Resources
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.
Workshops
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:
Saturday, November 12, 2022
Addressing Cultural Differences in Parenting Styles
- Acquire a better understanding of the culture and legal implications of parenting in Canada
- Learn how to remain respectful of newcomers’ parenting styles while helping them understand child protection in Canada
- Learn how to open the conversation about positive parenting
- Join a breakout room following the workshop to connect, learn and share
Saturday, February 25, 2023
Accessing the Skilled Trades for Employment
- Learn more about the skilled trades sector and training it provides newcomers
- Learn more about language requirements and licensing
- Explore how to access employment opportunities
- Join a post-workshop discussion to connect, learn and share
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Learning a New Language: What does it take?
- Understand the issues and barriers that newcomers face
- Learn how to identify suitable ESL programs, coach newcomers in their learning process as well as their day-to-day language acquisition
- Consider tools & techniques to support formal classes to achieve success
- Join a post-workshop discussion to connect, learn and share
Saturday, September 23, 2023
- Learn it starts early to ensure newcomers are ready for moving to independence both emotionally and financially
- Conduct a needs assessment, measuring success and next steps
- Identify ongoing support that might be needed and how to put that in place
- Join a post-workshop discussion to connect, learn and share
Saturday, November 4, 2023
- Learn what trauma is and how it impacts daily settlement life
- Understand how to better recognize behaviours that might result from trauma
- and when to access community supports or consult with experts
- Explore why understanding culture is important to sensitive issues
- Join a post-workshop discussion to connect, learn and share
Lunch & Learns
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:
October 12, 2022
January 18, 2023
March 22, 2023
June 21, 2023
October 25, 2023
Mentoring
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.
Resource Directory
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.
Information-sharing
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.
Problem-solving
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.