About us
Our story
Arms Wide Open was founded in April 2022 by a group of dedicated volunteers from diverse nationalities and professional backgrounds. United by a shared commitment to humanitarian action, they began working together from the earliest days of the war in Ukraine—supporting refugees in Bulgaria through a wide range of initiatives and organizations. Their experience, solidarity, and vision laid the foundation for what would become Arms Wide Open.
Our association proudly employs individuals of diverse religious backgrounds, cultural identities, and nationalities—including those from conflict-affected regions. While these differences may sometimes shape external perceptions of our work, our experience has shown that diversity is a strength. It enriches our perspectives, enhances our impact, and unites us in pursuit of a common cause.
Our Believes
Our Mission
We are committed to building a more inclusive Bulgaria—where refugees, vulnerable individuals, and disadvantaged people are empowered with equal opportunities to thrive.
At the heart of our work is the belief in people’s power to shape their own futures and communities. We create spaces where beneficiaries, local citizens, and volunteers feel a deep sense of belonging and are inspired to take part in shaping and leading meaningful change.
Our Vision
Integration is a shared responsibility—a two-way process that involves both refugees and the host country’s local citizens and institutions working together.
Our objectives
Through our programs and activities, we strive to empower both individuals and communities. We focus on building self-confidence, strengthening decision-making skills, and helping people take control of their lives—equipping them to understand, assert their rights, and actively shape their own development.
By combining modern approaches in both formal and non-formal education, our initiatives create inclusive environments where vulnerable groups can grow, thrive, and realize their full potential.
Our Believes
Does your Arms Wide Open define itself as feminist ?
Arms Wide Open defines itself as feminist in practice and values, though not necessarily in ideological labels. For us, feminism means creating equal opportunities, dignity, and voice for women — especially those displaced by conflict and crisis — to rebuild their lives with autonomy and confidence.
Our feminism is intersectional and inclusive: we recognise that migrant, refugee, and minority women face multiple layers of discrimination and barriers to participation. Through education, psychosocial support, and leadership programmes, we aim to empower them to take an active role in their families, communities, and public life.
Feminism, for us, is not only advocacy but also daily action — providing safe spaces, promoting women’s leadership, and challenging stereotypes that limit their potential. It means standing for equality, solidarity, and justice in every aspect of our work.
How does Arms Wide Open define patriarchy?
How Arms Wide Open defines racism?
Arms Wide Open defines racism as any system, action, or attitude that creates inequality or exclusion based on ethnicity, skin color, nationality, or cultural background. Racism is not only individual prejudice but also structural and institutional, shaping access to education, employment, safety, and belonging.
For our organization, racism is a violation of fundamental human dignity. It manifests when people are denied equal opportunities, representation, or voice because of who they are or where they come from.
We actively counter racism by promoting intercultural dialogue, creating shared learning spaces for Bulgarian, migrant, and refugee communities, and fostering empathy and understanding through education, creativity, and collaboration. Our goal is to build a society where diversity is celebrated and every person — regardless of origin — feels respected, safe, and valued.
In their journey of adaptation, refugees should never be expected to abandon their cultural identity. A truly welcoming environment is built when the host community responds with openness and cultural sensitivity. At its best, this mutual respect fosters an inclusive society rooted in continuity—where diversity is not just accepted, but celebrated.
This two-way process forms the foundation of our work. Through dialogue, relationship-building, and shared experiences, we aim to break down prejudice, combat discrimination, support mutual understanding, and promote lasting integration and tolerance.