Refugee Resettlement Program
Volunteer Orientation/Training
Thursday, Dec. 15, 5:30-8:30 pm
Catholic Charities, 2740 SE Powell Blvd., Portland
(4^th Floor, Training Room A&B)

Please RSVP here by Tuesday, Dec. 13.

This training will allow for discussion based upon your pre-orientation reading and activities (below), outline our organization and program, and prepare you for the specifics of what it means to volunteer in this program.

Since the training is after hours, there will be someone stationed at the front door of the building to let you in and help you access the training room.

If you have not already done so, please complete the attached volunteer application prior to the training date. You may attach it to your RSVP email, or bring it to the training with you.

The following list is for your learning enhancement—it is not a program requirement but is strongly encouraged. Please take a look at some of these resources to help you better understand the populations we serve.

A great documentary: (50min) http://www.pbs.org/show/homeland-immigration-america/ 

Read about refugees at:http://www.cal.org/areas-of-impact/immigrant-refugee-integration and http://www.unhcr.org 

Read the ethic profiles of Portland’s main refugee groups:

 Iraqi  http://culturalorientation.net/learning/populations/iraq

Burmese http://culturalorientation.net/learning/populations/burmese

Somali  http://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/multimedia/meet-the-somalis

Congolese   http://culturalorientation.net/learning/populations/other-populations-from-africa

Syrian     http://www.cal.org/resource-center/publications/refugees-from-syria 

Communicating without a shared language:  Gestures and body language are important in all face-to-face communication, but when we do not speak the same language, they are simply essential. Throughout the filming of this TV series, together with the production team and their European hosts, all manner of strategies were deployed to get around the so-called 'language barrier'. The results went beyond their expectations, and they discovered just how effective these strategies can be in achieving true communication between human beings. Rising to the challenge proved to be an enriching and enjoyable learning experience for everyone. http://www.open.edu/openlearn/languages/when-words-do-not-matter

Check out these other resources!

15 TED Talks on Refugees: http://innovation.unhcr.org/15-ted-talks-on-refugee-resilience/ 

Local article on refugees resettling in Portland: 

http://www.pamplinmedia.com/go/42-news/161476-flight-from-syria-  

Directions, Parking, and Food:

Street parking on 28^th as well as Guest Parking on the west side of the building, Bike posts by front door. Bus lines #9

Snacks and beverages will be available but you are more than welcome to bring your own dinner to eat during the training.  

If you are unable to attend this training but still interested in volunteering, please let us know so we can communicate with you regarding your availability as we plan for future trainings. Do not hesitate to follow up if you have any specific questions. Also, if you are no longer interested in volunteering please let us know as well, we understand that life happens.

There is currently a huge variety of volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved with the Refugee Community. Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Refugee Resettlement. This work would be impossible without the on-going dedication of our volunteers. We are excited to meet you and share this program with you.