ECAR is a higher-education initiative founded in September 2015. Its mission is to make every U.S. college and university a Resettlement Campus, a higher education institution that hosts refugees on campus grounds and supports their successful integration. Since ECAR’s inception, 19 campuses including Lafayette College, James Madison University, Old Dominion University, University of Tulsa, and St. Ambrose University among others have started their own ECAR Chapters.

In 2022, we held our first Gathering at Guilford College and our second in 2023 at Wake Forest University. We are excited to host our third annual Gathering at Russell Sage College in Troy, New York. With nearly 120 attendees from universities, resettlement agencies, refugee advocacy organizations, and many other community members last year, we look forward to convening again in Troy this fall to deepen the work and connections between higher education and refugee communities.

Location
Russell Sage College
65 1st St, Troy, NY 12180
Date & Time
September 20, 2024, 8:00 AM - September 21, 2024 - 6:00 PM
Location
Russell Sage College
65 1st St, Troy, NY 12180
Pre-Gathering Event
Welcome Corps on the Road: Welcoming Refugees in New York State
Join us on Thursday, September 19
Join us to hear from Welcome Corps and Welcome Corps on Campus sponsors and learn how you can support refugees through these programs!
The event is co-hosted with Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR), and Russell Sage College to uplift stories of welcome and bring the local community together. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Please register to reserve your spot on Eventbrite. 
Location
Bush Memorial Hall
Russell Sage College
65 1st St, Troy, NY 12180
Date & Time
September 19, 2024
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Schedule - Day 1- Friday, September 20
8:00 AM
Check-in: Coffee and Conversation
Location: Bush Memorial
9:00 AM
Opening Program
Location: Bush Memorial
10:00 AM
Coffee Break
Location: Bush Memorial
10:30 AM
Discussion Panel: Student Engagement in Refugee Resettlement
Location: Bush Memorial
12:00 PM
Lunch
Location: Riverfront
1:00 PM
Do-It-Together: Move, Connect, Create
1. Gilded Age Tour (meet at the front steps of Bush Memorial)
2. Kimchi-Making (Sunhee's Community Space)
3. Photojournalism (Roy Court 2nd Floor)
4. Stitching Exchange (Cowee IV - 4th Floor)
5. Transcending Language Prejudice Through Movement (Roy Court 1st Floor)
2:30 PM
Coffee & Snack Break
Location: Bush Memorial
3:00 PM
Workshops and Trainings: Learn, Plan, Build
1. Catalyzing “Town & Gown” for Newcomer Housing (Cowee IV - 4th Floor)
2. Longing to Belong (Roy Court 2nd Floor)
3. Redefining Community to Build Resettlement Equity (School of Education, Room #2)
4. Refugee Action Student Led Workshop (Closed Session) (School of Education, Room #307)
5. Towards More Inclusive Economies (Roy Court 1st Floor)
5:00 PM
Festival and Group Picture
Location: Bush Memorial
Schedule - Day 2- Saturday, September 21
8:00 AM
Check-in: Coffee and Conversation
Location: Bush Memorial
9:00 AM
Opening Program
Location: Bush Memorial
10:00 AM
Coffee Break
Location: Bush Memorial
10:30 AM
Building Movement: How Newcomer Support Transforms Ecosystems
Location: Bush Memorial
12:00 PM
Lunch
Location: Riverfront
1:00 PM
Do-It-Together: Do-It-Together: Move, Connect, Create
1. Gilded Age Tour (meet at the front steps of Bush Memorial)
2. Kimchi-Making (Sunhee's Community Space)
3. Photojournalism (Roy Court 2nd Floor)
4. Stitching Exchange (Cowee IV - 4th Floor)
5. Waterfront Farmers Market(meet at the front steps of Bush Memorial)
2:30 PM
Coffee & Snack Break
Location: Bush Memorial
3:00 PM
Workshops and Trainings: Learn, Plan, Build

1. Catalyzing “Town & Gown” for Newcomer Housing (Cowee IV - 4th Floor)
2. Longing to Belong (Roy Court 2nd Floor)
3. Redefining Community to Build Resettlement Equity (School of Education, Room #2)
4. Towards More Inclusive Economies (Roy Court 1st Floor)

Glimpses from the 2022 Gathering
 Join us on September 20 & 21
Sponsor the Gathering! 
Interested in supporting our 2024 ECAR Gathering at Russell Sage College? Read more about our sponsorship opportunities and benefits in our Gathering Sponsorship Document!
Reserve Your Hotel Room
Limited Rooms Available at Special Rate at the Hilton Garden Inn Troy
For additional hotels and accommodations nearby check out this map below:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I wear?

Feel free to wear whatever you feel most comfortable in; we are aiming for a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Bring layers, as New York is still warm in September, but Russell Sage's rooms may be cold due to air conditioning. You may have to walk across campus to get to certain sessions or to go on a walking tour, paint, or do dance (depending on your Do-It-Together activity selection) so appropriate clothes and shoes would be helpful. Rain may be on the forecast so an umbrella or rain jacket may be necessary.

What is the weather like in Troy?

Late September in Troy, New York, typically experiences high temperatures in the low-to-mid-70s°F (around 21-24°C) and lows in the low-to-mid-50s°F (around 10-13°C). The weather is often partly cloudy, with a moderate chance of rain showers, making it advisable to wear layers and pack a light rain jacket.

Where do I check-in?

Upon arrival at Russell Sage you will be greeted by our check-in table where you will be able to collect The Gathering materials and your name tag.

What are the events?

See our agenda for more information about the activities of The Gathering.

Who can I reach out to if I need assistance?

If you need assistance with Gathering-related issues please contact Walid Mosarsaa ([email protected]; +1.714.329.4623) OR Ashley Loper-Nowak ([email protected]; +1.480.436.0337). There will also be volunteers wearing “Ask Me” buttons spread throughout The Gathering. For urgent needs pertaining to safety and security, please contact the university police at +1.518.244.3177. In case of an emergency please call 911.

Will meals be provided and dietary restrictions accommodated?

Yes, all meals will be provided as indicated in the schedule. All participants should indicate their dietary restrictions in the follow up form. If you are unsure whether you have communicated your dietary restrictions, please let us know by emailing Walid at [email protected]. Also, please bring a reusable water bottle with you to The Gathering. We want to be conscious of the environment and not order bottles of water every day.

Is virtual participation possible?

No, all events will be in-person.

Will a list of attendees be made available?

Yes. We are working on collecting the names and contact details of attendees who are interested in sharing their information with fellow attendees.

What is the refund policy for those who paid for registration?

Participant Refund Policy
  • Gathering registration  may be canceled with full refund (less a $2.9% + 0.30 cents processing fee charged by processor) provided written notification is received any time up until four (4) weeks prior to the Gathering start date. A 50% refund is available for Gathering registration provided written notification is received between four (4) weeks and two (2)weeks prior to the conference start date. No refunds will be granted within two (2) weeks of the conference start date. In the case of an emergency/extenuating circumstances, special requests may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Refund requests should be submitted in writing to: [email protected] 
  • NOTE: Please allow one complete billing cycle before refunds appear on your credit card statement.
Contact Us

If you have any questions pertaining to the gathering, please do not hesitate to reach out to us!

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