Grassroots refugee community organizations: In search of participatory urban governance

Benson, Odessa González; Walker, Ana Paula Pimentel

doi:10.1080/07352166.2021.1874245

Cited by 15 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 49 publications

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“…Empirical analyses of these data have been published elsewhere (Gonzalez Benson, 2020a, 2020b). These earlier works illustrate and detail empirical quotes and insights on three aspects: first, the five types of services/activities of RCOs: case management and crisis management, outreach, targeted programming, cultural-social activities, and advocacy (Gonzalez Benson, 2020a); second, the scope of RCOs’ activities in a comparative analysis vis-a-vis state-funded organizations, regarding who is served or eligibility, when services are rendered and service time limits, and where and how services are provided, for example, geographic scope and modalities of service provision (Gonzalez Benson, 2020b); and third, RCOs’ relationships with state agencies, state-funded organizations and other local actors (Gonzalez Benson and Pimentel Walker, 2021).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Shadows of the shadow state: Grassroots, refugee-led organizations within a multi-scalar and contested resettlement institutional domain

Benson

2022

Environment and Planning C: Politics and Space

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In discussions of welfare state restructuring, the focus has largely been on institutions that are well established and funded by the state. This study, focusing on the U.S. refugee resettlement institutional domain, theoretically examines organizational entities that are refugee- run and grassroots, and how they fit as peripheral to their larger, state-funded counterparts. Third-order devolution, as conceptualized in this paper, is the extended delegation of social responsibilities from the state and then unto state-contracted organizations of the third sector, and then further unto state-detached organizations of the informal sector. “Informal,” “unofficial,” “quasi”-organizations run by and for refugee communities in these most peripheral levels at the grassroots are forwarded as shadows of the shadow state. That is, pressure is exerted further downward, but without means nor legitimacy, in multiscalar governance of U.S. refugee resettlement. The contestations and relationalities that constitute the shadow state must thus be viewed against a voluntary sector that is heterogeneous, multi-scalar and power-laden, rather than unitary. Theoretical considerations also raise questions about new organizational forms in addressing resettlement and migration, and the tripartite relationship between the state, state-contracted/funded organizations, and state-detached organizations at the grassroots.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Shadows of the shadow state: Grassroots, refugee-led organizations within a multi-scalar and contested resettlement institutional domain

Benson

2022

Environment and Planning C: Politics and Space

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“…Currently, the literature lacks comparative studies of nonprofits serving immigrants and refugees that could inform nonprofit management and migration studies. I build on studies beginning to locate organizational theory within refugee-serving nonprofits with a case study of three organizations, which have formed an elaborate network of partnerships to fulfill their missions (Kombassere, 2013;Darrow, 2015;Gonzalez Benson & Pimentel Walker, 2021;Yeo 2022;Parada et al, 2020). Still, further research is needed to explore the inner workings of the partnerships supporting organizations form and the consequences of those partnerships.…”

Section: Organizational Strategiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Loosely Defined Partnerships: A Case Study of Three Refugee-Serving Nonprofit Organizations

Roberts

2024

J. Public Nonprof Aff.

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This article uses a case study approach to explore how U.S.-based nonprofit organizations collaborate to serve immigrants and refugees and identifies characteristics that are essential to successful partnerships. While other studies have documented the challenges immigrants and refugees face in relocating to a new community and the ways community-based organizations help them through the integration process, this project brings together migration studies and nonprofit management studies to interrogate the concept of partnerships based on the lived experiences of organization staff. Partnerships are essential to providing programs and services, and this project seeks to explore the tension inherent in partnering with other organizations that have similar missions and goals. This project captures the stories of three refugee-serving nonprofit organizations in a midsouth city. Utilizing in-depth interviews to analyze the interorganizational collaborations that the three organizations have formed to provide holistic support to immigrants and refugees, the findings here suggest that partnerships are essential but often fraught. These organizations, like many nonprofits, face limited capacity and form community partnerships to alleviate these limitations. As defined by improving an organization’s ability to fulfill its core missions, successful partnerships rely on relational embeddedness and a shared mission. Findings demonstrate the necessity and benefit of a network of partnerships to meet the needs of this unique population.

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“…These foundational traits are integral among ECBO leaders who establish and maintain their organization and often register it as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. In contrast to more formalized organizations, leaders within ECBOs seldom receive compensation and generally operate without a centralized office (Gonzalez Benson and Pimentel Walker 2021). Consequently, the level of dedication and drive required to be an ECBO leader is substantial.…”

Section: Community Leadershipmentioning

confidence: 99%

Transformational Leadership Qualities of Effective Grassroots Refugee-Led Organizations

Judson,

Hailu,

Chhetri

2024

Social Sciences

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This qualitative study investigates the behaviors and strategies of effective leadership teams within ethnic community-based organizations (ECBOs) operating in the United States that consist of leaders who are themselves former refugees. Through analysis of four focus group interviews, each with three to five leaders from local Bhutanese, Burundian, Congolese, and Syrian communities, we identified ways in which these leaders exhibit transformational leadership behaviors proposed by established frameworks. Results reveal that effective ECBO leaders exhibit strong transformational leadership qualities, such as empowering community members, modeling behavior, and projecting a community vision. The study emphasizes the unique context of ECBOs and their leaders, showcasing their thoughtfulness, competency, and profound awareness of community members’ backgrounds. The implications include recognizing and valuing the skills of ECBO leaders and considering formal support mechanisms. This study contributes insights into the leadership exhibited within local community organizations serving refugee populations—enhancing our understanding of quality leadership among grassroots refugee organizations.

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Grassroots refugee community organizations: In search of participatory urban governance

Cited by 15 publications

References 49 publications

Shadows of the shadow state: Grassroots, refugee-led organizations within a multi-scalar and contested resettlement institutional domain

Shadows of the shadow state: Grassroots, refugee-led organizations within a multi-scalar and contested resettlement institutional domain

Loosely Defined Partnerships: A Case Study of Three Refugee-Serving Nonprofit Organizations

Transformational Leadership Qualities of Effective Grassroots Refugee-Led Organizations

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