volunteer handbook...volunteer toolkit logging volunteer hours on track-it-forward ï welcome letter...
TRANSCRIPT
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Volunteer Handbook
2020
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CONTENTS
WELCOME LETTER
OVERVIEW OF WORLD RELIEF
Mission, Vision, and Values
Global and Local Impact
GLOBAL REFUGEE REALITIES
Who is a refugee?
UNHCR Durable Solutions
Refugee Resettlement in the U.S.
OVERVIEW OF WORLD RELIEF SACRAMENTO
History of World Relief Sacramento
Refugee Resettlement in Sacramento Programs at World Relief Sacramento
VOLUNTEERING WITH WORLD RELIEF
Role of Volunteers
Volunteer Tools
Confidentiality & Policy Agreement
RESOURCES
Volunteer Toolkit
Logging Volunteer Hours on Track-It-Forward
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Welcome Letter
Dear Volunteer,
The world is facing the largest refugee crisis since World War II, with more than
79 million individuals forcibly displaced from their homes because of
persecution and violence. In the aftermath of WWII, World Relief began serving
those displaced by war and violence. More than 70 years later, we are still
serving refugees, expanding our work and expertise to the current reality of the
refugee crisis and partnering alongside thousands of local churches and
volunteers.
We are thrilled you are joining the movement of volunteers across the country
who are actively welcoming and befriending refugees. We believe this will be a
life-changing experience for you and for the refugees you befriend. This
ministry moves beyond charity to the mutual transformation that forms
through relationship.
We understand that beginning this journey can be overwhelming, but know
that it does not have to be perfect and that you are not alone. You are joining a
movement of hundreds of churches and volunteers throughout the U.S. who
are currently walking alongside their immigrant and refugee neighbors. The
World Relief Sacramento Staff is dedicated to guiding you in this experience.
We desire to serve and support you as you partner with us.
While each refugee enters the United States with a unique background and
story, many of them come from cultures that value relationship and
community. Having a volunteer to welcome them provides a positive beginning
and a sense of belonging in their new life in America.
Sincerely,
Kerry Ham Sacramento Office Director
…the protection of
refugees is not only the
responsibility of
neighboring States of a
crisis; it is a
collective responsibility
of the international
community.
ANTONIO GUTERRES,
UN SECRETARY
GENERAL
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Overview of World Relief
Mission, Vision and Values
MISSION
Empower the local Church to serve the most vulnerable.
VISION
In partnership with the local Church and community, World Relief strives to bring hope, healing, and transformation to the most vulnerable.
VALUES
The example of Jesus as we serve those who are suffering from poverty and injustice,
regardless of color, belief, or gender, as part of God's plan to redeem, reconcile, and
restore the world. We seek to follow Jesus by living holy, humble, and honest lives
individually and corporately
The local church as a primary agent of bringing peace, justice, and love to a broken
world. The integrated "word" and "deed" dimensions of God's mandate, as evidenced
through the church's integral, or transformational, mission are necessary to bringing
reconciliation and restoration to God, others, and the environment.
People whether staff, volunteers, clients, beneficiaries, donors, or partners, as important
actors in bringing peace, love, and justice. We recognize and affirm World Relief as a
multicultural organization and seek to understand and respect the multiplicity of cultures
among us. As we seek change in the world, we recognize that we too are changed by those
we serve.
Excellence/continuous improvement in all our program initiatives and support services,
following best practices and standards in a manner that is sustainable to the community
from a spiritual, social, and economic perspective. We also seek to apply our human and
financial resources in such ways that maximize impact and sustain benefits to the greatest
number of people.
Empowerment by prioritizing the leadership and participation of those we serve,
whether people, churches, or local institutions, as critical to creating and sustaining
change. We seek to catalyze a movement of worldwide volunteers to multiply impact, and
we value capacity-building as a means towards that end.
Partnership by seeking, facilitating, and promoting collaboration among all stakeholders,
including local governments, the worldwide church, mission agencies, other NGOs, and the
business community, recognizing partnership as essential to serving the most vulnerable.
We believe each expression of the worldwide Church has a unique and interdependent
role in bringing peace and justice to the world.
Prayer as the priority and foundation to accomplishing our mission.
HISTORY OF WORLD RELIEF
When did WR start?
In 1944 it began as The
War Relief Commission,
later changing it’s name
to World Relief.
Who started it?
Evangelical churches in
Boston.
What did they do?
Organized a nationwide
food and clothing drive
for refugees in war-torn
Europe.
