Guidelines for Host Group Activities - Ontario Region
From SettlementAtWork
| Link: | http://www.settlementatwork.orghttp://atwork.settlement.org/downloads/CIC_Toronto_Host_RFP_Group_Activities_Guidelines.pdf
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These guidelines are effective as of the 2005/06 fiscal year.
Group Activities - Definition
Downloads'
- Group Activities Guidelines - PDF format (38 KB, 6 pages)
- Lignes Directrices des activités en groupe (49 Ko, format pdf)
A Host group activity is any activity organized by the Host funded agency that involves one or more volunteers and two or more un-related Host eligible newcomers. The Host group activity may be a one-time special event, or have regular scheduled meeting times (i.e. weekly, monthly, bi-monthly etc).
Host group activities that meet more than once, must have a defined number of meetings (i.e. 6 monthly meetings, 10 weekly meetings, 12 bi-monthly meetings etc.). This defined number of meetings will be defined as a Host group activity <session>.
The objective of the Host group activity must be to help newcomers link to diverse social networks in the host community. The Host group activity must be designed to respond to newcomer's priorities while helping them to build social networks.
Host group activities do not replace traditional one-on-one matches; they merely supplement matches. Host matching (one-onone or family matching) should remain the primary focus of the Host organization.
Some of the benefits of group activity are:
- Host groups are a good way for volunteers to participate with newcomers informally and for a shorter commitment. For some volunteers, group interactions are more appealing and thus a different type of volunteer can be recruited.
- Host groups can lead directly to more accessible institutions in the community. Groups meeting at local community centres or libraries involve negotiation with community resources, and may lead to more culturally appropriate processes. The Host staff may need to mediate between groups of newcomers and the venue. This is actually one of the great advantages of having groups meet outside the settlement agency - it can involve a form of service bridging to make the broader community more accessible.
- Host groups encourage the development of social networks among newcomers from diverse backgrounds, broadening their connections to Canada's multicultural communities.
Samples of Acceptable Host Group Activities
The document includes an Appendix outlining a cross-section of some of the acceptable models of Host group activity currently operating in Ontario. The purpose of sharing these particular models is only to provide a limited sampling of acceptable Host group activity, and not to limit creativity on the part of the Host provider.
Social Network Development
- Socializing Around Language Practice
- Recreational/Hobby Groups
- School Buddies
- Youth Drop-Ins
Welcoming, Orientation and Acculturation
- Learning about Canada
- Structured activities
Language: English,
Format: The document is available for download in PDF format.
