National Training Page

IRIS – with support from the Open Society Foundations (OSF) and the Shapiro Foundation – is assisting with a growing international movement that has the power to expand the welcoming spirit of refugee resettlement around the globe. Register below for workshops and assistance in conjunction with The Community Sponsorship Catalyst Fund.

In 2019, IRIS hosted representatives from organizations across America and around the world to New Haven for two workshops on IRIS’s model of “full co-sponsorship.”

During these workshops, IRIS provided guidance on developing the programs, the key ‘nuts and bolts’ and strategies for starting pilots and moving from pilot to full-scale co-sponsorship program. IRIS is continuing to provide workshops and technical assistance to organizations interested in developing more robust programs that fully leverage the talents of volunteer groups. We also partner with Universities and other organizations interested in learning about the strategic outcomes achieved through community sponsorship of refugee family resettlement.

Technical Assistance for those interested in community sponsorship

Join the International Movement: Start a Community Sponsorship program

If interested in attending either workshop (May 18th or 21st), please RSVP Here.

Workshop attendees will learn about the key elements and structure of a community sponsorship program that IRIS has developed, which provides for scalable growth and optimal leverage, as well as management, of volunteer group resources.

Other partners with differently structured community sponsorship models will also be profiled to provide additional ideas for new and existing programs. All aspects of the process will be discussed, from fostering well-equipped community groups, to internal structures, to garnering widespread public support for refugee resettlement.

Multiple individuals from any applicant organization may attend.

One-on-one consultations

If you participated in an IRIS workshop on 5/18 or 5/21 and would like to meet with a member of the IRIS team about your Community Sponsorship Catalyst Fund proposal, email us at: [email protected]