Integration is a process that enables a newcomer to achieve an “equal footing with the native population in terms of functioning in society,” … “particularly through meaningful socioeconomic inclusion.” (Jacobs and Rea 2007)

Integration, not assimilation

Assimilation demands the abandonment of home customs, language, and heritage to protect the native community from any discomfort stemming from obvious differences from their norm.

The process of integrating takes years and is complex in nature. The most successful integration has a long-term wholesome effect as a two-way street requiring “adaptation on the part of the newcomer but also by the host society (Favell 2001). It results in “self-actualization” of each individual and in stronger, more diverse, and better flourishing economies and communities.

TSOS COMMUNITY PROGRAM COORDINATORS

TSOS Community Programs provide opportunities to participate in local refugee integration through:

PARTNERSHIPS

Collaborating with already established refugee service organizations that provide service-learning opportunities, cultural awareness events, and local refugee mentorship that create long-term friendships with local “newcomers.”

EDUCATION

Offering free access to primary and secondary curriculum to better connect academic learning the causes and effects of a global crisis where millions of people are forcibly displaced each year.

INTERNSHIPS

Creating opportunities for local college and university campuses to participate in internships pairing refugees with non-refugees for training in writing, video, archive, and podcast storytelling.

ADVOCACY

Participating in developing positive community changes that eliminate prejudice and promote welcoming “newcomers” and strengthen communities.

STORY GATHERING/STORY TELLING

Connecting with refugees through local refugee events, promoting refugee organizations, refugee artists, and refugee heroes in an effort to establish good will and recognition of the positive aspects of “newcomers,”

EVENTS

Supporting educational initiatives, story gathering and sharing, and service learning opportunities with the locals and partners through school assemblies, and planned events..

To participate in the Community programs please join our next event in your community.

We welcome anyone wanting to join with our hands on the ground, and encourage you to visit the page for the Community program near you.

How do you Achieve Long term Integration
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