How did we grow?
Extended relief efforts by
developing additional
programs in education,
agricultural training,
childcare, medical ser-
vices etc.
When did we launch our
refugee resettlement
program?
The State Department
recognized World Relief
as an official refugee
resettlement agency in
1979.
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Overview of World Relief
Global and Local Impact
For over 70 years, World Relief has been providing help where it’s needed most. Our
expertise gained in aid and development work gives us the ability to not only meet the
immediate needs of the vulnerable, but implement programs that lead to sustainable
growth and development—transforming once vulnerable regions into thriving
communities. World Relief works in 20 countries, has 15 U.S. offices and serves over 7
million vulnerable people each year. We partner with churches and communities to
provide vital programs.
DISASTER RESPONSE
Whether it is providing winter clothes for refugees fleeing war in cold climates,
medical supplies to help those fighting the spread of massively fatal disease or food for
survivors of famine, World Relief empowers survivors with tangible support.
HEALTH & CHILD DEVELOPMENT
World Relief’s health and child development programs work to ensure that treatment
and prevention of preventable disease are accessible. Our programs holistically
address the health and well-being of adults and children.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
World Relief and local church partners empower the most vulnerable to realize their
economic potential by teaching volunteers financial and agricultural methods that
benefit the individual and entire communities. Through simple savings techniques,
small loans and successful agriculture production, vulnerable people around the world
are breaking free from the chains of poverty.
PEACEBUILDING
World Relief coordinates and maintains a number of initiatives and partnerships to
help foster peace in dangerous conflict zones, with programs currently active in DR
Congo, the Middle East, Sudan, South Sudan and Pakistan. World Relief works through
local churches and faith-based organizations to establish foundations of harmony in
communities and incorporate women into the peacebuilding discussions.
REFUGEE & IMMIGRATION SERVICES
For over forty years as an official partner of the U.S. Department of State, World Relief
has been providing the expertise, services and relational connections our immigrant
and refugee neighbors need to flourish. In 2017, 32,000 refugees and immigrants were
welcomed, 11,000 were provided with legal services, 2,500 were assisted with
citizenship applications, and 6,500 volunteers were mobilized.
HISTORY OF WORLD RELIEF
Some noteworthy
assistance efforts:
- Care for internally
displaced Vietnamese
and refugee resettlement
for Vietnamese boat
people in 1970s.
- Famine relief in Ethiopia
during the 1970s and
1980s.
- Rebuilding homes in El
Salvador in 1987 after a
earthquake.
- Relief services during
the 1994 crises in
Rwanda and Former
Yugoslavia.
- Church-centered
trauma counseling after
9/11.
- Disaster aid after the
2004 tsunami in South
East Asia and Hurricane
Katrina.
- Partnered with MP
International in 2014 to
respond to the Ebola
epidemic in West Africa.
Learn more at: www.worldrelief.org/our-
history
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Global Refugee Realities
Who is a refugee?
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), a
refugee is a person who, "is unable or unwilling to return to their country of
origin owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race,
religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political
opinion ."
In times of conflict, when someone flees their town or village, for their
immediate safety, but have not crossed the border of their country, they are
considered an Internally Displaced Person.
An immigrant is someone who chooses to leave their country and immigrate to
a new country to pursue varies opportunities.
An asylum seeker is a person who flees across the border of their country to
seek safety and submit a case for asylum in the country they fled to.
UNHCR & THE REFUGEE INTERVIEW PROCESS
The role and mandate of UNHCR is to provide legal and physical protection to
refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons worldwide, and to seek
durable solutions.
When an asylum seeker flees to a host country, they must register with UNHCR
in order to receive their protection. The asylum seeker will meet with UNHCR
staff, who will collect their basic biographical data. They undergo an extensive
interview, and if it is determined that the asylum seeker is in fact a refugee, a
UNHCR Refugee Certificate is issued to the individual and any eligible
immediate family members or dependents. This document is issued to protect
the refugee from forcible return to a country in which he or she would face
persecution.
STATISTICS
68.5 million forcibly
displaced people
worldwide
40 million Internally
Displaced People
worldwide
25.4 million refugees
worldwide
3.1 million asylum
seekers
22,491 refugees were
resettled in the U.S.
during 2018. This is the
lowest number in the
history of the U.S.
resettlement program.
Less than 1% of the
world’s refugees are re-
settled globally each
year.
The U.S. resettled
.0008% of the 25.4
million refugees in 2018.
