Resources from the CWS Immigration and Refugee Program

Also see resources on: Co-sponsorship | Advocacy | Immigration FAQ | Refugee FAQ | Links

World Refugee Day 2012

Download our new bulletin insert (PDF file) and read about Antoinette N., a refugee from Central African Republic

New "Print and Go" Refugee Resettlement Information Packet
 
The Web pages at hunger.cwsglobal.org/refugees are chockful of useful resources for organizations and individuals active in helping refugees resettle to the United States and/or wanting to learn more about refugees and resettlement.  They are useful for new staff, board members and volunteers; for information tables and packets for presentations to church and community groups including potential and new cosponsors; for potential employers, and more.  
 
Now key pieces have been compiled into a single "information kit" -- so it's easier than ever for you to "print it and go!"  There are two versions -- one for churches ( PDF file "Church Packet 2012") and one for others in the community (PDF file "Community Packet 2012").  Pick the one you want, print it and go!

Welcoming Refugees brochure

"Welcoming Refugees" Brochure

Read refugees' stories and learn how you can help.
Order online, or download a PDF file PDF of the brochure (465 kb).

CWS Immigration and Refugee Program FY 2011 Report

A Future with Hope: Welcoming Refugees Video (DVD)
The new CWS DVD “A Future with Hope: Welcoming Refugees” (running time: 15:25) inspires and challenges viewers to extend friendship and practical assistance to refugees resettling in the United States.
Order online » | Watch on YouTube »

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Watch A Future With Hope DVD on YouTube

Facts Have Faces RefugeesFacts Have Faces: Refugees and other forcibly displaced people
The 6-page resource features the voices of refugees and internally displaced persons and stories of CWS response along with facts, figures and key terms.

Order online

Protection Mainstreaming Resources

Putting Safety and Dignity First: A guide to protective action in programming

The CWS protection mainstreaming manual and training pack are resources for CWS staff and partners as they seek to promote the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of individuals in all programs.  The manual describes what protection is, who needs it, and the role that nongovernmental organizations and other actors play in providing it.  The training pack includes 13 activities designed to provide an understanding of protection and practical guidance on how to apply the protection framework to programming.

How CWS programs are protecting civilians' safety and dignity

This article, published in the March 2010 issue of Humanitarian Exchange Magazine, highlights the work of Church World Service in Afghanistan and the Giving Hope program, particularly in Kenya, and how that work is fostering community-based protection and empowerment.

Immigration and naturalization law course materials available

Church World Service, in collaboration with The New York City Distance Learning Coalition, has designed and is making available an interactive Immigration and Naturalization Law course covering the basics of family immigration, asylum and other pertinent topics.  The materials used in the course are offered at no cost to non-profit organizations who may wish to offer this course to their employees or volunteers. 

The Faith Community's Role in Refugee Resettlement and Advocacy in the United States: A paper prepared for an international conference on faith-based humanitarianism hosted by Oxford University's Refugee Studies Centre (September 2010).  It explores the positive historical and contemporary role of U.S. churches and other faith communities in refugee resettlement.

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"Nine Thousand Nights" brings to life experiences of refugees from Burma

In remote "bamboo cities" ringed by deep forests and high mountains, on the western edge of Thailand, refugees from Burma have lived a life apart for more than 25 years, or "Nine Thousand Nights."  Now they and "outsiders" who have known them share their personal memories of harsh, inspiring and extraordinary times on the 1,200-mile Thailand-Burma border in Nine Thousand Nights: Refugees from Burma, A Peoples’ Scrapbook.
Order online

welcome sign up button 3Welcome

Newsletter published by CWS/IRP.  Older online newsletters are in PDF format only. Those published 2012+ are in HTML format only
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Flyer/Congregational Bulletin Insert: Durable Solutions for Displaced Persons
CWS is addressing "warehoused" refugees' needs through its program Durable Solutions for Displaced Persons (DSDP). This flyer, suitable for use with religious and community groups alike, outlines the needs for such a program among refugees stuck in camps for years, even generations. PDF | Microsoft Word