Protection

This is, first and foremost, a tool for protecting refugees by providing them with an opportunity to rebuild their lives in safety and with dignity in a new country. (See: Who is a refugee?) Community-based refugee sponsorship is an exciting way to increase the very limited opportunities for refugee resettlement around the world. (See: What is refugee resettlement?)
As a member of a sponsorship group, you are an important part of this movement!

Relationship Building

Whether you yourself develop a strong bond with the refugee newcomers or not, the relationships they build in the new community are a key to their success in adapting. Many sponsorship groups have positive experiences and even remain close friends with the refugee newcomers long after the sponsorship period ends. It is an incredible opportunity to learn more about the diversity of perspectives and human experiences.

Volunteering and Raising Awareness

The privilege of many sponsorship group members means that there is an associated potential to improve the lives of those in different circumstances. Varying levels of awareness of power and privilege exist among us, and sponsorship can be a way to engage with this productively. It may be intimidating, uncomfortable, unfamiliar, confusing, and so much more, but is an experience of growth at the individual and community levels.

Local and Global Community Building

Sponsorship is a great opportunity to get to know the people in your community, learn more about the services and opportunities available in your community, and foster productive attitudes towards refugees by welcoming them into your community.

You also become part of a growing global community involved in refugee sponsorship – facilitating solutions to global challenges. As refugee sponsorship expands, it encourages countries to offer further opportunities to welcome and protect refugees.