Our Strategic Approach
Three Phases of Integration
1. Celebrate & Welcome
During their first year of settlement, we focus on welcoming newly arrived Waymakers and helping them navigate their new community. We design our programs and activities to celebrate, support, and assist newly arrived refugees. This is the crucial first step for Waymakets to feel valued, celebrated and to connect with other local community members. These celebration and welcome events deeply impact volunteers and local communities, making them more open, inclusive and vibrant.
2. Connect & Befriend
The second phase of effective community integration involves providing more practical assistance and emotional support to Waymakers within in their homes and their local neighbourhood. Volunteers play a critical role in building trust and a sense of belonging between Waymakers and the local community. We also prioritise programs that promote meaningful social connections and teach Waymakers essential English and language skills, psycho-social wellbeing and access to community support.
3. Champion & Equip
During our third “Empowerment Phase” of integration, we focus on providing Waymakers with the essential skills and opportunities they need for vocational advancement and financial independence. Through targeted programs we partner with local groups, organisations, and businesses to deliver workshops and provide mentoring and professional support. Ultimately Waymakers grow in greater autonomy, becoming active , contributing members in the local community.
Two Pillars of Impact
Empowerment Through Volunteerism
Our commitment to creating an inclusive society is rooted in the power of volunteerism. We bring together local volunteers and Waymakers, fostering mutual respect, understanding, and a shared sense of belonging. Here's how we're making a difference:
Building Bridges
Our volunteer programs are pathways to understanding. By connecting local volunteers with refugees, we're not only supporting the integration of Waymakers into the community but also enriching the lives of volunteers through the appreciation and joy of shared cultural experiences..
Mutual Growth
Evidence from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations highlights the dual benefits of volunteering: enhanced well-being and stronger social bonds. Our mentor and connect programs exemplify this win-win; integrating Waymakers into the great fabric of their new communities, whilst providing volunteers with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Transformative Impact
The ripple effects of our volunteer-driven initiatives help to break down cultural barriers and fostering a more inclusive and cohesive community. By promoting understanding and empathy, we're laying the groundwork for a society where diversity is not just accepted but celebrated.
Environments Creating Inclusivity
Our strategy is also centred around nurturing inclusive communities that welcome Waymakers with open arms, promoting a sense of belonging and mutual respect. This is our unique approach to fostering connected and inclusive communities:
Engaging Community Events
Our community events are pivotal for educating locals, inspiring compassion, and showcasing the rich cultures, histories, and stories of refugees. By facilitating personal interactions, we lay the groundwork for stronger, more empathetic community bonds.
Authentic Storytelling
We leverage the power of storytelling through blogs, our "Your Story First" podcast, public speaking engagements and other creative media projects to share the journeys of Waymakers. These narratives are not just stories; they're tools for inspiring hope, increasing awareness, and driving home the message that everyone deserves a place where they belong.
Cultivating Diversity
By highlighting the contributions Waymakers make to the local economy, culture, and social cohesion, we inspire communities with the power of diversity. This approach sparks innovation, productivity, and builds welcoming communities that celebrate diversity and encourage inclusivity.
Community Refugee Sponsorship
Community-Powered Settlement
We are passionate about mobilising groups to engage in the new CRISP program, paving the way for private citizens to sponsor refugee settlement. Spearheaded by Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA), locals volunteer to help a family find housing, establish community connections, and offer empowering support during their first year of settlement. Already a huge success in North America, CRISP embodies the power of community engagement to create a profound and sustainable journey of belonging and integration for Waymakers.
Programs & Initiatives
Welcome Events
We’re all about celebrating Australia’s newest neighbours, bringing together communities with vibrant Welcome Events full of food, dance, and lots of fun.
Home Visits
We bridge cultures and friendships with heartwarming home visits, ensuring every Waymaker feels supported and connected in their new home.
Co-designed Connect Programs
We love to champion community-driven initiatives that empower Waymakers and locals to share their skills and passions, creating a vibrant sense of belonging.
English & Language Programs
Our language programs do more than teach English; they cultivate friendship and cultural exchange, establishing meaningful and lasting connections.
Learner Driver Mentoring & Road Safety Courses
With dedicated mentors by their side, Waymakers obtain more than a license; they experience new friendships, opportunities and greater independence.
Community Events & Training Workshops
We collaborate with organisations, local groups and businesses to host workshops and events equipping Waymakers with vital skills and community resources.