Switchboard Blog

Switchboard’s blog posts offer a wide range of insights on the newcomer experience, including practical tips for navigating the resettlement process, resource lists tailored to community needs, case studies about relevant programs, engaging stories of successful integration, and more.

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An A La Carte Guide to Digital Literacy: Comparing Assessment and Curriculum Resources

Newcomers who develop digital skills find employment faster and achieve economic self-sufficiency sooner. By investing in digital literacy training, resettlement agencies can help newcomers build confidence and create meaningful connections as they transition from initial support to full workforce participation. Many local resettlement agencies have requested guidance on offering a robust digital literacy (DL) curriculum to…

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Wondering how you can help prepare newcomers for emergencies? Take a proactive approach! Newcomers should be familiar with local emergency protocols and available resources. Provide guidance about potential risks, share videos and tips on preparedness, and inform newcomers about how to access available support before, during, and after emergencies. You may also assist clients in…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming humanitarian aid and resettlement services. In this blog post, two experts in the field—Kimberly Mays, a Senior Program Officer for Digital Communications at Switchboard, and Kristy Crabtree, who works in digital innovation within the International Rescue Committee (IRC)’s Violence Prevention and Response Unit—shed light on AI’s potential in resettlement…

This World Education Services blog post guides resettlement providers on supporting ORR-eligible newcomers’ career development. It emphasizes early discussion of clients’ educational backgrounds, offering strategies to understand skills, build support plans, and navigate credential evaluation. The post further provides practical tips for inquiring about international education, as well as using career tools and setting realistic…

Are you seeking materials in Haitian Creole to support clients you serve? Based on requests from providers, this blog post compiles Haitian Creole language resources to help service providers and clients navigate three crucial areas: personal safety, workplace rights, and health care access. Most resources listed below are available in additional newcomer languages as well.…

The Switchboard Confluence event this fall brought together technology innovators and refugee resettlement professionals to reimagine newcomer support through emerging technologies. This blog post recaps some of the Confluence’s highlights—exploring how ethical tech integration, from artificial intelligence (AI) storytelling initiatives to virtual case management solutions, is transforming refugee services. This blog also includes video links…

This blog post offers practical guidance on supporting Ukrainian newcomers in accessing culturally appropriate food in the United States. It covers topics such as familiar foods, grocery shopping, and finding ingredients for traditional Ukrainian dishes. You will gain an understanding of how to assist Ukrainian newcomers in maintaining their culinary traditions while adapting to their…