Connector Program Impact: A Deep Dive
We’ve already discussed our quantitative impact, but what about qualitative? How does this program impact people’s lives, and the communities where they decide to settle?
Programs across the country organize and partner to create activities that focus on community engagement and creating meaningful connections. Every community is different, and so their activities look different. The events could be light and fun, like events at Farmer’s Markets, family barbecues, even “learn to play tennis” events! They might also focus on networking, and take the shape of professional speed networking events, job fairs, or business tours. Each of these events focuses on creating a sense of place for the Connectee – to show them that there are people who support them, and who want to see them succeed. These activities offer people a chance to meet others, to learn about their profession, their workplace, and/or community. In short, they help to create community – and that’s what keeps people in a place!
The connections we make sometimes lead to opportunities which helps newcomers attach to the workforce in meaningful ways. When people work in jobs that use their knowledge, skills, and experience, it benefits everyone-the newcomer, the community, and the economy.
Most importantly, fueling connections between newcomers and community members dispels myths, stereotypes, and fight against biases. The Connector and Connectee connections are meant to be information sharing meetings- not one-way streets. This means that each person is learning from the other during their interaction. Because everyone discovers new information, they can also gain new perspectives and can share this throughout their community. With every meeting, they can uncover new information and change ways of thinking, which helps in making the community more inclusive.
There is so much that our program does and can do in the future to benefit the communities, newcomers and the Connectors involved. We hope you’ve enjoyed the deep dives into our impact over the past month. If you want to be a part of the program and create lasting impact in your community – let us know! We’d love to hear from you.
