Asset accumulation strategies in 3 new settlement communities (report Y3)
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Year 3 focused on two activities: analysis of qualitative data, and development and completion of a household survey for quantitative analysis. Qualitative data was gathered from men and women through 16 case studies, 7 focus groups, and 3 PhotoVoice projects: case studies inform about migration and settlement; focus groups inform on types of networks to find jobs, settle, and improve wellbeing, and about perceptions of receiving communities. PhotoVoice data, gathered from 24 participants, elicited perceptions of how welcoming the communities are and the barriers faced in becoming part of the community. Findings from the focus groups were presented at several venues, especially the stakeholder conference Cambio de Colores, where extension, researchers, community organizers and policy makers learn about research and best practices of the changes driven by migration. Analysis of the case studies of women newcomers focused on mobility and wellbeing, and published in The International Journal of Continuing Social Work Education, which prepared two special issues targeting policy makers about immigration policies and the impact on the U.S.- Mexico border. PhotoVoice project results were presented at community forums in the three regions, and at other venues. A manuscript about the methodology for Photovoice when working with vulnerable populations was completed and submitted to a journal. Draft of a Photovoice technical report and best practices manual was also completed. Several analyses were prepared for Cambio de Colores: a plenary session on Change and Integration, and three breakout presentations and proceedings papers covering the model of sustainable livelihoods, the role of networks on wellbeing, and perceptions of community climate. The household survey entailed training and coordinating interviewers who traveled to three regions. Coordination with community facilitators was a critical first step to develop a recruiting strategy. The qualitative data findings informed the construction of the questionnaire and the strategies for its implementation. The PhotoVoice panels were used to explain the purpose of the survey at Community Forums, to organizations and community members to help recruit participants. The immigration policy climate challenged the research process, and required building trust with key community people who are trusted by the newcomers. The strategy combined snowball sampling in neighborhoods working with key community facilitators in the three regions, and visiting a variety of places such as churches, places of work, and where people gathered for recreation. A total of 460 questionnaires were completed between November 2008 and August 2009. Data entry was finalized at the end of September. Analysis of a sample of 240 individuals interviewed from two regions was presented at Cambio de Colores 2009, where approximately 180 stakeholders gathered to share research findings and best practices about settlement experiences of Latinos in the Midwest. Findings were also presented at the Missouri Catholic Conference in September, significant because churches are key builders of bridges for newcomers into the communities.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 License.