Call for Nominations for Volunteer Delegates
Do you know a refugee/former refugee or asylee/asylum seeker who is active in the community and wants to become an even more powerful advocate for refugees/asylees in their state?
Refugee Congress seeks nominations of committed refugee and asylee/asylum seeker leaders to serve as the volunteer Delegate to the Refugee Congress for a term of three years. We currently seek to recruit a Delegate for these states: Alaska, Arkansas, Kansas, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia.
What is the Refugee Congress?
Refugee Congress is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization comprised of refugees, former refugees and asylees/asylum-seekers from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Our mission is to promote the wellbeing, integration and dignity of all refugees, asylum-seekers and other vulnerable migrants in the U.S. and beyond. We are grateful for the support of our key partners – USA for UNHCR, Church World Service and Refugee Council USA (RCUSA). Learn more about Refugee Congress.
What is the role of a Refugee Congress Delegate?
Delegates represent the Refugee Congress in their state. Delegates are expected to:
- Speak in public (such as schools, places of worships, rallies, etc.) and in the media to raise awareness about refugee/asylee issues and increase public support for welcoming refugees.
- Build “champions” for refugees/asylees among their local, state, and national-level elected officials.
- Mentor new refugee advocates.
- Respond to/promote Refugee Congress and RCUSA advocacy action alerts with networks in their states.
- Participate in community/stakeholder meetings to build relationships, network, and share information.
- Collect information about refugee success stories as well as challenges refugees face in their states.
- Participate in Refugee Congress monthly calls, training, regional meetings, and committees/caucuses.
- Uphold the mission and values of Refugee Congress and sign a Commitment/Code of Conduct.
What are the Benefits of Serving as a Refugee Congress Delegate?
Refugee and asylee leaders who serve as a Delegate to the Refugee Congress:
- Get connected to a network of refugee/asylee advocates around the country.
- Have access to information and training opportunities to build advocacy, organizing, and communications skills.
- Receive mentoring from experienced refugee leaders and advocates.
How to Nominate a Refugee or Asylee/Asylum Seeker to Serve as Delegate from Your State
Candidates should be nominated by someone from their state. If you know a qualified candidate in one of the states listed above but do not live in that state, please find someone who does to nominate the candidate.
- Submit a Nomination Form. The Nomination Form asks you to upload a brief personal statement from the Nominee. Deadline for Nominations: July 22, 2020.
- Ask the Nominee to prepare a brief (one page or less) personal statement describing their story of arrival, how they are involved in the community and why they would like to serve as a Delegate.
Refugee Congress aims to represent the diverse populations of refugees and asylees resettled in the U.S. We seek a diversity of candidates in terms of race and ethnicity, age, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, as well as educational and professional backgrounds.
Questions? Contact: Nili Yossinger, National Director, Refugee Congress, 202-905-6238