Data from UNHCR figures at a glance: www.unhcr.org/en-us/figures-at-a-glance.html Refugee Processing Center: www.wrapsnet.org/
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Global Refugee Realities
UNHCR Durable Solutions
UNHCR evaluates a refugee’s case, in an effort to achieve a durable solution.
They strive to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and
find safe refuge in another country or return home voluntarily if the country’s
condition allows for a safe return.
VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION
The first - and the most preferred - solution for asylum seekers and refugees is
for them to be able to return to their country of origin safely and with dignity.
This option will depend on the security situation in their country of origin. If the
reasons for their flight no longer exist and conditions are conducive for their
return, UNHCR will promote voluntary repatriation.
LOCAL INTEGRATION
The second durable solution is integration in the country of refuge, provided
the government of the host country is willing to integrate the refugee within
the local community. This implies allowing refugees to participate in the socio-
economic activities of that country like its own citizens. UNHCR normally
reverts to this solution if the refugees are likely to stay in the country of refuge
for the foreseeable future without any prospect of repatriation to their home
country.
REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT
When voluntary repatriation and local integration are not feasible, refugee
resettlement to a third country is considered. There are about 30 countries that
accept UNHCR resettlement referrals, although most countries have very
limited resettlement quotas. Less than 1% of UNHCR refugees are resettled into
a third country every year. Therefore, due to these limitations, only the
neediest refugees are given the opportunity to resettle in a third country.
STATISTICS
Top Origins World
Wide:
1. Syria (6.3 million) 2. Afghanistan (2.6 million) 3. South Sudan (2.4 million) 4. Myanmar (1.2 million) 5. Somalia (1.0 million) Top Hosts: Initial host countries 1. Turkey (3.5 million) 2. Pakistan (1.4 million) 3. Uganda (1.4 million) 4. Lebanon (998,900) 5. Islamic Republic of Iran (979,400) Data from UNHCR global trends 2017: www.unhcr.org/globaltrends2017/
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Global Refugee Realities
Refugee Resettlement in the U.S.
THE U.S. REFUGEE ADMISSIONS PROGRAM (USRAP)
The United States Refugee Admission Program (USRAP) is based on U.S. law
defined in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and the Refugee Act of
1980. The U.S. system of refugee resettlement has a long history of successfully
integrating refugees. Since the program began in 1975, the U.S. has welcomed
more than 3 million refugees.
REFUGEE ADMISSIONS CEILING
Each year, following consultations with Congress, the President sets annual
refugee admissions ceilings for each region of the world. This decision is based
on judgments about the numbers of refugees for whom admission to the
United States is the appropriate course of action, and the number the
government believes it will be able to bring to the U.S. during the next fiscal
year. In cases where global conflicts force significant numbers of people to flee
and humanitarian needs rise, law allows for an increase in the admissions
ceiling by a further Presidential Determination, following emergency
consultations with Congress.
FUNDING FOR REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT
The U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program is a public-private partnership. While
governmental grants assist in the initial resettlement of refugees, the success
of the program relies on the cash and in-kind donations, and volunteer hours of
individuals, churches, and foundations.
ADMISSION CEILING
The annual refugee
admission ceiling began
in 1980. The admission
ceiling averages at
70,000. It has been as
high as 230,000 (1980)
and low as 45,000
(2018).
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Global Refugee Realities
Refugee Resettlement in the U.S.
REFUGEE GROUPS ADMITTED INTO THE U.S.
The following three priority groups are permitted access to the U.S. Refugee Admission
Program.
PRIORITY GROUP 1 (P-1) Individual Referrals:
Individuals with compelling protection needs, or
Those for whom no other durable solution exists.
Individuals must be identified and referred to the U.S. Refugee Program by
UNHCR, a U.S. Embassy, or a non-governmental organization (NGO) located in the
country of asylum.
PRIORITY GROUP 2 (P-2) Groups of Humanitarian Concern:
Priority 2 is used for groups of special humanitarian concern to the United States
designated for resettlement processing. It includes specific groups of concern
identified by the State Department in consultation with USCIS, NGOs, UNHCR, and
other experts. The State Department develops new P-2 groups each fiscal year.
Some P-2 groups are processed in their country of origin while others are
processed in a second country like Iranians in Iran are processed through Vienna,
Austria by way of a visa program.
P-2 programs that World Relief Sacramento serves:
Former Soviet Union: applies to Jews, Evangelical Christians, Ukrainian Catholic
and Orthodox religious activists identified in the Lautenberg Amendment with
close family members in the United States.
