Its time to support the next group of refugees arriving through the CRISP!
The first refugee participants in the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP) from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Myanmar recently arrived at Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne Airports, to be welcomed into a range of regional and metropolitan communities. As you might have seen in the media, both members of local 'community supporter groups' and newly arrived refugees were overwhelmed with joy and excitement.
The profiles of the next group of refugee participants, who will be coming from various countries in the Middle East, Africa and Central America, have now received by Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA). If you already know you want to be involved read on to learn about the next steps involved.
Will you join?
You can participate in the CRISP now or help in other ways:
1. Learn more about the program
You can find out more by watching the recorded information session or joining the October and November live sessions.
2. Form or join a group
No experience is required: all you need to become part of the CRISP program is a group of five or more adults with similar interests and a passion to support refugees settling into their new homes. Across Australia, we have seen groups form among colleagues at workplaces, friends in the same neighbourhood and social clubs. Talk to your family, friends or colleagues, or find like-minded people on the CRSA Facebook page and form a group in your area. Don’t miss out on this very rewarding opportunity to play a role in the healing journey for refugees in your community.
3. Let CRSA know of your intention to be involved
Once you've formed a group, you can then let us know about yourselves via the CRSA Intention to Apply form.
4. Spread the word
As the Canadian writer Robin Sharma said "awareness precedes change" or as Mother Teresa said, "I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples". The success of this new refugee settlement program lies in the small or big contributions of everyday Australians. As you reflect on joining the movement and being part of this change, please share your journey with your network.
5. Host a CRISP information session
Do you think your club, workplace, or faith group may be interested in hearing more about the CRISP program? CRSA would be honoured to join your group to tell you more about the CRISP program and answer any questions you may have.
You can also contact Blaise Itabelo, Community Engagement Manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on 0457 471 241.
Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce (ACRT) is an activity of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA).
We believe our faith calls us to welcome the stranger and care for the people who find themselves displaced, marginalised or homeless, and those in need of protection. We want to see a compassionate and generous response to welcoming refugees into Australia.
