Professional Development

2005 National Host Conference

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[ Section 3 ] Conference Workshops
Session 3

Workshop 3A - How to Use Groups: A Study of Host Group Models in Ontario

Presenters:

Dr. Gillian Kerr, RealWorld Systems, Ontario
Anne Simard, RealWorld Systems, Ontario

Workshop Summary:

This workshop involved participants in assessing the benefits and drawbacks of group service models. CIC Ontario hired RealWorld Systems to study innovative models of Host service delivery in group settings, and data collection was completed in February 2005. Every Host agency in Ontario has been interviewed, and the most promising group models are being observed in action. The researchers presented preliminary results and emerging recommendations. Feedback from the workshop helped to shape the report that will be presented to Ontario Host agencies for consultation in March.

Issues addressed in the workshop include:

• Should Host Programs offer more group activities?
• When are English Conversation Circles (ECCs) appropriate?
• What is some important advice from service providers who match hosts and newcomers in group settings?
• Are groups more appropriate for refugees and youth than one-to-one matches?
• How can Host agencies evaluate their groups’ effectiveness?

Background:

Groups in many forms are a common phenomenon in Host Programs throughout the province. Despite this there are few data to support recommending any particular group format(s) as being more effective. This is complicated by the large number of priorities/objectives associated with the program. It was recommended by the presenters that the core objective of Host be defined as: To help newcomers link to diverse social networks in the host community. All activities (English Conversation Circles, mobilizing volunteers to help with settlement etc.) could then be evaluated to determine how well they meet this objective and those that do not, should not continue under Host though they might appropriately be funded under other Settlement programs.

Discussion:

• Host has a role in supporting two major types of social networks: those that build social support among people with similar disadvantages, and those that build links to the broader society.
• Host should be mainly focused on promoting links to the broader society, but some groups (especially newly arrived refugees) may benefit from some initial help in connecting to their own ethnocultural communities.
• Newcomers have specific needs and interests that Host can appeal to (e.g. practicing English, shopping, recreation, learning about Canada). The Agency’s challenge is to deliver on promises while building social networks.
• Host group models should collect short-term indicators of success to ensure that they are addressing the Host mandate. Suggested indicators
  • Number and type of social ties created through Host activities, both for newcomers and volunteers
  • Newcomer participation in community events and organizations (e.g. as volunteers) inside and outside their ethnocultural groups
  • Newcomer satisfaction with their social connections
• CIC should clarify whether certain groups should have priority for Host services, for example refugees in communities where they are located.
• There is lots of room for flexibility and innovation. Groups can engage in many different activities as long as participants are building social networks.

The literature review and site visits suggest the following promising practices: (Programs should meet most but not necessarily all of these characteristics)

• Meetings are at community locations and public spaces where Canadians meet
• Participants are encouraged to get together outside formal meetings (e.g. by exchanging phone numbers or within school community)
• Newcomers take on roles where they can contribute within the group (e.g. bringing potluck meals, or welcoming newer arrivals)
• Newcomers contribute to the host community (e.g. volunteering with community events or organizations)
• Newcomers graduate from Host groups, either to sustainable natural groups or with ability to use weak ties
• Newly arrived refugees are linked with own communities first, then helped systematically to link with broader community (the second step is vital)
• For conversation circles, most interaction is in small groups of 5 or under and exercises promote acculturation and network-building
• As evaluation data emerge, agencies and CIC should share and replicate successful practices. There may be other practices that are more effective than the ones listed above.

Questionable practices: (These practices may not be consistent with building social networks.)

• Groups meet at locations that isolate newcomers from neighbourhoods and host communities
• Group leader (staff or volunteer) acts as ‘teacher’, newcomers become passive
• Newcomers do not meet each other or volunteers outside formal group activity
• Host resources support groups in which newcomers do not graduate (i.e. newcomers use it as primary source of social support, and stay for years)
• Group is adjunct of LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada ) classes (e.g. students go to ECCs as an extension of LINC)
• Group is narrowly focused on language learning and practice

The findings and recommendations arising from this study will be presented to Ontario Host agencies on March 2005 with a final report, which includes results of feedback from agencies, to CIC at the end of March.

Recommendations and Responses:

• The model for ECCs should be used should to ensure that social networks are built while the newcomer is learning language; also need to ensure data is being collected and how this is happening.
• Locating ECCs in communities will be associated with increased costs (more staff time, rental costs).
• Refugee needs should be met with services for refugees. It may be feasible to use focused groups within a broader agency focus (e.g. ECC groups for refugees might focus on conversation at lower language levels, topics of relevance to refugees etc. while groups for independent immigrants might focus on conversation at higher language levels and advanced topics).

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