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Let’s reconceptualize what Settlement Services are from the newcomer viewpoint, with newcomers at the centre. It’s not agencies delivering programs and services. It’s a service designed to provide Immigrants and Refugees (and increasingly those with temporary or no status) with accurate, relevant information and supports, so that they can make informed decisions about their new life in Canada and begin the integration process - including preparation before arrival.

A couple of interesting reports on the digital and information habits and practices of international students provide some useful insights that reinforce what we should know and learn about all Newcomers.

I’ve found that when it comes to technology and our sector we make far too many assumptions based on anecdote rather than data. Of course, our work should be guided by both. I’m a big believer in qualitative and quantitative feedback and data. But we should be using both when we’re coming to conclusions that guide our move to a hybrid service delivery model.

Over the last decade, humanitarian organizations have digitized many of their systems, from registering refugees with biometric IDs to transporting cargo via drones. This has helped deliver aid around the world, but it's also brought new risks to the people it's meant to protect. Tech and human rights ethicist Aarathi Krishnan points to the dangers of digitization -- like sensitive data getting into the hands of the wrong people -- and lays out five ethical principles to help inform humanitarian tech innovation.

This thirty minute session is for nonprofit leaders that are on a digital transformation journey with a SaaS/Cloud provider. You'll learn how to establish a relationship that will make them both successful.

This site provides information and a listing of practical projects, and client-facing tools, resources, and toolkits frontline workers can use as they progress towards digital transformation and hybrid/blended service delivery.

According to a new report from Twilio.org (the nonprofit arm of Twilio), 89% of nonprofits say digital communications are critical to achieving their organization's mission. And, while this is the case, much still needs to be done in nonprofits to move towards successful digital transformation.

Yesterday I co-presented with Jennifer Chan from the Department of Imaginary Affairs at the The Regional Diversity Roundtable's conference Centering Diversity for Workplace Equity: Imagining Collective Futures. Our focus was on valuing and centering equity in digital transformation. We had a rich, nuanced, and interesting discussion with participants and I wanted to share my part of the presentation here.

This presentation is from 2008. However, I still use these core principles in my own work, and in my consulting work with social service non-profits and charities.