We would like to announce that the Wisconsin Statewide Refugee Conference will be held on September 9 and 10, 2008. The conference will bring together 250 refugee staff from across the state for a two-day celebration of refugee work and training for staff and directors on a wide range of hot topics relevant to their everyday work. From connecting with elected officials and media to updates on trafficking and access to health, the aim is to strengthen and encourage those making lives better for the 5000 refugees who are creating new lives in our communities. Click here for the adenda and registration form.

To become a member of Ethnic Communities Online e-mail Danielle Rosario-Mullen at Danielle.Rosario@theIRC.org with your request. 

To request technical assistance fill out our Technical Assistance Request Form and either e-mail or fax this form to Danielle Rosario-Mullen. See form for instructions.


  
     
   
       
 
This Month's Discussion Topic is: Time Management

 
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From International Rescue Committee:

We at Project SOAR would like to dedicate the month of July to the topic of time management. This is an area where we can always use more tips. We share the common thought that there is just not enough time to complete our daily short term goals as well as our long term goals.  

What do you do in your office to manage your time efficiently? 


To share your Time Management Strategies, click here.

To post a new discussion item, go to the bulletin board by clicking here.

 
   
 
The last discussion topic was: Effective Email Correspondence


Leyla, case worker at Nationalities Services Center,
sending exceptional emails.

From International Rescue Committee:

Today, most of our correspondence is via email and given the demands on our time, many of us email under pressure – in the 5 minutes before or after a meeting or while we are listening in on a conference call – or when a client or staff member is waiting to seek our advice or support. As a result, we sometimes email too often, too quickly, and unclearly. Ironically this can lead to a strain on our time because we often have to follow-up on confusing emails. By understanding the pitfalls of email and considering a few simple steps before we send an email, we can drastically reduce conflict and confusion in the workplace.

For a discussion on effective email correspondence, click here.

To post a new discussion item, go to the bulletin board by clicking here.

 
   

 

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Ethnic Community Organizations program provides resources to new ethnic communities for developing networks, newsletters, leadership training, needs assessment, and general organizational development. The program strengthens communities by developing strong community based organizations (CBOs). A strong ethnic organization can tap into the community's desire for self-help, improve services, nurture leaders, raise funds from various sources, explore housing and economic opportunities, collaborate with mainstream agencies and groups, and at the same time, remain accountable to the community.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC), in partnership with the Pan-African Association of Chicago, and Nationalities Services Center provide technical assistance to ethnic community organizations in the area of organizational capacity building.