Join Us
Volunteer
Do you want to make a difference in our community and help individuals?
Do you respect and enjoy learning about different cultures and religions?
Do you enjoy working in a team and getting to know new people?
Are you proactive?
Will you definitely be in the DC metropolitan area on a consistent basis for the next 6 months?
Do you have free time during the day, after work, or on the weekends?
Are you looking for a serious volunteering experience?
If you answered yes to these questions, the Refugee Assistance Program might be a great fit for you.
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.
Your application will be reviewed by our leadership team and you will be notified of your application status within 30 days of receipt of application. Selected applicants will then be invited to a panel interview. Successful applicants will ultimately be invited to a mandatory orientation afterwhich they will be matched with a refugee client or client family.
Please note that we are currently receiving more new volunteer applications than refugee client referrals. This means that not everyone who applies will be accepted. 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 practice 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.
