We offer an opportunity for private refugee sponsors to connect, learn and share. We have found that sharing our experience, challenges and success goes a long way to ensure effective and efficient settlement practice. Newcomers benefit from sponsors connecting.
Our goal is to be the “go-to” organization, a trusted resource, where sponsors can learn from each other through collaboration with settlement agencies and experts in a variety of fields. We want to make a difference in the lives of newcomers.
We offer online workshops addressing private sponsor issues identified by private sponsors. Since 2016, The Network has met the needs of sponsors through skills development with two-hour online workshops. Topics have included addressing issues such as understanding cultural impact, challenges in finding accommodation, dealing with health issues, accessing education certification, creating employment strategies, what ESL works best, how to address needs in smaller communities, opening a conversation around financial planning and child protection, among others. To register, watch for our flyers on Eventbrite, or send an email to info@refugeesponsornet.ca.
Our current series of workshops from 10:00 am to 12 noon includes:
Addressing Cultural Differences in Parenting Styles
Accessing the Skilled Trades for Employment
Learning a New Language: What does it take?
Sponsors possess considerable knowledge from work and lived experience. They know how to problem-solve and share information. Together, in discussion, they address issues and problems sponsor groups face in working toward best practice. With the help of a resource person and a moderator, they get to the heart of the challenge and offer each other practical solutions in an online, one-hour discussion where they quickly gain new knowledge or confirm they are on the right track in their decision-making. For information on any Lunch & Learn participation, contact us at info@refugeesponsornet.ca.
Lunch & Learn launch is planned for Fall 2022 with events offered between our quarterly workshops.
Upcoming discussions, from 12 noon – 1:00 pm include:
We are working on the development of a mentorship program, to be launched in Winter 2023 , to serve the needs of new sponsors. Sponsors have identified a need for this kind of service to assist in their effective settlement of newcomers.
Mentoring involves a special kind of caring, supportive relationship or partnership between two people, or two organizations, that is based on trust and respect. Mentors share their knowledge and experience with those they mentor. They help them define their goals and address issues of immediate need or longer-range challenges.
A mentor is not expected to be a social worker, or settlement professional, but some one who has walked the walk, is a good problem-solver based on life experience. Being a mentor means finding the way to best practice without making too many wrong turns. It is providing insight learned through experience.
We will be announcing the program soon. For more information, contact us at info@refugeesponsornet.ca.
Sponsors have identified a need for an online resource directory tailored to their needs that would zero-in on what they are looking for. In collaboration with the refugee sector, this offering is planned for launch in 2023.
We share specific information with Network participants through regular emails. When you have something that might benefit others, you are encouraged to send it to info@refugeesponsornet.ca, and we will pass the information along to Network participants.
If you are trying to solve a particular problem or challenge, or someone who has direct experience with a specific challenge you are facing, let us know by sending an email to info@refugeesponsornet.ca. We will do our best to connect you with a member who can help.