WebJunction

Where to Begin

If you or your library is considering offering citizenship classes (or any "outreach" service), the place to start is your own backyard. By getting to know other agencies and organizations in your area that share your goal of serving immigrants, you can not only better refer your new patrons to the proper resources to meet their needs, but partner with these groups to provide new or expanded programs. Contact probable players in your community and bring them together to discuss what they are doing, what they want to do, what no one else is doing but needs to be done, and how you and your library can best use your limited resources to help each other and your immigrant community. From such meetings, you may be able to develop a diversity committee or advisory group for your community and library, a referral list among partners, grant and program partners, and increased marketing for all partners involved (via newsletters, flyers, surveys, web links, etc.). In short, duplication of services and false starts don't have to happen when you have done your community homework before you begin planning a citizenship class.

Organizations to Contact as Possible Partners

Community colleges and universities—many have ESL programs, GED in Spanish classes, and other offerings. Talk to teachers and program coordinators who will probably be only too happy to bring their students for a tour or at least advertise your programs and classes.

Media groups—for example, Spanish radio or newspapers.

Faith-based organizations—shelters, food banks, churches, etc. Many offer human services such as resource referrals, parenting classes, and even legal services and they are often the first place new immigrants will go for help.  For Hispanic immigrants, the Catholic Church or Catholic charities are one of the best contacts. For example, in Colorado alone there are 19 locations “supporting Immigrant and Refugee Families” which offer help with making citizenship applications (www.coloradotrust.org).

The League of Women Voters and other voter information groups—a possible source of teachers and support.

The Department of Social Services—nursing services and other county agencies may know people who need a citizenship class. Sometimes a nurse or social worker can provide other programs as well.

Youth organizations—Big Brothers or Sisters, The Boys and Girls Club, etc.

Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES—most provide ESL or ELL classes and programs such as Even Start.

Local school district(s)—what schools in your area have the largest immigrant populations and what is being done for them? Your classes can be promoted at parent nights and other events. Again, teachers and school librarians will often be good contacts.

Daycare providers—Head Start, Rocky Mountain SER, and others have parent nights, carnivals, and other events and will know which families need your help.

Migrant School—your program flyers can be sent home to parents.

The Workforce Center—many have bilingual help who know those in your community who need services and resources.

Immigrant employers—what industries and businesses in your community employ large numbers of immigrants? A partnership between such an employer and your library can be a win-win for you both.

Hispanic business organizations—the Latino Chamber of Commerce, for instance.

Individual businesses—businesses serving your target population, such as markets, music or clothing stores, translators, etc.

Clinics, hospitals, and other health care providers

Community festivals or other events—for example a group of citizens, the chamber of commerce, etc. often is behind such events as Cinco de Mayo or other festival.

Service clubs—such organizations may provide funding or specific support for classes. For example, the Rotary Club often gives dictionaries or other materials or may help fund a computer for students.

Non-profits—is there a foundation, large or small, that might be interested?
 
Don't Reinvent the Wheel

There are many places to go for information on everything from citizenship materials and course curriculums to marketing ideas and "best practices."

A few to get you started are these:

WebJunction (http://webjunction.org):  See the WebJunction links to the "Services to Immigrants" page, Spanish Outreach materials, and courses. WebJunction also contains a link to Government information sources including an immigration and citizenship module.

"Library Services for Immigrants: A Report on Current Practices." Office of Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, March 2006: http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/G-1112.pdf

Coming in the summer of 2007, a downloadable citizenship class curriculum will be available, based on the new citizenship test questions.