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CIVIC ENGAGEMENT <br />Moving from Exclusion to Belonging 253 <br />Finding: Immigrant-led, ethnically based organizations see strong participation from <br />immigrants and refugees, but lack the resources and support to fully serve their <br />constituents. <br />Recommendations <br /> Funders should ensure broad dissemination of their programs and priorities so that <br />immigrant-led organizations that may not be well established or connected to the <br />funding community can access funding and technical support. <br /> Government agencies and institutions with resources for small organizations, such <br />as free space or low-cost technology assistance, should increase outreach so that <br />immigrant-led organizations know what help is available. <br /> Encourage partnerships between new immigrant-led and established organizations <br />to gain more input from immigrants in programs that affect the broader community, <br />while providing capacity building, technical assistance, and shared resources to help <br />immigrant-led organizations become more effective. <br /> <br />Finding: Immigrants are not always aware of community resources and opportunities for <br />engagement with the larger community. <br />Recommendations <br /> Use existing forums to reach immigrant communities, such as English language <br />classes, immigrant churches, grocery stores, and other trusted institutions. <br /> Centralize information about community resources so that it is easy for immigrants <br />to find what they need, using methods such as telephone hotlines, online referral <br />services, and community connector organizations. <br /> Adequately fund organizations that serve as connectors between immigrant <br />communities and existing public institutions so that they can serve as linguistic and <br />cultural navigators for everyone who needs assistance. <br /> Government agencies with significant public contact, such as child protection, <br />housing inspectors, and residential regulation enforcement (e.g. shoveling and <br />mowing), should conduct community orientation and listening sessions. These <br />should be in collaboration with community groups, and focus on both educating <br />new arrivals about laws and common violations, as well as hearing from immigrants <br />about problems and concerns.