Sammiah Ebadi (she/her/hers) has been volunteering with the IRC in Denver office for 6 months. An immigrant herself, Sammiah came to the US from Afghanistan when she was 2 years old with her parents and her two siblings. She attends the University of Colorado and studies international studies and political science. In her service to the IRC in Denver office she volunteers at the front desk, helping with admin and clerical work and using her Dari language skills to call clients with reminders, coordinate services, and help them when they come to the office. She plans on volunteering with the IRC for as long as she can.

 

How did you first get connected to the IRC?

I found the IRC in Denver office through my own research. I wanted to volunteer and had some availability in my schedule. I’d previously volunteered with the Denver Public Library tutoring kids and for the Food Bank of the Rockies, but I wanted something new so I contacted IRC.

What motivates you to volunteer?

The fact that I can help somebody. I used to volunteer to tutor students while I was in high school and in my first year of college. When I found out about the IRC in Denver I was motivated to help because I felt that if I was in a better position than someone else, I could and should help them. Most of our clients are from the same place as me: Afghanistan. So I can help people in the same situation as me and my family, using the resources that I have now.

What has been particularly moving or meaningful during your volunteer work?

There are two things. First, helping clients that are in more difficult positions. Some of the clients I speak to or interpret for talk about these very hard situations they’ve been in as if they’re normal, everyday situations. For me it’s significant to know that I’m taking part in helping them in their journey, giving empathy for what they’ve been through before they get here. The second is the environment at the IRC in Denver office. Volunteers and staff are always kind and helpful to clients, and that’s what I love most about the organization. Our clients feel welcome, and when you’re resettling in a new country you need to come to a place where you feel comfortable.

What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering their time?

Don’t be nervous. I was super nervous when I started because I hadn’t come into such close contact with someone so new to the US, and not all our clients speak Dari so there is still a language barrier, and it felt like a lot of pressure. But once you get used to it, it’s so rewarding. And know that everyone is super welcoming! The staff are so, so amazing and understanding. The clients are super friendly, and it’s rewarding when you get used to it and learn how the process works.

What impact do you feel you’ve had on the community you serve?

A positive impact. I came to the IRC in Denver to make a bigger impact for people who needed it. I felt like there was a greater need to help refugees and that I could offer greater help because I know the culture and the language of many of the clients. I’ve been able to help out a greater number of people on a larger scale than my previous volunteering, and that means a lot to me.

What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned since becoming an IRC volunteer?

I’ve been in places and at events with some other volunteer and intern commitments where I’ve felt excluded because of things like how I look or my social status. Then I came to the IRC in Denver and attended events with their volunteers and staff, and they don’t exclude anyone! I’ve never had that experience before. I don’t feel excluded at all, not by clients or staff. It’s a very welcoming community – other organizations talk about being inclusive and welcoming, but from my experience the IRC in Denver is truly the best at it.

What is your proudest moment from your volunteer service?

When I’m interpreting for or talking to Dari-speaking clients and they say things like “we’re so proud of you for helping your community, and helping us.” Or little kids will come up and say “we love you so much, can we take a picture with you?”

What’s your favorite story about working with the IRC?

One day my sister and I were helping a family settle into their hotel. It was a mom and dad and their three children. The oldest child was 9 years old and spoke fluent Dari, Pashtu, and English. I could see myself in her – the way she was helping her parents, trying to talk to me, helping to coordinate everything, and also taking care of her younger sisters. She took so much responsibility on herself. I was once that little girl and my parents were in that situation. It made me appreciate them more.

A note from Sammiah:

I want to add a special thank you note - to everyone who works at IRC nationwide and in the Denver office, staff and volunteers - but specifically Miss Jennifer [the IRC in Denver volunteer coordinator]. She’s been super, super helpful. She's become my mentor and supporter. Whenever I have a question I ask her, she gives the best advice, she's so welcoming and so friendly. If it wasn't for her being there things would be so hectic, she’s so organized. From day one she never acted like she’d just met me, it was always like we’d known each other for so long. She’s just the best.

Interested in volunteering? Find your local field office and volunteer coordinator here.

Written by: Hanna Simmons