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What We Do
CONDUCT PUBLIC EDUCATION OUTREACH
An important aspect of ECDC's overall program mission is to promote
African community concerns, needs, and the contributions African
newcomers make to their respective communities. This effort is targeted
to policymakers, public and private funding agencies, service providers
assisting African immigrants and refugees, civil rights organizations,
the media, and the general public. Staff address and provide information
regarding policy-making initiatives affecting the social and economic
future of the community and encourage greater participation by members
of the African community in public policy issues at the local, state,
and national levels.
In 1991, ECDC established the African Resource Network (ARN) to
increase public awareness at the national level about African refugee
issues and to help African community-based organizations (CBOs)
around the country strengthen their agencies through community,
organizational, resource development, and technical assistance services.
The ARN works with CBOs dedicated to helping African refugees and
immigrants establish lives of dignity, independence and achievement
in America. ARN's efforts provide a voice for the African community;
empower and increase newcomer communities in civic process; raise
public awareness about the challenges African newcomers face; foster
social cohesion; and strengthen the national network of African
CBOs. ARN achieves its goals through the following activities:
- convening an annual leadership development workshop for CBO
leaders;
- providing an ongoing technical assistance and support;
- disseminating up-to-date information and action alerts;
- holding an annual conference on African refugees that includes
a visit to Capital Hill; and
- publishing the bi-monthly newsletter, African Refugee Network,
and an annual statistical report on African refugees.
To receive a copy of the latest issue of African Refugee NETWORK
and/or to be added to the ARN mailing list, click
here to E-mail us your name/address information.
For more information about the African Resource Network, contact
Kate Vandermade, Program Specialist, at (703) 685-0510, Ext.
219 or click
here.
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