Call for Applications for Volunteer Delegates
Refugee Congress seeks applications from committed community leaders who have experienced forced displacement to serve as the volunteer Delegate to Refugee Congress for a term of three years. We currently seek Delegates to join our active community from the following states: Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah.
What is Refugee Congress?
Refugee Congress (RC) is a national nonpartisan organization built and led by former refugees and asylees. For more than 10 years, Refugee Congress has promoted the well-being, inclusion, and dignity of all refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable migrants. With members in all states and the District of Columbia, we use our lived expertise to inform and influence decision-makers - from local to global - on critical issues that affect our communities. Our vision is that wherever conversations take place that impact refugees and asylum-seekers, our expertise is equally represented at the table.
What is the role of a Refugee Congress Delegate?
Delegates represent Refugee Congress in their state. Delegates are expected to:
Advocate for issues facing forcibly displaced people in their city, state, and nationally.
Contribute to changing the narrative about refugee and immigrant communities through participation in public events at schools, places of worship, rallies, etc. and in the media to increase public support for welcoming refugees.
Connect with different refugee communities in their state, and provide mentorship and encouragement to them as they become advocates, organizers, and storytellers.
Respond to/promote Refugee Congress and its partners’ advocacy action alerts with networks in their cities and states.
Participate in community/stakeholder meetings to build relationships, network, and share information.
Lead by example and participate regularly in Refugee Congress monthly calls, trainings, regional meetings, and committees/caucuses.
Participate actively in grassroots fundraising campaigns.
Uphold the mission and values of Refugee Congress and sign a Commitment/Code of Conduct.
What are the Benefits of Serving as a Refugee Congress Delegate?
Refugee and asylee leaders who serve as a Refugee Congress Delegate:
Join a network of refugee/asylee advocates around the country.
Contribute their expertise and perspectives to addressing challenges and shaping priorities in their communities, in partnership with strong local and national networks of community leaders and professional advocates.
Gain access to opportunities to enhance their advocacy, organizing, and communications skills.
Receive mentoring from experienced refugee leaders and advocates on advocacy, community organizing, storytelling, and public speaking.
Are eligible to receive funds to support their own professional development as well as education and advocacy activities.
Have access to an array of professional development resources.
How can you apply?
If you are interested in applying to serve as the Delegate in one of the states listed above, please complete the application form linked here.
The application form asks you to upload a brief personal statement and a resume. The personal statement should briefly describe your refugee/asylee journey, how you are involved in serving and advocating for the community, why you would like to be a Refugee Congress Delegate, and any particular issues you are passionate about advocating around and why.
Refugee Congress aims to represent the broad diversity of people who have experienced forced displacement. We seek and welcome diversity of candidates in terms of race and ethnicity, age, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, as well as educational and professional backgrounds.
If you are or you know a community leader with lived expertise in forced displacement who you think would contribute to and benefit as a Delegate for Refugee Congress, please apply or forward this Call for Applications along with the link to the application form.
Deadline for Applications: March 31, 2023
Questions?
Contact: Ali Aljundi, Membership Engagement & Leadership Development Manager, Refugee Congress
Office: 202-696-3138 Email: ali.aljundi@refugeecongress.org
