Refugee Friendship Partner

Description

Mission: To help a new refugee adapt and adjust to American life by providing friendship, advice and companionship.

Time Commitment: Two hours a week for at least six months

Location: Friendship Partners meet on a regular basis in the refugee's home. Special outings are encouraged to such places as the library, park, museum, post office, church, and even perhaps Chicago!

Responsibilities:
- Be a 'cultural broker' for your refugee partner
- Answer questions from your refugee partner about American life
- Help refugee with conversational English (they will also go to ESL class and perhaps may have an in-home tutor)
- Learn about your refugee partner's culture and background
- Promote self-sufficiency for your refugee family
- Notify World Relief staff of questions and concerns
- Encourage others to volunteer with World Relief

Procedure:
- Fill out volunteer application
- Meet with the volunteer coordinator for orientation and interview
- Attend Cross-Cultural and Refugee Issues Training during
your first 2 months of volunteering (held once a month)
- Meet refugee partner with WR staff on the first visit
- Commit to weekly meetings with refugee partner

Requirements