Getting Started

Recruit core team members and decide commitment level

Each team can consist of three to five core members (members must be over 18 and should reside in same community), and complete the Contact Form in Appendix C. Core team members have direct contact with individuals/families. Because of the sensitive nature of refugees’ situations, confidentiality is essential. Each team member must complete a background check and any trainings required by CCC. The Community Sponsorship Questionnaire in the addendum can be used to discuss commitment levels.

Complete Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Appendix C. As representatives of their group and of CCC, all group members are held to the same expectations as stated in the MOU.

Background checks will depend on volunteer duties and could include: education verification, criminal record check, child protective service investigation, drug screening, DMV driving records, and a credit check. References contacted will only be those listed; and inquiries will be limited to information that can be substantiated.

Set up Q&A session with CCC staff to discuss any outstanding questions or concerns.

Attend an in-person meeting with assigned family, CCC staff, core ream members, and interpreter.

Start serving family.

Attend monthly core team leadership meetings with CCC staff and other core team

leaders to discuss policy updates, successes, and challenges.

Building Relationships

Community Sponsors join refugees on a journey that began long before they arrived in the United States. As a community sponsor, you will teach them how to navigate the systems to become self-sufficient and thrive in their new home. It is important to understand the potential power dynamic of the relationship and to avoid paternalistic attitudes by dictating what you think is best for them.

DO

• Build relationships based on support, hope, and care.

• Acknowledge the power dynamic. Uphold human dignity and use power responsibly.

• Balance power by teaching and equipping refugees with tools and skills for daily living.

• Resort to paternalism by limiting a refugee’s autonomy by doing what you think is best.

• Use words or phrases like “adopt” or “my family.” You are a partner and mentor, not a parent.

DON’T

Walking in Solidarity

You may not personally know the trauma of displacement or persecution but you can empathize with the long-term impact these experiences have on those you are working with. With patience and humility, attune yourself to their needs and struggles. Understand that culture, language, and religion are a source of strength and stability during this time of uncertainty. Learning more about these aspects of their life will give you a broader perspective and allow you to walk in solidarity with them.

• Help refugees integrate not assimilate. Cultural identity is integral to personal identity and must be respected.

• Be flexible and open-minded. Consider cultural differences before jumping to conclusions.

▪ • Respect religious beliefs, culture, and traditions while still coaching about the new environment and environmental standards.

• Interact and judge from your own cultural perspective.

• Proselytize or attempt to convert refugees to your faith. Funding requirements strictly prohibit CCC from proselytizing. Any CCC volunteer or group found to be proselytizing to clients will immediately be terminated from this program.

• Wear clothing that could be offensive to certain cultures.

DO

DON’T

Advocating and Empowering

Refugees come from all walks of life with various degrees of education and employment. As they become accustomed to their new environment, it is important that they are a part of the decision-making process because they are the ones who will be most affected. At times, it will be necessary for you to assist and advocate for them; listening to refugees and understanding what they need will help you teach and empower them to advocate for themselves.

At times, volunteers may want to help because of an “I am here to save you” mindset. This unhealthy behavior is called saviorism. It is using a position of power to dominate a relationship that should be based on mutual sharing and understanding.

Other times, it is tempting to do rather than teach because it is faster and easier. However, teaching life skills is much more empowering.

DO

• Be patient and trust that refugees are willing and able to learn. ▪ • Meet them where they are and set realistic goals and expectations. ▪ • Understand their strengths so that they can speak and act for themselves whenever possible.

▪ • Encourage autonomy and give them the opportunity to do what they can for themselves.

▪ • Advocate when they need someone on their side.

• Do more than your assigned role.

• Run personal errands for them without their presence. ▪ • Enable them by doing tasks because it is easier or faster for you. ▪ • Be afraid to say “no” to tasks that enable or are beyond your purview.

DON’T

Moving Towards Self-Sufficiency and Flourishing

Although there will be times when goals will be tangibly measured, the main goal of self-sufficiency will look uniquely different for each refugee. Journeying with them as a partner, mentor, and friend will enable them to thrive when the sponsorship ends. The relationships you build will not cease but will transform. By aspiring for integration instead of assimilation, refugees can maintain their cultural identity and traditions, which will help ground them and allow them to flourish in their new community.

DO

• Re-evaluate goals if necessary. ▪ • Embrace uncertainty and ask a CCC staff member if unsure about something. ▪ • Understand your measure of success may be different than a refugee’s measurement.

• Doubt the impact of your sponsorship because refugees will continue to thrive with the knowledge and skills you have helped them acquire.DON’T