Call for Applications to Serve as a Volunteer Delegate – June/July 2021
Call for Applications to Serve as a Volunteer Delegate – June/July 2021
Are you or do you know a refugee/former refugee or asylee/asylum seeker who is active in the community and wants to become an even more powerful advocate for refugees/asylees in their state?
Refugee Congress seeks committed refugee and asylee/asylum seeker leaders to serve as the volunteer Delegate to the Refugee Congress for a term of three years. We currently seek to recruit a Delegate for these states: Alabama, Delaware, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, Northern California, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Upstate New York, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
If you live in a different state, we welcome you to get involved in other ways. Please contact us at info@refugeecongress.org to learn more about becoming an Associate Delegate.
What is Refugee Congress?
Refugee Congress is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization comprised of refugees, former refugees, asylees/asylum seekers from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Our mission is to promote the well-being, integration, and dignity of all refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable migrants in the U.S. and beyond. We are grateful for the support of our key partners - USA for UNHCR, Church World Service, Refugee Council USA (RCUSA), and We Are All America. Learn more at: www.refugeecongress.org.
What is the role of a Refugee Congress Delegate?
Delegates represent the Refugee Congress in their state. Delegates are expected to:
Speak in public (such as schools, places of worship, rallies, etc.) and in the media to raise awareness about refugee/asylee issues and increase public support for welcoming refugees.
Build “champions” for refugees/asylees among their local, state, and national-level elected officials.
Mentor new refugee advocates.
Respond to/promote Refugee Congress and RCUSA advocacy action alerts with networks in their states.
Participate in community/stakeholder meetings to build relationships, network, and share information.
Connect with and listen to the stories of different refugee communities in your state and encourage refugees in your state to share their stories of success as well as challenges with the public.
Lead by example by participating regularly in Refugee Congress monthly calls, training, regional meetings, committees/caucuses, and 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 Delegate to the Refugee Congress:
Get connected to a network of refugee/asylee advocates around the country.
Have access to information/ training opportunities to build advocacy, organizing, and communications skills.
Receive mentoring from experienced refugee leaders and advocates.
If You Are Interested in Applying to Become the Delegate from Your State:
1. Click here to submit an Application Form. The Application Form asks you to upload a brief personal statement and provide two references. Deadline for Nominations: July 16, 2021.
2. Applications are reviewed by the Membership Committee before going to the full Congress for a vote.
Refugee Congress aims to represent the diverse populations of refugees and asylees resettled in the U.S. We seek a diversity of candidates in terms of race and ethnicity, age, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, as well as educational and professional backgrounds.
Questions?
Contact Dagemawit Kebede, Communication and Advocacy Associate, Refugee Congress
Office: 202-905-6238 Email: dagemawit.kebede@refugeecongress.org
