Announcement
Tom Greenleigh began his work at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Salt Lake City in 2016, supporting the IRC’s Civics & Citizenship Program by helping new Americans prepare for the naturalization exam. With many of this family members immigrants themselves, this volunteer opportunity fit his interest well: “I am the only member of my family who is a born U.S. citizen! That is just the way it worked out. So, when I entered this role, it was about giving back to my community,” says Tom. Through his hard work and passion for the role, Tom has helped numerous refugees and other immigrants who work hard to achieve U.S. citizenship.
Tom enjoys teaching students who are eager to learn, and quickly helped develop an online curriculum to continue tutoring when the pandemic started.
Photo: Courtesy of Tom Greenleigh
The naturalization test for those seeking to become U.S. citizens is no easy feat. Only after years of living in the U.S. as a permanent legal resident do refugees and other eligible immigrant groups have the opportunity to apply for U.S. citizenship. The road from application to naturalization exam can stretch long, especially if individuals face obstacles related to lack of formal education or ongoing unfamiliarity with the English Language. Though many refugees arriving to the U.S. speak multiple languages, the need for English language skills in their home country is limited. Additionally, the need to flee quickly from their home coupled with potentially spending years in a refugee camp can cause disruptions to formal learning, adding to the challenges of integrating into a new community. Although the pressure of teaching refugee students weighed on Tom, he felt that this was an area where he could make a real impact.
Tom greatly enjoys teaching students-often older adults-who are eager to learn and focused on an achievable goal. Tom’s pupils enjoy working with him, and he enjoys learning more about the people he tutors. “These are bright people who have amazing brainpower. I love being around bright people, and I have gotten to see some incredible intellect and incredible ability to learn from my students,” says Tom. When his students succeed, Tom and his wife make an effort to attend each of his student’s naturalization ceremonies.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the nation, students in the Civics & Citizenship Tutor Program could no longer attend in-person classes. Tom could not bear the thought of having to pause the immigration process for his students, knowing that it could lead to critical delays in their effort to become U.S. citizens. With guidance from IRC’s immigration team, Tom supported the development of an accessible online curriculum to ensure no time was lost.
Offering classes over Zoom took off with great success. Easily accessible, the online classes engaged students in the local community but also reached individuals in California, Florida, and Idaho. Utilizing online platforms-a program pivot shared broadly across IRC programming as the pandemic persisted allowed for more one-on-one sessions and a more flexible schedule for mentors and students.
When speaking on the importance of teaching immigrants in this setting, Tom says, “Because of the stories they share, it is an unforgettable experience because you do have to put more into it. Teaching in this setting is not a casual thing, you get the feeling that you have permanently changed someone’s life.” Tom has continued to find his work with the IRC an exceptional experience.
“Volunteering at the IRC is awfully gratifying,” says Tom, “You are not just giving, but you are getting a lot back.”
The IRC in Salt Lake City treasures the work of dedicated community volunteers, like Tom Greenleigh. Volunteers increase program capacity and ensure one-on-one services are accessible to families and individuals working hard to rebuild their lives in a new community. Learn more about our current volunteer opportunities by visiting Rescue.org/VolunteerSLC »