Iraq and Afghanistan Special Immigrant Visas (SIV): Iraqis and Afghans may
qualify if they worked as employees of the U.S. Government, USG-funded
contractors, or the U.S. media and NGOs working in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Iran: applies to persecuted religious minorities (Mandean, Bahai, Jewish,
Zoroastrian, or Christian) living in Iran who have friends or family members in the
U.S.
PRIORITY GROUP 3 (P-3) Family Reunification:
Some individuals who were admitted to the U.S. as refugees or asylum seekers
may file an Affidavit of Relationship (AOR) for immediate relatives overseas. These
relatives must be: the parents, spouses, or unmarried children under the age of 21
of the individuals filing AORs; located outside their countries of origin; and be of a
particular nationality.
CEILINGS FOR PRIORITY GROUPS
Within the Proposed
Refugee Admissions
Report to Congress
(page 8) each Priority
Group has an admissions
ceiling.
The report breaks down
Priority Group numbers
based on geographic
location.
For a closer look at the Re-
port to Congress:
https://www.state.gov/
documents/
organization/274857.pdf
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Overview of World Relief Refugee Resettlement in the U.S.
SECURITY SCREENING OF REFUGEES ADMITTED TO THE U.S. Before a refugee receives their approval and visa to enter the U.S., they undergo a thorough, mul-
tilayered vetting process that can often take multiple years. The refugee screening process takes
place entirely overseas. This differs from those seeking asylum at the U.S. border. A person who
seeks asylum at our border lives in a U.S. Detention Center or receive a temporary visa to stay in
the U.S. while their claims are examined.
Priority is given to those who are deemed to be most vulnerable, including a majority who are
women or children. The vetting process for those being considered for refugee status is more
stringent than that of any other category of visitor or immigrant to the U.S. Once refugees are
identified for resettlement, UNHCR refers their cases to a country for resettlement.
All refugees referred for resettlement must undergo a series of intensive interviews and security
screenings. Refugees bound for the United States are interviewed by the Department of Home-
land Security, their backgrounds are researched extensively, and claims of persecution are investi-
gated. Refugees are also tested for communicable diseases and outstanding medical issues. The
screening process can take several years to complete. Once refugees clear the necessary medical
and security checks, their visas are granted and their flights are booked, the cost of which is cov-
ered by a travel loan that refugees are expected to repay starting six months after resettlement.
Shortly before their journey, refugees may be provided a brief cultural orientation to language,
culture, and life in the United States.
Refugees are assigned to one of nine non-profits, like World Relief, who will facilitate their initial
resettlement into their new community.
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Overview of World Relief Sacramento
History of World Relief Sacramento
World Relief Sacramento has resettled over 30,000 refugees into the
Sacramento community since 1989. The majority of refugees currently
resettled through World Relief Sacramento come from Ukraine, Russia,
Moldova, Armenia, Belarus, and Afghanistan. We have also resettled refugees
from Laos, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Myanmar, Iran, Iraq and Syria. This past year
alone, the World Relief Sacramento office resettled over 1,063refugees
Refugee Resettlement in Sacramento
World Relief Sacramento works in partnership with federal government
agencies and other service providers to facilitate the resettlement of refugees
into our community. World Relief Sacramento resettles two primary
populations:
SPECIAL IMMIGRANT VISA (SIV)
Many of our new Sacramento neighbors are coming from Afghanistan under
the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Program. These persons have provided loyal
and valuable work to the U.S. Military and government based in Afghanistan
but as a result, have experienced serious threat.
LAUTENBERG PROGRAM
World Relief Sacramento has a long history of resettling refugees from the
Former Soviet Union through the Lautenberg Program. This program granted
refugee eligibility to citizens of the Former Soviet Union who were targets of
religious persecution during the Soviet era. Those who were resettled through
this program and are legal U.S. residents can apply for family reunification for
their immediate relatives. In 2004, religious minorities from Iran became
eligible for resettlement via this program.
STATISTICS
The World Relief
Sacramento office
resettled 1,894 refugees
between October 2016
and September 2017.
Between World Relief Sacramento and the other resettlement agencies, it is estimated that over 5,250 refugees began a new life in Sacramento in 2017. TOP COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN COMING TO WRS Former Soviet Union: Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia The Middle East/South Asia: Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Iran
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Overview of World Relief Sacramento Refugee Resettlement in Sacramento
CORE SERVICES
World Relief Sacramento is responsible for providing every refugee with the following basic services defined and
mandated in our Cooperative Agreement with the State Department. These services are referred to as “Core Ser-
vices" and are completed during the 90-day official resettlement period. World Relief can refer some Core Ser-
vices to other institutions.
