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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Insights from the Field: The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Resettlement Work
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
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The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) revised its State Plan Template for Grants to States and Replacement Designees in 2024, impacting the ways that communities approach refugee resettlement and the leadership structure of the mandated quarterly consultation process. Key changes include streamlined administrative processes, standardized health and unaccompanied refugee minor sections, and expanded community engagement […]
- Lillie Hinkle
This blog post is a complement to the June 25, 2024 webinar entitled “Creating Inclusive Spaces for LGBTQ+ Community in Newcomer Services.” It expands the content of the webinar and offers a deep dive into promoting feelings of welcoming and belonging; cultivating intersectional and trauma-informed practices; and building partnership and organizational capacity to serve LGTBQ+ […]
- Episcopal Migration Ministries’ Rainbow Initiative
Do you work in refugee resettlement and feel unprepared to discuss basic nutrition with newcomers? This blog post is for you! Developed in partnership with Leah’s Pantry, this post offers guidance to help you confidently talk about food and nutrition without being an expert. You will learn ways to support healthy habits in the U.S. […]
- Leah's Pantry
Some newcomer populations who identify with Islam adhere to Sharia-compliant finance principles. These principles prohibit interest (riba), late fees, undue speculation, and investments made in certain industries, including tobacco, pork, and alcohol. Sharia-compliant finance emphasizes transparency, ethical investments, and fee-based loans as an alternative to products that carry interest. Unfortunately, bad actors frequently exploit specific […]
- Switchboard
In the past few months, Switchboard has received several technical assistance requests from newcomer services staff concerning the same topic: how to talk to community members or potential stakeholders who may oppose the resettlement program and/or immigration in general. If you are looking for ideas about how to navigate these conversations—and make the case that […]
- Switchboard
Children from birth through age 5 are developing rapidly, and timely access to high-quality services can have major impacts on their school readiness, development, and family well-being. To increase families’ awareness and trust and reduce barriers to accessing early childhood services, we recommend the following strategies.1 Working Within Your Organization Learn about the early childhood […]
- Urban Institute