Welcoming Refugee Families
Thanks to Tiffany Smith, English Language Learner Specialist, for sharing resources.
Many towns are seeing a rise in refugee or asylum-seeking families. We view this as an opportunity for our communities to welcome new voices with generosity and compassion. Local organizations often rely on volunteers to ensure new families obtain the support needed. Consider how you can share resources personally and professionally to welcome refugee families in your community and to your parenting classes.
Look with New Eyes
Think about what it would be like to move to a new place with a different culture. What would help you feel welcome? What can we do to help families know they belong in our classes?
It may help pair newcomers with another family or person to be their “buddy.” They will have a go-to person to ask questions and look to for expectations. Relieve newcomers’ fear that they are burdening someone with their questions.
We may consider adding more visuals to our spaces and materials to help support someone who is learning English or may not be a strong reader of English. Can our welcome flyers and advertisements be translated into languages we see in our communities? Can we translate our class materials into the languages our families speak? (These social-emotional tip sheets offer translation into 16 languages.)
You may consider adding picture books for a display around the room that center the experience of your new families – those about refugees and their home culture. Learn to greet people in their language and pronounce their names correctly. Teaching other families names and greetings will help build community within your class and a sense of belonging.
Transition to a New Climate
Kari Leibowitz, PhD, writes in How to Winter that residents of northern cities, such as Minneapolis, have helped newcomers experience winter by teaching them how to ski and ice skate, inviting them to bonfires and celebrations. We may have learned tips that help us navigate heat, rain, or snow. We can share information about safely swimming in a river (bring a towel, sunscreen, water, sunhat) or layering clothing in cold, damp weather (wool layers and a waterproof shell are key). Consider how someone new to your town might need information to feel supported. Are there festivals or holidays to explain? Can you share ideas for communicating with schools? Also, the learning can be in all directions. Invite new families to share their knowledge and experiences with your classes to build connections.
Connect to Local Services
Families fleeing their home countries have endured trauma and intense fear. Updating your trauma training can be crucial to support families in parenting education classes. A calm setting can put everyone at ease. Compiling a list of local mental health supports could be essential for these families. You can also encourage them to contact their school counselors so their children can access services. Families may be navigating poverty as well. Sharing options about accessing SNAP benefits, local health clinics or OHP, affordable housing, childcare options, employment possibilities, public library, and free or inexpensive clothing could be much appreciated.
Resources
Books:
Home is a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo (picture book)
Solito by Javier Zamora (grown-up book)
Watercress by Andrew Wang and Jason Chin (picture book)
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed (middle grade graphic novel)
Websites:
International Rescue Committee
Salem for Refugees (Search for your local refugee support agency)
By Megan McQueen.
Spanish translation by Dr. J Senior Consulting, LLC
Megan McQueen is a warmhearted teacher, coach, consultant, and writer. She grounds her work in empathetic education, imparting a strong sense of community and social skills to those with which she works. Megan prioritizes emotional learning and problem solving skills. When not at work, she is most likely playing with her husband, two children, and pup.
Learn more about the Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative and read our blog!