Services Provided by World Relief Sacramento
Interpretation: World Relief provides appropriate language interpretation/translation for core services.
Airport Reception: World Relief Sacramento arranges for the refugee to be met, welcomed, and assisted at the airport.
Housing: Each refugee is provided with decent, safe, sanitary, and furnished housing immediately upon arrival. This includes both temporary and permanent housing.
Furnishings and Basic Household Items: Required furnishings and items for basic needs according to our Cooperative Agreement are provided at the time the refugee arrives to their designated living space.
Transportation: In addition to providing orientation about transportation in the local area, refugees are provided transportation to core services (applying for public assistance, social security, school enrollment and employment services).
Pocket Money: Pocket money is cash provided to refugees throughout their first 30 days. It may be used to buy whatever they deem appropriate.
Food: World Relief ensures that all refugees receive culturally appropriate, ready-to-eat food and at least one day’s worth of addi-tional food supplies and staples including baby food as necessary.
Next Calendar Day Home Visit: All refugees are visited in their home or temporary residence on the next calendar day after arrival. During the home visit, World Relief staff make sure the refugees have enough food and are healthy. World Relief staff provide a basic orientation on housing and personal safety precautions, including what to do if there is an emergency.
30 Day Home Visit: All refugees receive a second home visit within 30 calendar days of their arrival. This visit is meant to address needs or questions they may have at that time.
Cultural Orientation: Cultural orientation classes are provided within the first month of arrival and held in the families' native language.
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Overview of World Relief Sacramento Refugee Resettlement in Sacramento
CORE SERVICES
Services Provided by Local Institutions
Public Assistance: Refugees are assisted by World Relief in applying for cash assistance at the Department of Human Assistance (DHA) within 7 business days of arrival. Families also have access to food stamps (CalFresh) and Medical Insurance (Medi-Cal). The DHA Caseworker will oversee all aspects of the services they receive from DHA.
Social Security: All members of the family will be transported to the Social Security office to apply for a Social Security number and card. It may take up to 6 weeks to receive the social security card by mail.
English as a Second Language (ESL): All refugees are assisted in enrolling in ESL classes. They may choose not to attend, but World Relief should do everything possible to assist them in enrolling, regardless of English ability or interest.
Employment Services: Employment is recognized as one of the most significant elements in successful resettlement. World Relief assists employable refugees enroll in employment services. Non-employable refugees are enrolled in oth-er services, as appropriate.
School Enrollment: All school-aged children are registered for school within 30 days of arrival.
Selective Service Registration: Selective Service Registration is required for applicable members (all males between the ages of 18-28. World Relief assists with the registration process.
Health Services: Refugee health screenings, for every individual, must be completed within 30 days of arrival. World Relief ensures transportation to these health screenings. While the family will receive ongoing care from their primary care provider, these initial 2 appointments provide them with a general health checkup, immunizations, if necessary, and resource guides for specific health conditions or medical needs.
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Overview of World Relief Sacramento
Refugee Resettlement in Sacramento
REFUGEE INCOME SOURCES
For more information about available funds and budgeting, please visit our
Employment and Finances section of the Volunteer Toolkit.
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Overview of World Relief Sacramento
Programs at World Relief Sacramento
REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT
There are many components to our work in Refugee Resettlement. We have
multiple grants to provide resettlement services to our new neighbors. Our
main resettlement program is called Resettlement and Placement (R&P). These
cases are open for 90 days and refugees access cash benefits from the state.
Our second resettlement program is Match Grant (MG). In addition to the R&P
program, a Match Grant case is open for a total of 180 days with a 4-month
cash payment (as an alternative to accessing public cash benefits) and
participants utilize our Employment Services department for job search and job
preparation classes.
The Employment Services program, funded by a county grant, allows us to
enroll employable individuals (with cases at World Relief or elsewhere) and
assist in providing job readiness training and job search through the work of
our Employment Team.
Through the same grant as our Employment Services, World Relief facilitates
Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) classes to individuals coming
through World Relief or other agencies. Beginner English learners will learn
English for the work place during classes held four days a week.
