Volunteers are the means by which refugees in Spokane most readily receive time, care, and services from Global Neighborhood. Each refugee family is paired with one or two volunteers (although small groups of friends or family are welcome, too!). Both the volunteer and refugee family commit to spending time with each other, building relationships that are both mutual and supportive of the refugee’s transition into American culture.

The main focus of a volunteer’s work is to build a relationship with a refugee family. This is done best through simply spending time with the family, asking questions, and getting to know them. Global Neighborhood volunteers believe that regular visits at a family’s house facilitate deeper relationships.

Relationship is also formed by assisting refugees with their physical needs. Volunteers will likely help their families understand their new culture by going through their mail with them or helping them prepare for and meet appointments with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and medical services. Volunteers will often offer themselves as resources for any questions that their family might have. These are often questions about the grocery store, the bus system, resumés, job searches, the internet, and local etiquette.

Many refugees want to improve their English skills. As volunteers spend time getting to know their family better, refugees are empowered and enabled to practice their English in conversational and practical settings, and to form connections that will help them become fully integrated members of our society. In return, volunteers get to know interesting and determined people from another culture, and often get to partake in cultural food, music, and experiences.

We ask that Global Neighborhood volunteers commit to spending a minimum of two to three hours every other week for at least one calendar year with their families. Relationships that are both long-term and consistent build trust and respect between volunteers and families that far surpasses that of short-term service.

A one-time attendance at one of our volunteer trainings is mandatory for all of our volunteers. See the below dates for the next volunteer training. Please contact Amy Hendricks, Volunteer Coordinator, to RSVP for a training, or if you have any questions about volunteering with Global Neighborhood. We would love to meet with you and hear about your desire to get to know refugees in our city!

Check out our volunteer opportunities here.

NEXT TRAINING:

Friday, August 20th from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at New Community Church (1003 E. Trent Ave.)

*** Please email Amy at amy@global-neighborhood.org to reserve a spot!

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