Resources

This video series includes 11 short videos in seven languages, covering topics such as how to navigate Chromebook settings, use the keyboard and trackpad, how to conduct Google searches, use Gmail, find Chromebook apps, changing the computer language, and more.

This guide is designed to help staff integrate digital citizenship education into existing programs, with a focus on digital safety, security, and rights and responsibilities. It describes suggestions for identifying risk and protective factors among refugee youth participants; determining your digital citizenship objectives and core messages; designing activities within your program context that align with …

Integrating Digital Citizenship into Refugee and Immigrant Youth Programs Read More »

Hosted on July 23, 2020, this virtual panel discussion was hosted by by Daniel Wilkinson Program Manager for Economic Empowerment, Switchboard along with a panelist of economic empowerment experts.  Recent months have presented a dramatic learning curve as we’ve adapted to the realities of living and working in the shadow of a global pandemic. If …

Helping Clients Navigate Times of Economic Hardship Read More »

This five-part video series covers topics such as smartphone basics and using the internet; how to use Zoom; understanding accounts, logins, and passwords; using an email account; and sharing your screen. 

We recently published a blog post on Virtual Job Readiness Resources for Clients With Online Access. But how are agencies continuing job readiness training when participants don’t have access to technology or lack digital literacy skills? This post includes job readiness resources for supporting clients without online access and/or digital skills, informed by strategies refugee service providers have begun implementing nationwide.

The COVID-19 crisis is having a profound impact on the way we live and work. During this time, many service providers are working remotely to provide job readiness training to clients in addition to helping some clients apply for unemployment insurance and other benefits. But what about job development? Should you be helping clients obtain employment during this time, and if so, what does job development look right now?

Refugee service providers are used to putting clients first, working long hours, and moving mountains to meet clients’ needs, no matter how difficult. This work is unique: we are entrusted with helping people who have experienced significant hardship and trauma as they rebuild their lives in a new country. Because our work is unique, our organizations have a unique role in supporting us.

In the shift to virtual services, including home-based learning, many clients are learning how to use videoconferencing platforms like Zoom for the first time. School districts are using a wide range of these programs to communicate with students and families, while refugee service providers are leveraging them in the course of virtual case management, English language classes, job readiness training, etc. It can be difficult to find multilingual tutorials on using these platforms. The following videos and other materials may be helpful.

Hosted on April 15, 2020, this webinar was presented by Jamie Bussey, Deputy Director, Cultural Orientation Resource Exchange (CORE); Sumita Chandrasekhar, Program Officer for Instructional Technology & Design at the IRC; and Kristy Gladfelter, Senior Director for Research, Analysis, and Learning at the IRC. Designing effective virtual trainings and meetings can be a challenge. We’ve …

Ask an Expert: Creating Engaging Virtual Trainings and Meetings Read More »

For many providers continuing to serve non-English-speaking clients during the COVID-19 pandemic, language access is a significant challenge. Videoconferencing technology, although far from perfect, can help us provide services without losing all of the human-to-human contact that typically facilitates communication. Below are a few tips for getting started with video remote interpreting (VRI). Choosing the …

Language Access in Times of Crisis: Getting Started With Video Remote Interpreting Read More »