Training for community groups

Training for community groups

Drawing from internationally recognised modules developed by our colleagues at the Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative, we have developed a comprehensive training package adapted for an Australian context to help prepare community groups to support newly-arrived refugees in their communities.

Over a series of self-paced and group learning modules, the training provides an opportunity for community groups to learn about:

• The Global Community Sponsorship movement and its guiding principles including
  • Managing expectations
  • Considering culture
  • Considering power and agency
  • Privacy and confidentiality
• Refugee experiences
• Roles and responsibilities of community groups, refugee newcomers, and other stakeholders in the ecosystem
• Group dynamics and communication
• Working from a strengths-based and trauma-informed perspective

• All times are in AEST/AEDT (Melb/Syd/Can time)
• All training sessions will be held online via Zoom
• CRSA may cancel published sessions subject to registration numbers

Once we have received your intention to apply and as your group is screened, you will be invited to attend mandatory training to progress to the next stage of the program. This includes completing two self-paced modules on our LMS (learning management system) and attending one workshop as a group on Zoom (see dates above).

We hold training sessions to prepare groups for matching with refugee households on a regular basis. We ask that all group members attend the same session together as a group, so please discuss this with the rest of your group before registering for training.

Registration details and other relevant training information will be shared with you in due course as your application progresses.

National community of practice and ‘top up’ training

Community groups who have undertaken our training are invited to become part of a national community of practice that links them with similar groups around the country and overseas. This national network is offered additional ‘top up’ training throughout the year on topics of particular interest as well as opportunities to share and learn from other community groups through:

• Online peer forums (one per month)
• Digital platforms (e.g. Facebook groups)
• Other ad hoc opportunities

Some of the topics covered through ‘top up’ training include:

• Supporting people who have experienced torture and trauma
• How to help individuals secure suitable employment
• Recognising and dealing with domestic and family violence
• How to support children and young people
• How to navigate various government agencies and service providers
• How to work with interpreters

Please note:

• We are currently revising the schedule. Dates are likely to remain as above, but please refer back to this page for changes. 
• All times are in AEST/AEDT (Melb/Syd/Can time)
  
• All sessions will be held online via Zoom
  
• Registration to attend a session will be shared via the community of practice facebook group and via email each month 
  
• CRSA may cancel or reschedule published sessions if necessary