IMMIGRATION LEGAL SERVICES (ILS)
In addition to our Refugee Resettlement program, World Relief Sacramento
serves the immigrant community by providing legal services in the area of
immigration law. The United States Department of Justice recognized the need
for affordable immigration services and set up a process in which non-attorneys
could become credentialed to offer legal advice in immigration cases. The
Immigrant Legal Services Program of World Relief Sacramento exists to partner
with local churches and the wider community to help our immigrant neighbors
as they seek to follow the immigration laws of the United States.
DOMESTIC WORLD RELIEF PROGRAMS
World Relief has three
domestic programs:
Refugee Resettlement,
Immigrant Legal Services
(ILS), and Anti-Human
Trafficking.
Our local World Relief
office in Sacramento
provides 2 out of the 3
services.
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Good Neighbor
Good Neighbors help refugee families adapt and
adjust to American life by providing friendship
and practical care through regular visits over 6
months. Good Neighbors work with World Relief
to determine how to best support the unique
needs of their matched family.
Volunteering at World Relief Sacramento Volunteer Opportunities
Transportation
Help transport refugees form the airport to their new home or to initial services such as medical appointments and school enrollment.
Hospitality
Assist with delivering meals or groceries to refugees, shopping for Welcome Kits (reimbursable), or helping to organ-ize the World Relief warehouse.
Host Home
Provide lodging for your new neighbors on an as-needed basis, spanning from a couple of days to a week.
Employment
Support our new neighbors through employment assistance, mentorship and interview practice.
English
Assist our vocational English instructor and students during class times in groups and individually or as an in-home ESL tutor.
Immigration Legal Services
Serve our immigrant clients by assisting with citizenship workshops and the provision of legal services.
Good Neighbor Team
A Good Neighbor Team (GNT) is a small group of
people from a local church or community that part-
ners with World Relief to welcome and walk along-
side a newly arrived refugee family for a 6-month
commitment. Teams work with World Relief staff
to determine ways they will assist the family.
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Volunteering at World Relief Sacramento
Roles of Volunteers
Volunteers play a vital role in the work of World Relief. Their service and friendship to
refugees provides a sense of welcome and community. While volunteers may assist
World Relief and families with resettlement services, our ultimate vision is to see them
come into long-lasting friendship with refugees.
GUIDING EXPECTATIONS
When refugees first arrive, they are often in ‘crisis mode.’ There are more needs than
any one person can supply and the process of building independence takes time.
Relatives, community resources and World Relief Sacramento exist to help refugees
move towards self-sufficiency.
There are times when volunteers are surprised by the limitations of the services
resettlement agencies provide. Part of the experience of volunteering is entering into
some of the realities of social work, government services, and under-served
communities. Volunteers may encounter situations where a refugee family is not
getting the types of services they (the volunteer or the family) believe they should
receive and think, “World Relief is not doing their job.” In these circumstances, it is
important to consult with World Relief in order to clarify our role and responsibilities
for each family we resettle. While our desire is to provide the utmost care for each
family, our staff capacity limits our ability to exceed the core services set by our
contract with the State Department. While there are families that have unique needs
and require additional care, it is important for us to maintain consistency of service to
all of the families we serve.
Refugees often come to America with high expectations about what their life will be
like here. As a volunteer, you can help guide the expectations of refugees in the
following areas:
RESETTLEMENT WILL NOT BE EASY
Economic assistance from the government is short-term
It will take time to find a job
Cars are very expensive to buy and maintain
It is normal to feel frustration and anxiety about the many adjustments
Resettlement case managers are working with up to 15 families at a time. They
may not be able to help with additional needs
BIBLICAL IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES
Abraham and Sarah =
Immigrants
Rebekah = Family-based
immigrant
Jacob = Refugee
Joseph = Victim of
Human Trafficking
Moses = Refugee
Ruth = Family-based
immigrant
David = Refugee
All of Israel = Forcibly
displaced
Jesus = Refugee
Paul = Employment–
based immigrant
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Volunteering at World Relief Sacramento
Role of Volunteers
CROSS CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT FOR REFUGEES
Culture shock happens because the values, traditions, customs, and beliefs one carries
may vary greatly from the new culture one now lives in. It takes time to adjust to a
new lifestyle and to make new friends. While each person undergoes adjustment at his
or her own pace, successful adjustment usually includes passage through the following
four stages. Going though these stages takes anywhere from a few weeks, to months,
to years!
The Honeymoon Stage
The first adjustment stage is characterized by a sense of anticipation, exhilaration, and
excitement. Refugees may experience fascination with their new surroundings.
Although they may not fully understand their surroundings at this time, they are eager
to fit in. America is great! Everything is new. Refugees have a spirit of cooperation and
want to please the people they meet.
