Original Research & Policy and Practice Briefs

The Hello Neighbor Network publishes original research studies and policy briefs to better understand both the role of grassroots organizations in refugee and immigrant belonging and communities' strengths and needs. The Network seeks to make policy briefs and research findings publicly available in the interest of policies and practices that increase belonging in communities and support community-based organizations. 

NEW STUDY:
Refugee Perspectives on Race and Racism in the U.S.

The Hello Neighbor Network, with the generous support of The Walmart Foundation, is undertaking one of the first national research studies of its kind on adult refugees' understanding and experience of race and racism in the U.S.. Depending on country of origin, refugees may face race discrimination and violence and carry their own histories of racism from their country of origin. Many do not have an understanding of the history of race and racism in the U.S. and what it means for them.

The Hello Neighbor Network is proud to partner with Tufts University’s Refugees in Towns initiative and Dr. Karen Jacobsen, and University of Massachusetts-Amherst’s Dr. Linda Tropp and PhD student, Cierra Abellera, on the next phases of the study which include the Refugee Social Experiences national survey and two in-depth qualitative case studies on refugee experiences.

To learn more about this research as it evolves, hear from communities directly impacted by the work, and be among the first to see findings, you can subscribe to our newsletter. Initial findings and ongoing conversations will be held at the Refugees in Towns Race and Migration Symposium (April 14) at Tufts University and online.

Refugee Perceptions of
Race & Racism in the U.S. (2022)

Original Research

This brief consists of findings from a baseline literature review and key informant interviews on the status of education on race and racism in the U.S. among adult refugees. The one-pager outlines the Cultural Orientation Resource Exchange (CORE) trainings available for all refugees and the extent to which race and racism are covered as critical topics.

Advocacy in Nonprofits (2021)

Policy and Practice Brief

This practice brief outlines the reasons for and mechanisms through which nonprofits can advocate for their mission at the local, regional, and national level. The one-page overview highlights the legal guidelines the IRS has laid for advocacy versus lobbying and the value of coalitions.

Refugee Nonprofit Impact Index (2019)

Original Research

The national study was commissioned to better understand the impact of refugee nonprofit organizations to combat polarization and increase inclusiveness in communities across the U.S.

Eight organizations across the country participated and of the total of 156 responses, 77 of those were directly from refugees. The study reveals new insights that nonprofits, civic leaders, foundations, corporations and volunteers alike can use to inform their efforts.

2019 Survey Infographic
93%
of volunteers believe their organization reduces polarization in their communities.
100%
of refugees agreed their organization makes people in their community feel more welcome.
"I have more self-confidence and feel like I belong."
- Burmese Refugee
"When we get together it is the best of times because we are like one family."
- Iraqi Refugee
93%
of volunteers believe their organization reduces polarization in their communities.
100%
of refugees agreed their organization makes people in their community feel more welcome.
"I have more self-confidence and feel like I belong."
- Burmese Refugee
"When we get together it is the best of times because we are like one family."
- Iraqi Refugee
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