• Extent to which newcomers are involved in

the management/planning/design of services

• Newcomer involvement on the boards of

influential agencies

• Extent to which newcomers are involved at

a substantive level in public policy and decisionmaking

roles

(National Conference of State Legislators, Selected

integration indicators, pages 1-2.)

Gaining a deeper understanding of the integration

process – the role of the individual and the role

of the community – can guide us as we seek to

create a more compassionate and a more

prosperous community. It’s through the lens of

integration that we can assess the strengths

and shortcomings of Grand Rapids’ present system

of support for newcomers and identify promising

directions for strengthening the system.