The Hostility Stage
This adjustment stage is characterized by feelings of frustration, anger, anxiety, fear,
mistrust and sometimes depression. The initial excitement gives way to frustration
with the bureaucracy, the weariness of communicating in English every day, and in
some cases, physical discomfort or other problems. Although not fully aware of it,
refugees probably react to these stressors by rejecting and displaying hostility toward
the new environment. It is important for them to keep in mind that they are not alone
-most individuals in their position experience these emotions to some degree and are
able to overcome them in due time.
The Humor Stage
This stage occurs when refugees begin to relax into their new surroundings and begin
to laugh at minor mistakes and misunderstandings which would have caused them
major headaches in the hostility stage. By now, they have made some friends and
adjusted to the complexity of the new life here.
The Home Stage
The final adjustment stage comes when refugees have retained the allegiance to their
home culture, but also "feel at home" in their newly acquired one. They may now have
successfully adjusted to the norms and standards of the new environment, and should
be commended for the ability to live successfully in two cultures.
Responses to Immigrants
Integration
People who maintain
their home culture but
also adopt aspects of
their new culture. Also
known as biculturalism.
Assimilation
People who do not
maintain their home
culture but fully adopt
their new culture.
Separation
People who maintain
their home culture and do
not adopt any aspects
the new culture.
Marginalization
People who do not
maintain their home
culture, nor do they adopt
aspects the new culture.
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Volunteering at World Relief Sacramento
Role of Volunteers
CULTURE SHOCK OR CULTURE FATIGUE
“Culture fatigue” describes the gradual accumulation, day by day, of stress from encountering the many differences in a new culture. Situations that can trigger Culture Fatigue include:
Normal habits of communication (customs of politeness, idioms, expressions of emotion, etc.) do not work the way they expect.
They do not understand the language and must heavily rely on translation
and decision making which feels like it is done for them, leading to a sense of lacking agency.
People behave in ways that are not customary in their country. Sometimes, it is not clear to them what the rules for appropriate, customary behavior is.
They find that people have surprisingly different values and beliefs in this culture regarding the importance of family, money, time, religion or other things.
They feel that no one knows them for who they really are. People may not know or care who their family is, and their previous accomplishments, profession, or job positions seem unimportant – they are now “only” a refugee.
Despite all these stresses, they are expected to function with full competence.
Symptoms of Culture Fatigue
It is not unusual for refugees to experience some of the following symptoms from culture fatigue: exhaustion, irritability, depression, homesickness, sleep
difficulty, anxiety, a desire to withdraw, or unexplained weeping. Many people experience one or more of these symptoms between two months and a year into their stay in the foreign country. Normally, these symptoms will come and go, and eventually pass.
TIPS FOR CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT
The following are
suggestions you can
make to someone going
through the cross-cultural
adjustment process:
Encourage them to listen
and observe.
Remind them to ask
questions.
Validate their initial
evaluations, judge-
ments and compari-
sons to their home cul-
ture.
Suggest they be
receptive and curious
while adapting to their
new surroundings.
Reassure their feelings
of anxiety and
frustration since these
are normal responses.
Encourage them to find
humor in the little
mistakes.
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Volunteering at World Relief Sacramento
Volunteer Tools
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Cultural and Religious Sensitivity
Ethnocentrism is attributing what something in another's culture according to
preconceptions originating in the standards and customs of one's own culture. This
can lead to thinking your way of doing things is better than another's way of doing
something. We're trying to avoid is ethnocentrism, but it's natural.
When we think about our own culture or own personalities, we don't like to be
stereotyped, instead we want to be afforded generosity and not be put into a box.
Therefore, we should afford that generosity to a culture that's different to us.
Refugee families will probably want to get to know you, your beliefs, and values.
Please make sure that the conversation is mutual and do not challenge or disparage
their faith. Once you build relational trust, conversations about religion become an
easy subject because this can be a shared value. Remember, you don't need to be an
expert!
Self-Awareness
One of the most effective ways for you to be equipped in a cross-cultural friendship is
self-awareness of your own culture, your own personality and your own value systems
so that when you confront things that are different you can stop and ask yourself,
"Why is this bothering me or causing me anxiety?" Be open and curious and maybe
even start deconstructing some of your assumptions. They may also have assumptions
about you but you will journey together, allowing both of you to grow.
Empowerment
Empowerment is important because the resettlement process is an innately
disempowering experience. Even though World Relief believes in empowerment, we
participate in the experience of disempowering this family: we choose where they live,
who their is caseworker etc. and they don’t have a choice in the matter.
