Beginning next week, a local television program will offer a refresher orientation course so new Americans and other residents can tune in to learn about their neighbors.
On Mondays and Wednesdays, Cultural Diversity Resources will air multicultural programming on Fargo's cable channel 12.
The programming will focus on several aspects of Fargo's diversity, including orientation for new arrivals in the area, said Cultural Diversity Resources Executive Director Yoke-Sim Gunaratne.
"When you come to this place there is a lot to learn," she said. "You only can absorb so much, and TV is a very good medium to do orientation."
The programming will focus on some of the common topics new arrivals don't understand, such as severe weather, law enforcement and finding a job, Gunaratne said.
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Refugees have about 20 hours of orientation in one month and they are often overwhelmed, said Darci Asche, Lutheran Social Services' New American Services community liaison in Fargo.
The police department plans to tape scenarios to explain misunderstood laws specifically for the program, said Julie Hinkel, Fargo refugee liaison officer.
"The most common misconception is our role as police officers," she said. "Just because we show up at your home doesn't mean you are in trouble."
Hinkel said many people come to the United States and think a free country doesn't have rules.
"One of the things that shocks new arrivals is the vast amount of laws we have in this country," she said.
Hinkel said she hopes to eventually cover domestic violence, traffic stops and disciplining children.
The programming will also focus on promoting intercultural understanding in the community, Gunaratne said.
Many people don't understand what a refugee is or the situations they come from, said Elizabeth Albrecht, Cultural Diversity Resources marketing coordinator.
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"We hope to do away with stereotypes that people often buy into and instead talk about what people are really about," she said.
Albrecht said a common misconception about refugees is that they come to the area and live on free handouts from the government.
"People have pride and they follow the rules and play the game to work towards self-sufficiency," she said.
Gunaratne said she hopes the community embraces the programming.
"We're really excited about this program because we think it has the potential to bring people together," she said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Emily Kaiser at (701) 235-7311
