INTEGRATION SURVEY

March 1, 2010 Joint Information Meeting

Presentation of Results from the Town and County Sponsored Community

Attitude Survey

Purpose

To report the results of the Integration Survey sponsored by the Town Council and County Commissioners and conducted by the citizen group making this presentation.

To discuss these results in the larger context of the group’s efforts to promote community integration as a vital component of a highly effective, vibrant and harmonious community.

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Why Focus on Integration?

Multiple studies and programs have outlined the benefits that flow to better integrated communities, and the problems associated with poorly integrated ones.

“A highly stratified society with unbalanced access to goods, services, social infrastructure, resources and opportunities is not socially sustainable.” (Your Development; www.yourdevelopment.org) “At the very heart of community integration is the ability to interact with other members of the community and to take part in the same types of activities as everyone else.” (University of Pennsylvania Collaborative on Community Integration; www.upennrrtc.org/issues/view.php?id=5) “As an intentional effort, integration engages and transforms all community members, reaping shared benefits and creating a new whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.” (Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrant & Refugees; gcir.org/system/files/integration_framework.pdf)

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Benefits of Integrated Communities

Stronger communities with the ability to meet wide-ranging needs; address racial, ethnic, and economic diversity; and enrich the social and cultural fabric of our society.

Increased productivity and a robust economy through an expanded base of workers, consumers, taxpayers, and entrepreneurs.

Global competitiveness through a multi-lingual, multi-cultural workforce.

A more vibrant democracy in which all groups are accepted as equal members of society with the opportunity--and responsibility--to engage and contribute to the common good.

A more secure America where all members of society--regardless of race, national origin, or socio-economic status--live in dignity and equality.

(Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrant & Refugees)

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Background on Integration Survey The survey follows previous community

integration related efforts our group participated in: 2006 Community Dialog

“Changing Faces, Changing Community” Latino Fact Sheet 2007-08 UW Economic Impact of

Immigrants Study (sponsored by Town of Jackson and Teton County)

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Integration Survey Methodology Citizen group drafted survey and obtained

input from members of Town Council and County Commission.

Obtained formal Town/County endorsement at June 2009 JIM meeting.

Volunteers staffed tables placed at 5 locations: Smith’s, Albertsons, Jackson Whole Grocer, K-Mart, and the Teton County Library.

Surveys were available in both English and Spanish.

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Integration Survey Results

Total surveys completed: 1120

Demographics: Residents of Teton

County: 843 Residents of

neighbor counties: 104

Visitors or Temporary Residents: 167

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Integration Survey Results

Total surveys completed: 1120

Demographics: US born: 882 Foreign born: 212

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34%

13%

53%

Neutral or Undecided: 381

Anti-Immigrant Integration: 146

Pro-Immigrant Integration: 583

Integration Survey Results

How would you identify yourself in relation to the issue of immigrant integration?

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Integration Survey Results

What is your perception of the Jackson community in terms of immigrant integration?

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Integration Survey Results

Does Jackson’s level of integration concern/interest you?

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Sample of Survey Comments Education is key on both sides of the issue. People tend to fear what they

don't understand. Send them back Start at the schools. It seems like the kids segregate themselves. Too many illegal's--too little corrective action! Necesitamos una mayor comunicacion para esta mas unidos

(We need better communication to become more united.) We should welcome everyone from every place as equals Close the Border! $11K fines for places that employ illegal's Well I just got here and I like this town Les agradecemos y nos ayuden a integrar a los inmigrantes

(We appreciate you helping us integrate immigrants.) As long as immigrants follow the same rules as U.S. born I will have no

problems I suggest you lighten up. Immigration is what America was founded on. Lastima que los Latinos mismos se quedan apartados y no aprovechan de

aprenden más inglés (It’s too bad that Latinos stay separated and don’t try to learn more English)

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Survey Conclusions

53% identify themselves as “pro-immigrant integration” and 13% identify themselves as “anti-integration.”

32% of respondents believe the Jackson community is “well-integrated.”

57% of respondents stated that they are concerned/interested in immigrant integration and support more integration efforts

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Next Steps

Disseminate survey results & benefits of community integration to Valley residents: Informational webpage (attached to Town website)

Local newspapers/radio Presentations to other community groups (Systems of Care,

Latino Services Network, Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, Rotary clubs, Kiwanis, etc.)

Local elected officials adopt Community Integration as a core value Request Town and County sponsored programs to illustrate

efforts made to address community integration Possible future community dialog to determine

local priorities regarding integration (similar to “Changing Faces”)

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Next Steps (cont.)

Develop a strategic plan with input from government & local organizations, with specific action items for community organizations and/or interested individuals to carry out. Possible objectives include:

Develop Latino leadership Increase percentage of immigrants who speak

English proficiently from 20% to 50% Support immigrant entrepreneurs in small business

creation

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