Volunteer

YPFP is looking for highly motivated, committed individuals to join the RAP program. This is an intellectually and emotionally rewarding opportunity to help survivors of oppression, war, and political violence build a new life in America. All volunteers undergo special training to give them the tools to assist their refugee clients in their transition. This includes a thorough briefing on the fundamentals of international law and procedures on refugees and political asylum, best practices for working with refugees, and cross-cultural communication techniques.

Applicants will be evaluated based on their time availability, experience working in politically/socially/culturally sensitive situations and ability to work in a team setting.

Volunteer activities and responsibilities include:

• Helping assigned refugee family meet basic needs such as practicing English conversation skills, opening a bank account, shopping for groceries, registering for English classes, navigating the Metro system, getting their children into school, and adjusting to American culture and society
• As part of a team, meeting with refugee family at least twice per month based on their schedule and the family's needs
• Participating in a training session (multiple date options available)
• Attending monthly RAP-wide events, including discussions with experts on refugee issues, film screenings on refugee-related topics, community outings with multiple YPFP-RAP refugee teams, and social events
• Reporting volunteer hours each month
• Committing to the program for at least six months

Successful volunteers will have extensive international/cross-cultural experience, a flexible attitude, a keen interest in other people and cultures, and a genuine desire to form relationships with their refugee clients and fellow volunteers. To request more information, please e-mail refugees@ypfp.org.

Apply here

Your application will be reviewed by our leadership team and you will soon be notified of your its status. Selected applicants will then be invited to a panel interview. Successful applicants will ultimately be invited to a mandatory orientation after which they will be matched with a refugee client or client family.