Calendar of Events

Description

· Overview of immigrant statistics in Arkansas (immigrant population, connection to our economy/workforce, future projections, etc.)

· Overview of Arkansas United (mission, vision, resources)- a community-based organization with immigrant members, who partners with and serves employers of immigrant workers

· Overview of AU's recently released 10-year strategic plan on elevating the immigrant workforce to meet Arkansas' economic potential  

· Challenges and barriers to success for immigrant worker recruitment and retention in Arkansas 

· Best practices for garnering immigrant workers input to develop both employer- and industry-specific strategies for recruitment, retention and growth

· An exploration of examples from employers and employer-based associations in Arkansas

· Immigrant worker growth planning: Information about collaborations with the public and nonprofit sectors for wrap-around services, needs assessments and action plans

· Cultural competency for managers (including immigrant managers) of immigrant workers

· Overview of national conversation about immigrant workers and workforce development as related to immigrants  

Learning Objectives

• Gain insight into the specific circumstances of immigrant workers in Arkansas: both special considerations but also opportunities
• Learn about strategies, best practices and partnerships that could be relevant to HR professionals as related to immigrant workers 
• Learn about managerial professional development as related to immigrant workers  

Mireya Reith is founding executive of Arkansas United, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering immigrants and their communities through rights advocacy and closing service gaps. Founded in 2012, Arkansas United boasts a network of more than 200 immigrant organizers and 800 members in 17 communities across Arkansas, and operates regional Immigrant Resource Centers in Springdale and Little Rock.