The Fusion Project Goals
The Fusion Project is guided by the three main goals listed below. The first two goals are driven by the part-time coordinators and the volunteer liaisons. It is absolutely critical the refugees themselves are involved in this decision making process, as they will know best how to assist each community and how each community responds best througout the acculturation process.
Goal 1
For the refugee communities to work together to share and learn about developing robust ethnic communities.
This goal is achieved by having regular meetings with the coordinators and liaisons from all four teams.These meetings include presentations and information about available services in LIncoln as well as sharing information about each other's cultural commonalities and differences. This select group of liaisons can then help educate other members of their respective communities to better understand each other.
Goal 2
To assist refugee families with self-sufficieny and social and civic integration in their new country and new communtiy.
This goal is being achieved through a series of educational events throughout 2008 and a series of newsletters for each of the four teams. Within the first four events, over 300 people were in attendance learning about employment, housing, language services, and the role of the police.
Goal 3
For Lincoln's mainstream community to be better equipped to work with refugees.
By outreaching to other human service agencies and businesses Fusion helps Lincolnites understand the truth about why refugees are here and the contributions they bring to Lincoln, including the economic benefits. In its first year, Fusion presented to over 10 agencies and inter-agency groups.