Training: Tucson Citywide Refugee 101
This City of Tucson course, created by refugee service providers including Iskashitaa is for those who are interested in assisting refugees, and/or learning more about the refugee resettlement program. It gives basic data on refugees globally, nationally and then more locally in Arizona, as a brief 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 has had many contributors over time and used to be presented monthly at different venues and by different collaborators and available to the Tucson community. It was moved online during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure equitable and safe access to valuable information. While IRN is grateful for the infrastructure support and for TRM spearheading 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 processes that UN refugees are required to go through before, during, and after arrival to their third country of resettlement. IRN is working towards comprehensive training/s that are inclusive and respectful of all volunteer and refugee needs from diverse backgrounds and experiences. All feedback is welcomed to improve your experience and strengthen our community to better serve refugees and similar immigration groups.