Actionable Insights for Welcoming Climate-Displaced Newcomers
Climate change – and resulting climate migration – is poised to affect nearly every aspect of life in local communities but cooperation across sectors is critical.
Every community likely has existing capacity, leaders, funding, and networks that can be leveraged in supporting this work, but these resources may be siloed.
Take inventory of community efforts related to climate resilience, sustainability, and emergency management, along with immigration, inclusion, and equity.
In some localities, efforts may be happening at a neighborhood or grassroots level. In others, local government agencies may have developed strategies or plans related to these issues.
Identifying stakeholders from other local government departments, along with cross-sector partners like local nonprofits, businesses, faith institutions, funders, and – most fundamentally – newcomer communities lays the foundation for intersectional approaches that focus on climate migration.
A Collaborative Community
This type of cross-sector, coordinated support may already be familiar. Many communities have networks that meet regularly to coordinate efforts related to emergency preparedness, resilience, and sustainability. These types of cross-sector community networks should consider newcomers as part of their work – and are well-positioned to advance welcoming efforts to ensure that their immediate and long-term needs are met.
Each community may already have a network focused on welcoming immigrants or refugee resettlement. Here too, intersectional approaches are critical to welcoming work. Consider the impacts of climate change, and promote inclusive approaches to sustainability, emergency management, and resilience in both the short-term and long-term.
Remember: Regardless of what you call these cross-sector partnerships, it’s important to proactively build strong institutional capacity and support.
Worksheet
Building Community Partnerships and Support
Building a cross-sector team of leaders and stakeholders to support work on climate migration has many benefits. Whether your community already has a network or team that is well-positioned to discuss climate migration or you need to form a new group, there are several considerations to get you started on collaboration.
CASE STUDY
Lancaster, PA
After Lancaster began receiving newcomers following Hurricane Maria in 2017, local leaders formed the Puerto Rican Evacuee Task Force, giving structure to previously ad-hoc collaborations between local government, nonprofits, and the school district. The Task Force convened regular meetings, built systems for collaboration, and launched a dedicated website. The city later leveraged federal funds to institutionalize this work in a city-wide office that now serves as the foundation for including newcomers in all aspects of city life, including sustainability and resilience planning.