Training on the situation in the Congo, culture, and working with people who have experienced trauma - November 29, 2016

Professor Whittemore on Cultural Issues, Part 1
Robert Whittemore, PhD, professor of anthropology at Western Connecticut State University, addresses the refugee resettlement group about the history of the Congo and how to be sensitive to cultural differences. 

The Eastern Congo
Professor Whittemore showed The Eastern Congo by The Council on Foreign Relations to give the refugee resettlement group the history and current situation in the Congo and to explain what is driving people to flee the Congo.

Professor Whittemore on Cultural Issues, Part 2
Professor Whittemore continues to speak about the cultural differences that the refugee family will experience in the U.S.

An Animated History of Eastern Congo Initiative
Professor Whittemore recommended this short film by Ben Affleck on how his work in Eastern Congo has affected his life.

Dr. Woodall on trauma issues for refugees
Dr. John Woodall, a psychiatrist and expert in resiliency, discusses how experiencing trauma affects people throughout their lives. He talks about the specific trauma that refugees can face.

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Introduction to the mission of refugee resettlement - October 26, 2016

Welcome to Orientation and Training
​Presented by Rick Chamiec-Case

Welcome to the mission of refugee resettlement
Presented by Terry Gottlieb

• What is refugee resettlement about? (IRIS Handbook, p. 3)
• Who are refugees? (IRIS Handbook, p. 3-4)
• How are refugees selected to come to the US? (IRIS Handbook, p. 4)

The mission and purpose of IPRR
Presented by Eve Whitmore

• How IPRR started
• Who makes up IPRR
• Mission of IRPP: Faith communities in the Greater Newtown area to help a refugee family begin a new life, regain hope and contribute to the vitality of the greater Danbury community.

What is IRIS and how does IRIS work with IPRR?
Presented by Gordon Williams

• About co-sponsorship (IRIS Handbook, p. 7)
• Basic responsibilities of co-sponsorship (IRIS Handbook, p. 7-9) 

Some valuable principles to keep in mind
Presented by Hassan Kadhim

• See the refugee family as partners, not victims
• Resist seeing the families as helpless “victims” of war and disaster that we are going to save, but rather being partners with people who have been strong and resilient and overcome lots of obstacles that we are going to partner with together to create something new
• It is an important priority to speak openly, reinforce that financial self-sufficiency is a goal in 3-6 months – high priority to acquire a paying job right from the beginning
• Refugees are expected to obey the law, regardless of cultural understanding (for example, corporal punishment of children)
• Chris George’s “3 Keys to Success” for Refugee Families
• Learn the language
• Work hard/try hard
• Respect for host country, its rules, its customs, its laws and its values  

Four Common Stages of Transition Refugees Often Experience
Presented by Hassan Kadhim 

• Honeymoon
• Hostility
• Humor
• Home

Important advice for cosponsors from IRIS
Presented by Jen Wurst

• Be aware and sensitive to cultural differences – for example, whether or not to shake hands when introducing oneself to a person of the opposite gender, whether men can visit the family home when there is not a male family member in the apartment, differences in views on smoking, etc.
• Exercise religious tolerance
• Be “trauma informed”
• Being aware of discrimination and attitudes of some individuals in the US toward refugees
• If you’re asked to eat with the family – and the dinner has not been pre-arranged – politely turn down the invitation and say, “Next time, God willing”
• Accepting tea should be okay
• Being aware of and addressing social and cultural differences in attitudes and values of some refugee families (racism; sexism, attitudes toward people who are gay, etc.)
• Support refugee families working toward independence
• Refugee resettlement is both rewarding and messy
• Place and importance of boundaries