For more information, please refer to the Befriending Refugees section of the
Volunteer Toolkit.
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Confidentiality & Policy Agreement
Policy
State and federal law generally govern the confidentiality of medical and personal information of
individuals, and requires that such information be held as confidential without proper release of
information from the individual. Thus, all newly arriving refugees are asked to sign release of
information forms, permitting WR to discuss information that “may be helpful to [his/her] successful
resettlement.” Newly-arrived refugees also receive an orientation on their rights to privacy.
WR staff, and approved interns and volunteers, who are involved in case planning and service
provision can access and communicate with each other essential health and medical information
pertaining to a client’s employment and financial stabilization, classroom performance, school
services, or specialized case management. When health conditions and medical information do not
directly influence these areas (i.e. HIV, other STDs, forms of TB), only staff members who are
directly involved with medical follow-up will have access to the information. These staff members do
not have permission to release this information to other staff or volunteers. If the client chooses to
share medical information with any additional staff or volunteers, that individual must maintain the
confidentiality of the client by not sharing the information with anyone else. For questions about
specific cases, please contact the Program Manager. However, medical information will not be
released without the client’s permission.
Agreement
All information and/or verbal communication pertaining to clients and volunteers, including but not
limited to name, gender, age, ethnicity, national origin, appearance (including photos and video
footage), medical/physical condition, mental condition, location of residence, government-issued
numbers and entire personal history is strictly confidential. Further, this information is strictly
prohibited from being used in any public venues or on the Internet, personal blogs, social-networking
sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, unless written permission is given by the individual or
guardian.
As someone with access to such information through verbal communication, person-to-person
interaction, case file documents and/or volunteer applications, you are required to maintain this
information in a confidential manner. Any unauthorized access to, modification, deletion or
disclosure of client/volunteer information will be deemed a compromise to the integrity of our
programs and a violation of individual rights of privacy and may constitute a criminal act.
Distribution, reproduction and verbal communication of any confidential information (as noted
above) outside of intention and approval of the refugee client/volunteer are strictly prohibited.
Illegal access to or misuse of this information is subject to punishment. Furthermore, refugee
program case files and volunteer applications are for the use of authorized persons only.
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Resources Volunteer Toolkit
World Relief Sacramento's Toolkit is a one-stop shop of resources and information you might need as a vol-
unteer to best support the refugee families and to enrich your experience. Volunteers can find information
on:
Housing and Arrival
Resettlement
Social Services and Important Documents
English and Education
Employment and Finances
Health
Community Orientation
Befriending Refugees
Please take a moment to jot down this webpage's URL (https://worldreliefsacramento.org/volunteer-toolkit)
and bookmark the page. The toolkit is hidden and only accessible to WRS volunteers.
If you come across a section in this toolkit you would like to speak into further, either through your expertise
or resources that you have come across, feel free to reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator's Team!
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Resources Logging Volunteer Hours and Donations
By tracking your volunteer hours, you are helping World Relief convey the impact that volunteers have on
refugees. You are also impacting future refugees. The grants supporting World Relief look to see proof of
community involvement. In fact, the future and/or expansion of some grants are actually dependent upon
this proof.
Track it Forward: Instant Volunteer Logging in 3 Easy Steps!
1. Create an account on the website (cannot be done on the Smartphone app)
Go to: www.trackitforward.com
Find our organization using the hyperlink below "Get Started" (do not use the “Get Started” button)
Search for: “World Relief Sacramento”
Create a User Account. Please complete all fields – you only have to do this step once!
2. Download the App on your Smartphone
If you cannot find it under "Track It Forward," try “Volunteer Time Tracking” or “OurVolts” (no space)
Apple users (iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch): Open iTunes, search and download
itunes.apple.com/us/app/volunteer-time-tracking/id821890515?mt=8
Android users: Open Google Play, search and download
play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ourvolts.track&hl=en
3. Log your Hours/Mileage (any time after you complete a service): TWO options!
Smartphone: Open “Volunteer Time Tracking” app, sign in, complete and click “Submit Hours”
Website: “Sign In” at the top corner of: www.trackitforward.com
Click orange “Log Hours” button, complete and click “Submit Time” (and sign out!)
*Please Sign Out after each submission!
- If the app is accidentally opened I may
receive false entries (esp. if you have
little ones!)
- Sometimes the app “forgets” who you
are if you haven’t logged in recently and
will require you to log in and fill out the
entry a second time