Gen Z Refugees Share their Lived Experiences and Create Lasting Connections

Imagine growing up in a culture where children are not allowed to look adults directly in the eyes-a sign of disrespect for the elders that would typically be reprimanded. Years later, as a young adult, you are living in a culture where failing to make direct eye contact with adults or authority figures is considered to be a sign of lying, or an indication that you could be hiding something. This is just one example of the many lived experiences young refugees go through in the United States after resettlement.

Seeking to understand experiences and to inform programs, ACF's Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) piloted the Youth Leadership Council for Refugees and Newcomers (YLCRN) in June 2023. Young adults, uprooted from Afghanistan, Ukraine, DRC, Myanmar, and Ghana between 2019 and 2022, enrolled in ORR's Youth Mentoring Program met with government officials virtually for one year. Young adults provided ORR with direct feedback about restarting their lives in the U.S. More experienced refugee diaspora volunteers mentored and coached council members at various points throughout the year. The project responded to several Executive Orders ensuring that the voices of those ORR serves are represented in government.

The pilot ended earlier this summer with a summit in Washington, D.C. During the three-day event, participants delivered group presentations infused with their lived experiences to illustrate poignant observations about issues related to technology and belonging, mental health and wellness, cultural adjustment and integration, and family dynamics. "Good quality interpretation services are so important. My family had an interpreter assigned to us that spoke in Russian to us during a legal procedure, meanwhile we were speaking Ukrainian. Both languages are similar, but they are not the same. A lot of confusion made its way into the process," said OIeksandra Zakharchyshyn, who participated in the pilot.

A panel of refugee resettlement experts representing state, federal and non-profit organizations were appreciative to hear from refugee youth about their individual journeys and early accomplishments starting anew. Panelists invited council members to continue growing in their leadership and to consider careers in public service, both domestic and abroad. "You presented good points and offered practical solutions." -Ben Cabanaw, Michigan State Refugee Coordinator. Other panelists reciprocated the youth reflections with heartfelt advice and wisdom."This is your country. America is lucky to have you. From now on, when you are asked where you are from, name the state you live in. If they question your accent with a show of disbelief, say…you didn't ask me where I was born," said Seyoum Berhe, Virginia Refugee Coordinator.

Next Steps

ORR will continue investment into these councils through the: National Refugee Leadership and Lived Experience Council Program (NRLLEC) in order to continue learning from people with lived experience and to further inform meaningful programs and services for refugee populations. ORR is committed to partnering with people with lived experience to better understand and support the health, well-being, and stability of refugees. These Gen Z refugees will continue to serve as leaders, helping other newcomers maximize their potential and building thriving communities across the country.

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