Tucson Citywide Refugee 101

Training: Tucson Citywide Refugee 101

 This course, created by the city of Tucson for those who are interested in assisting refugees, gives basic data on refugees globally and more locally in the United States and Arizona, with an overview of resettlement. It also highlights tools for volunteers working with refugees from diverse cultures.

Iskashitaa Refugee Network (IRN) recognizes the definition of a refugee as being a person who has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons related to race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership with a political group.

At IRN, we recognize that historically religion has played a key role in the colonization of nations, cultures and people, where the impacts of imperialism/colonialism have had long-term debilitating consequences.Refugees that have faced persecution and exile due to their religion may have experienced forced religious conversion, torture, and the deaths of loved ones. As a result, we maintain that one of the foundations of healing for refugees is the power of personal choice and autonomy, including religious freedom. 

 The Refugee 101 training is the first training of its kind in the Tucson community, and it was moved online rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure equitable and safe access to valuable information. However, this first iteration of the online training does not have approval from all partner organizations, including IRN. While IRN is grateful for the infrastructure support of TRM creating this program, IRN opposes any religious rhetoric or content that can retraumatize and exploit an already disenfranchised and marginalized group.

IRN continues to send this training to community members and potential volunteers because it is the most accessible content that provides a thorough explanation of the legal process that UN refugees are required to go through before, during, and after arrival to their country of resettlement. IRN is working towards a comprehensive training that is inclusive and respectful of all volunteer and refugee needs from diverse backgrounds and experiences.