Community-Based Refugee Organizations
Team: Rebecca Murray, Vida Mulec, Brendan Harley, Nayla Chacra
Supervisor: Mark Johnson
Semester: Fall 2005
America's long and valuable tradition of accepting refugees fleeing persecution continues today. In 2004 the United States admitted nearly 53,000 refugees, whose varied histories and cultures add texture to communities already established.
Newly arrived refugees have always relied on the assistance of those with similar ethnic backgrounds and common life epxeriences to help ease the transition into U.S. society. Community- based organizations (CBOs) can play an integral role in refugee integration, strengthening the community and preserving cultural identity.
The four- person research team from the New School Practicum in International Affairs selected eight refugee populations who were resettled in the U.S. over varying lengths of time. They are Bosnians, Congolese, Ethiopians, Hmong, Iraqis, Kosovar Albanians, Meskhetian Turks and Sierra Leoneans. These groups were chosen to gain a broad understanding of the diverse historical, political, economic, educational and cultural influences on community organizing. Over a three- month period this fall, the team interviewed CBOs that provide assistance to these refugees examining their organizing capacity and collaborations, both locally and internationally.
The project's objective is multi- faceted. First, we identified existing CBOs and researched how they are organized, the type of services they provide, and their links between communities in the U.S., and their home country. Second, we determined the obstacles these CBOs face in developing sustainble programs. Finally, by comparing the relevant experiences of CBOs across a range of refugee groups, we analyzed the CBOS, and consequently, their communities' organizational capacity.
By definition, CBOs are established by community members who generally have a greater capacity to understand and predict events in their home country than international relief organizations. Although CBOs have a definite strength in knowledge, they often lack financing and organizational capacity. By determining their vulnerabilities, it is hoped that the International Rescue Committee can hone its programming to focus on these areas.
Finally, the IRC can help facilitate an information exchange to ensure the transfer of best practices to CBOS in the home country or country of first asylym. In return, these organizations can help CBOs in the U.S. identify basic issues, and share information and practices. By strengthening organizations, implementing effective programming and building networks, CBOs can help create sustainable and thriving new communities.
Core Documents
Terms of Reference
Timeline
Final Presentation
Additional Documents
Resettled in America- an assessment of refugee community- based organization.pdf
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