Susan Downs-Karkos June 11, 2013
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Susan Downs-Karkos June 11, 2013
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Susan Downs-Karkos June 11, 2013. A World on the Move: International Migrants. 214 million people. 250 200 150 100 50. 2.9%. 77 million people. 2.5%. 1960. 2010. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of Susan Downs-Karkos June 11, 2013
Susan Downs-KarkosJune 11,
2013
A World on the Move: International Migrants
1960 2010
250
200
150
100
50 2.5%
2.9%
77 million people
214 million people
Nations that are more accepting of and better at integrating new immigrants have a higher level of economic growth and development.
– Richard Florida
Changing Communities Large scale
demographic change
New immigrant destinations
Fear, ambivalence of receiving community
The Story of Tennessee
First effort to talk with everyday Tennesseans about their changing community.
Mobilizes local leaders in towns like Nashville and Shelbyville.
Launches billboard campaign and other efforts to change messages about immigrants in the community.
Brings long-time residents and newcomers into direct contact to build trust and understanding.
The New Story of Tennessee
Welcoming InitiativesME
CTMA
LA
FL
TX
NY
VT
PANJ
NCTN
KY
WV
OHINIL
WI
MI
SC
GAAL
MS
OKAR
IA
ND
SD
NE
KS
NM
CO
ID
NV
UT
CA
OR
WA
MD
MT
WY
MN
MO
AZ
VA
RI
NH
Key
Current/Emerging Affiliate
Exploring Affiliation
Welcoming AmericaNational, grassroots-driven collaborative
Goal: create a welcoming atmosphere that supports integration and shared prosperity.
22 affiliates spearhead local initiatives across the country
Additional support to organizations and communities, including the nation’s refugee program, through Receiving Communities Initiative
New Focus: Receiving Communities
A welcoming community not only supports immigrants directly, but helps long-time residents understand, contribute to and benefit from immigrant integration.
Who is the Receiving Community? Long-time residents
May be very diverse
In some cases, can be refugees or immigrants themselves
May have conscious or unconscious fear or bias toward immigrants, or are simply ambivalent
Those who don’t live and breathe this work. Our neighbors and loved ones.
UnsureThe ambivalent middle 60%
UntappedSympathetic, would
engage if asked
Tapped
Benefits of this approach More welcoming climate for
all residents
Refugees and immigrants feel more welcomed to stay and integrate
Strengthened integration program credibility and success
New champions and ability to attract additional resources
Receiving Communities Model
ContactFoster meaningful connections between U.S. born and foreign-born.
CommunicationsProvide an alternative to divisive rhetoric about newcomers through messages that speak to unity, common values, and shared contributions.
LeadershipEngage credible, mainstream leaders to help foster a positive climate.
1. Building Meaningful Contact“While there are many ways in which [intergroup anxiety] can be reduced, it is through personal relationships with diverse individuals that the most profound and lasting changes take place. …
Photo credit: Hillary Andrews
Contact Research In a cross-national survey, researches
found that
a majority of those with immigrant friends see immigration as an opportunity.
a majority of those with no social contact with immigrants see them as a problem.
Source: German Marshall Fund: Transatlantic Trends: Immigration (2010)
Contact-Building Strategies• Potlucks and coffees
• Joint volunteer projects
• Dialogues
• Arts and culture
• Block parties
Engaging RC Members as Volunteers Supporting
program activities
Volunteering side by side with refugees
Serving as ambassadors
Photo credit: Welcoming Framingham
2. Communications- Acknowledge there may
be apprehensions
- Present messages that connect people
- Focus on common values
- Highlight contributions that benefit everyone
Communication StrategiesTell a different story
about demographic change in our communities, through
Local media campaigns
Social media and networking
Film, radio and the arts Engaging unusual
spokespeople
Messaging Examples
Nebraska is Home Welcoming Colorado
Welcoming Michigan
3. Leadership Cultivating and engaging leaders from diverse sectors to set the tone.
• Government• Faith• Business• Education• Health Care• Law Enforcement
Educate Engage Solicit Thank
Learning from the “Boise Model”
The Problem: The Perfect Storm
The Attitude: “Never let a serious crisis go to waste”
The Approach: Convene, Listen, Prioritize and Educate
The Result: Strategic Plan to Grow Community Resources
The Challenge: Keeping It Alive
National Refugee Network Create community of practice across
refugee agencies, mainstream providers and geographic communities
Enhance and sustain resettlement work locally
Build new partnerships Promote a positive community climate Ensure refugees are successful across
the nation.
Support forPartners and Practitioners
Tools Training
Technical Assistance
Community of
Practice
Tools to Help: www.welcomingamerica.org
Friends of Welcoming
LEARNACTCONNECT
www.friendsofwelcoming.org
Building a Nation of Neighbors How-To Videos
Our communities are strongest when everyone who lives in them feels welcome.
Reflection
Imagine someone who may be unsure in your community.
What values might they care about?
Reflection
What experience do you have seeing people in your community shift their opinion?
What worked?
What role can you play in reaching out to the receiving community and helping to foster a more welcoming climate?
