Open Call for Applications for Volunteer Delegates in 8 States + DC
Call for Applications for Volunteer Delegates – January 2024
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, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and West Virginia.
What is Refugee Congress?
Refugee Congress (RC) is a national nonpartisan organization built and led by former refugees and asylum seekers. For more than 10 years, Refugee Congress has promoted the well-being, inclusion, and dignity of all refugees, asylees and other forcibly displaced people. 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.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
People currently living in the United States and who experienced forced displacement from their country of origin, including Resettled Refugees, Asylum Seekers/Asylees, SIV holders, etc.
What is your role as Refugee Congress Delegate?
As a Delegate, you represent the Refugee Congress in your state. Delegates are expected to:
✔ Commit to the Refugee Congress Mission, Values, and Code of Conduct.
✔ Participate regularly in Refugee Congress monthly calls, training opportunities, regional meetings, and committees/caucuses.
✔ Establish a relationship with your elected officials at the local, state, and national levels to build “champions” for refugees/asylees.
✔ Participate in national and local meetings and campaigns to advocate for refugees and forcibly displaced people.
✔ Identify opportunities to speak at public events - including at schools and universities, places of worship, rallies, etc. - and in the media to increase public support for welcoming refugees.
✔ Connect with refugee communities in different parts of your state to build a state team in order to expand outreach and ensure coverage at local meetings and events.
✔ Recruit official Associate Delegates from the community leaders on your team.
✔ 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.
✔ Participate actively in grassroots fundraising campaigns.
What are the Benefits of Serving as a Refugee Congress Delegate?
✔ Join a national network of advocates who have experienced forced displacement.
✔ Contribute your expertise to shaping policy priorities that affect forcibly displaced people.
✔ Gain access to opportunities to enhance your advocacy, organizing, and communications skills.
✔ Receive mentoring from experienced refugee leaders and advocates on advocacy, community organizing, storytelling, and public speaking.
✔ Have access to funds to support your education and professional development goals.
✔ Have access to funds to support your participation in local and national advocacy activities, such as World Refugee Day or Welcoming Week events.
✔ Receive an official letter of introduction from Refugee Congress that will help them in organizing meeting with state officials and organize events in their communities.
How can you apply?
If you are interested in applying to serve as the Delegate from one of the states listed above, please complete the application form.
The application form asks you to upload a 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 share this Call for Applications along with the link to the application form.
Deadline for Applications: Friday February 9, 2024
Questions?
Join us for an info session on Sunday, February 4th at 7pm EST! Register here.
Contact: Ali Aljundi, Membership Engagement & Leadership Development Manager, Refugee Congress • Office: 202-696-3138 Email: ali.aljundi@refugeecongress.org
