Intercambio de Comunidades' mission is to provide a solid cultural foundation and an extensive system of support for immigrants attempting to become successful citizens in a new society. One example of this support system is our “What Every Immigrant Needs To Know” guide, covering virtually every aspect of life that an immigrant will encounter.
Many of us are aware of the basic challenges immigrants face in a foreign world like language barriers and cultural differences. This guide offers advice on handling these challenges in 170 topics including:
- How to apply for jobs and appropriate workplace behavior
- How to enroll their children in schools
- How to respond when encountered by police
- Politics, shopping, financial advice
- And everything in between
When discussing the guide with Intercambio’s Executive Director, Lee Shainis, in an interview recently posted Shainis explains, “In the past, no one has given them something like this and said, ‘Hey, here is some stuff you need to know.’ Usually it’s just good luck and hopefully you figure it out."
Shainis goes on to explain how this comprehensive coverage of how to succeed in a new culture and society not only provide immigrants with an abundance of knowledge they would usually never receive, but also greatly benefits the neighborhoods and citizens who these immigrants come in contact with. Without this immediate firsthand knowledge, the transition into new societies could come with much greater friction, applying stress to everyone involved.
Although this guide is directly intended for immigrants and the building of their cultural knowledge, it is also valuable to volunteers and community members. Immigrants will always be a part of our life in America and this guide provides some brief insight into the overwhelming influx of change and adjustment they must make. Looking at the different topics the pamphlet covers may reveal some subjects that you have some expertise in and would like to pass on the participants in the program.
With over one thousand participants a year coming through the Intercambio program, the importance of sharing our knowledge and cultural traditions becomes even more necessary. These immigrants play major roles in our everyday lives and ensuring that this information is available to all will produce a much smoother and hospitable transition for all.
For more information on the “What Every Immigrant Needs To Know" guide and how to purchase a copy, visit:
