April is National Volunteer Month. It is a special month to honor volunteers and recognize all the incredible work they do to support communities all around. We at IRC are grateful to have met so many volunteers from all walks of life who share the same values as the IRC and supports our mission in welcoming refugees to Washington. We had the wonderful opportunity to interview some of the volunteers we wanted to spotlight for Volunteer Appreciation week! 

Meet Connie - Holding two master’s degrees (one in Digital Communication & Media/Multimedia and one in Journalism, Connie works as a senior technical writer for Amazon. Outside work, she loves to play the piano and is an avid traveler who finds meaning and inspiration in volunteering weekly for the IRC’s Citizenship class. She helps teach students English language skills and U.S. civics (history, government, and geography).

What is your favorite part about helping teach the citizenship class? 

“I just love working with each student and playing a positive role in someone’s journey towards citizenship, but I think my favorite part is establishing that positive connection with each student in the class. I have such tremendous respect for the students. It takes tremendous courage, resilience, and persistence to leave your home and everything you know. On top of those challenges, students are here to learn. I find that so inspiring.”

What have you learned through volunteering for the IRC?

“Even though we all come from many different countries and backgrounds, I think there is more that connects us than what separates us - it’s all about what we choose to focus on. One of the things I find really meaningful about volunteering for the IRC is that it’s really about that connection. Every student comes to class at different phases in their journey towards citizenship, and so when I work with students, I have to make sure that the needs and learning style of each student are properly addressed. It’s really important to teach with empathy.”

What would you like for the broader community to know about your work or about the impact of welcoming refugees to Washington?

“I think it’s amazing and it’s life changing. I think that the key thing is that one person can make a difference. I know that’s often said, but I think it’s often said because it’s true. The IRC relies on really committed and stellar staff, but also on volunteers and interns. Without the volunteers for the Citizenship class, the instructor might be in a situation where they have to single-handedly teach 20 students. But if there are three or four volunteers, then we can have smaller breakout rooms. This means each student gets more individual support, which I think is key to someone’s success. Don’t be afraid to stand up, show up, and make a connection.”

Meet Sandra – Currently based in Kigali, Rwanda, Sandra holds Bachelor degrees in Gender & Women’s studies and French. She is currently a research assistant at an NGO as well as a remote Family Wellness Volunteer with the IRC in Seattle. When she is volunteering with the IRC during the week, she regularly calls IRC clients to check up on their wellbeing and makes sure they have everything they need. 

What drew you to start volunteering with the IRC?

“I applied for a position because I had always wanted to work with refugees/asylum seekers. I want to be part of the work that consistently aids vulnerable communities, and the internship position with IRC gave me that opportunity. The position was initially 6 months, but since I have been enjoying the work, I have extended my time twice.”

What is your favorite part about being a Family Wellness volunteer?

“My favorite part of the work is finishing a call with a client and being able to have peace that I have made a certain task easier for them. I also love communicating with other members of the client’s support system such as the client’s doctors and supervisors, and being informed that progress has been made in certain areas.”

What would you like for the broader community to know about your work or about the impact of welcoming refugees to Washington?

“I would like the broader community to know that refugees/asylum seekers are just like me and you. They have goals, dreams, and plans like us. It is important that we support vulnerable communities and extend our humanity where we can help. Through assisting vulnerable communities who live amongst us, we are also able to guarantee our own wellbeing, as these are the neighbors that we live alongside on a day-to-day basis.”