AHLAN: A Manual for Establishing Resettlement Campuses Together

AHLAN: A Manual for Establishing Resettlement Campuses Together is a guide designed to support the establishment of a welcoming infrastructure for refugees on campuses and in local communities. Created by Every Campus A Refuge, this resource seeks to remove barriers to resettlement and inclusion by transforming the landscape of resettlement through the creation of “resettlement campuses,” a term to describe colleges and universities that mobilize resources to assist refugee newcomers with resettlement and inclusion support. These campuses also play an important role in deepening local community ties and educating the public about issues related to displacement. 

The guide contains context on the refugee resettlement process in the U.S. and guidance on how to create “resettlement campuses,” such as strategies to determine the resources required for refugees to settle on campus and to promote newcomer assets and skills. In particular, the AHLAN Manual equips campus and community leaders with the information and skills to map a refugee “ecosystem” of people, relationships, resources, and opportunities available on their campus and in their community. In addition, the guide includes a variety of materials and toolkits to support advocates in developing the infrastructure needed to host and support refugees.

Advocates are encouraged to draw on best practices and strategies from the resource and adapt them to their local campus and community contexts. To support campus and community leaders in their advocacy, the guide also includes key messaging that can be shared with stakeholders in order to increase buy-in in their community. In addition, it also identifies common challenges to anticipate and prepare for, and proposes strategies to inform and educate.

Access the Manual.