Learn More About the Cultural Orientation Objectives and Indicators

CORE has new resources to support Cultural Orientation providers in understanding the Cultural Orientation Objectives and Indicators (O&Is). Learn about the importance of the Cultural Orientation O&Is and how overseas and domestic providers work together to create a continuum of messaging for refugees.

  1. Watch the one-minute Cultural Orientation O&Is video to learn more about the O&Is. Incorporate the video into training with staff, volunteers, community partners, and sponsors.
  2. Explore the Cultural Orientation O&Is webpage to learn how to use the O&Is in Cultural Orientation programming.
  3. Learn about what is covered in overseas and domestic Cultural Orientation by reviewing the revised Cultural Orientation O&Is. You can read more about the revisions and updates below.

How were the Cultural Orientation O&Is updated?

In September 2022, the Cultural Orientation Working Group (COWG), comprised of staff from the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) and leadership from across the Cultural Orientation Continuum, approved the release of the updated Domestic and Overseas Cultural Orientation O&Is. Much of what refugees are expected to do or say by the end of Cultural Orientation programming remains similar to what was previously outlined.

About the changes to the CO O&Is:

  1. Overseas and domestic Cultural Orientation topics, objectives, and indicators are more aligned. Where appropriate, topics, objectives, and indicators have been added, moved, or updated. Examples include merging the topic of Health and Hygiene and adding topics to overseas Cultural Orientation.  
  2. Language has been updated to create consistency, increase measurability, and ensure the information is realistic to cover during Cultural Orientation programming. This includes updating the language for clarity, breaking down indicators, and adding realistic examples, where applicable.
  3. Digital Technology and Literacy is a new topic in overseas and domestic Cultural Orientation programming.