in the world.20 Jan 2025 16:18 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3lg6qhjhirc2phttps://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3lfxcra2bvc2qLast night, like many others, I was devastated about David Lynch's passing. It felt like big red velvet theater curtains closing after a film, never again to open. But today brings new perspective; here's a #Substack post to help continue our Lynchian journey: https://rogerburks.substack.com/p/the-curtain-closes17 Jan 2025 17:24 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3lfxcra2bvc2qhttps://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3lfveku4onc2gWhen I was getting into writing and creative work, David Lynch was one of my biggest inspirations - and he has been ever since. "Twin Peaks" remains my favorite show and his other works influence me very often as I go about my work. Rest in peace, Mr. Lynch, and see you again in the unified field.16 Jan 2025 22:51 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3lfveku4onc2ghttps://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3lflgrfhwnk23I've just started a #Substack called "Somewhere with Roger Burks," in which I hope to explore new places, old memories, current events, global challenges, creativity, and the issues that connect us all. There are two posts so far, and I hope you'll join me for this journey: rogerburks.substack.com.13 Jan 2025 00:04 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3lflgrfhwnk23https://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3lfdvv4vcgc24Every eulogy during President Carter's funeral services was poignant and inspiring - about faith, humility and a life of service. This one, I think, was best of the bunch - Jason Carter sharing beautiful, funny and touching memories of his "pawpaw." What a lovely testament to a profoundly good life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbU66155uEY10 Jan 2025 00:13 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3lfdvv4vcgc24https://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3lei7yympns2tRest in peace, President Carter - a man who truly exemplified the best of what it means to be an American. He served his country - and especially the most vulnerable among us - at all stages of his life. We should celebrate, learn from and follow his example of service; it's needed more than ever.29 Dec 2024 23:59 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3lei7yympns2thttps://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3lehe2p4hjs25I believe that "Stay gold, Ponyboy" is one of the most beautiful phrases in American literature. Johnny's quote from the last part of "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton - and I won't spoil the context - is eternal and I experience it differently now (at 54) than I did when I first read the book (at 12). https://youtu.be/TDcMM2kNyJk?si=qBxfu75B1DcPfbye29 Dec 2024 15:39 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3lehe2p4hjs25https://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3le3koruhrk2b#MerryChristmas to all, and to all a good night! #GodJul24 Dec 2024 23:06 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3le3koruhrk2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3ld7dcnklw223St. Lucia’s Day carolers on boats in Copenhagen’s canals tonight - one of the prettiest and most unique winter celebrations here in Denmark as Christmas and solstice near13 Dec 2024 17:39 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3ld7dcnklw223https://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3ld44l3qpl223"Be curious, not judgmental." While Walt Whitman didn't actually say this, Ted Lasso certainly did, and it's a quote worth considering (and applying). Yes, it's probably also because I'm from Kansas and love all things Midwestern, but I keep coming back to this clip for inspiration. Barbecue sauce. https://youtu.be/3S16b-x5mRA?si=zVn0RLEB97jIJaV612 Dec 2024 11:01 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3ld44l3qpl223https://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3lcnecamxfc2xHere's another (wholehearted) recommendation: Somebody Somewhere. I might be biased because I grew up in #Kansas (and I love my home state, ask anyone), but this show captures the feel of someone returning to their Midwestern hometown so well. Wonderful characters, funny and so human - a must watch. https://play.max.com/show/f1e64d9c-cd12-4254-b980-7442ab8d82d306 Dec 2024 14:09 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3lcnecamxfc2xhttps://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3lcbtud6c7c2qAnother good resource to learn about #statelessness - its causes, challenges, real stories and how it can be solved - is this recent, excellent podcast series: www.chahut.ch/statelessness. We have practical solutions, lessons learned and pledges for action. We need political will to make it happen. https://www.chahut.ch/statelessness02 Dec 2024 00:16 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3lcbtud6c7c2qhttps://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3lcbtlb2g7s2qI've been working with the @unhcr.org statelessness team and thanks to colleagues, advocates and especially people with lived experience, have learned a lot about this very solvable issue. Together we created this report on a decade of action to #EndStatelessness (https://www.refworld.org/reference/news/unhcr/2024/en/148777).02 Dec 2024 00:11 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3lcbtlb2g7s2qhttps://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3lc4krjtvpc2rIf you're looking for something to watch - and need some laughs and sweetness - check out "A Man on the Inside," created by the team behind "The Good Place." It's a much-needed, feel-good bit of humanity with some genuinely touching (and insightful) moments. We binged it all in just a couple days. https://www.netflix.com/title/8167725729 Nov 2024 21:50 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3lc4krjtvpc2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3lc22kjru7s2yThis #Thanksgiving, I'm grateful for family, friends and health. And I'm also enormously thankful for my committed colleagues at @unhcr.org, as well as folks with whom I'm worked at Mercy Corps, CARE and other teams along the journey. Your creativity, compassion and action are needed more than ever.28 Nov 2024 21:54 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3lc22kjru7s2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/rogerburks.bsky.social/post/3lbuwphshus2nCooking can be kindness and meditation. The combination of onion, garlic and spices is always the start of something good. In this case, it's this amazing @nytimes.com recipe for Lemony Chicken Stew: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024015-lemony-greek-chicken-spinach-and-potato-stew. Double the lemon and red pepper flakes to make it even better.26 Nov 2024 21:02 +0000at://did:plc:qemcj3mvrwf2v2d2nk6a7326/app.bsky.feed.post/3lbuwphshus2n