Welcome to our Monthly Newsletter from PCC4Refugees!
In this issue:
Register now for upcoming online events
- Nov 11 – Conversation and Information Sharing (8 pm ET)
- Nov 18 – Advocacy Forum Webinar (8 pm ET)
Community Spotlight
- RPCV DMV Sponsors
In each issue, you are also able to register for all upcoming events, view recordings of past events, access “Welcoming Refugees: A Guide to Volunteer Opportunities for the Peace Corps Community,” volunteer with our PCC4Refugees team, link to our website, and follow us on social media. All of this is in the issue below!
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Register Now for Upcoming Events
November 18 at 8 pm Eastern – Join the PCC4Refugee Advocacy Forum to review refugee-related legislation that could be attached and passed during the final days of this 2023-2024 US Congressional session. The Advocacy Team has scheduled this webinar to determine how our returned Peace Corps volunteer networks across the country might assist in highlighting and promoting these bills after the election and before early January, when Congress will change.
Two important refugee pieces of legislation have been hung up in Congress for over a year now. We have invited four experts on the Afghan Adjustment Act and the Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act to participate in the November 18th webinar.
Several prognosticators on congressional legislation have suggested that the post-election lame-duck period is the most likely opportunity to forward these two bills for attachment to must-pass legislation. This will be the best, and perhaps only, opportunity to proceed with these two issues.
November 11 at 8 pm Eastern – Join the PCC4Refugees Conversation Series to share resources and information in an informal online setting.
See below for the full list of upcoming events.
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Community Highlight: RPCV DMV Sponsors
The Welcome Corps is a volunteer service opportunity for Americans in communities across the country to make a direct, lasting impact by helping refugees build new lives in the United States. Our group, the RPCV DMV Sponsors, consists of eight RPCVs working together to help a recently arrived refugee transition to life in the DMV. Although we didn’t know each other before forming the group (except for two Burkina Faso RPCVs), we decided to work together to ensure this individual received the kindness and understanding we experienced while serving overseas in the Peace Corps.
Ernest, a refugee from Burkina Faso, arrived in the United States last month and is currently settling into his temporary apartment in Silver Spring, Maryland. Although he hasn’t been here very long, he has already experienced a series of exciting firsts, such as the first time on a plane, using an elevator, and living in a place with electricity and running water. As a sponsor group, we’re responsible for helping Ernest with things like finding and furnishing an apartment, getting a job, enrolling in English classes, and accessing community services. So far, we’ve been able to provide Ernest with essential items, including a phone, clothing, and food. Additionally, Ernest attended his first ESOL class! We’re actively working on securing job opportunities and permanent housing for him.
To support these efforts, we started a GoFundMe campaign. The funds raised will provide Ernest with a financial cushion as he navigates this transition. We invite you to share our campaign link with anyone who might be interested in contributing to Ernest’s new beginning. Your support can make a significant difference in his life. Thank you for helping us provide Ernest with the resources he needs during this crucial time and welcoming him to our community!
[Text and photo provided by RPCV DMV Sponsors. The photo below shows the two Burkina Faso RPCVs with Ernest pointing at Burkina Faso on a map. To learn more or to contact the group, email them at rpcv-dmv-sponsors@googlegroups.com.]
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PCC4Refugees Needs You!
Volunteer Opportunities with Peace Corps Community for Refugees
Join our Advocacy, Communication, Partnership, and Membership teams! We need writers, editors, graphic designers, reporters, advocates, recruiters, speakers, organizers, relationship builders, and innovators. All around, pinch hitters are welcome too! We are urgently looking for the following:
Please email info@PCC4Refugees.org to express interest.
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Welcoming Refugees: A Guide to Volunteer Opportunities for the Peace Corps Community
This Guide, developed by the PCC4Refugees team, is to inspire more RPCVs and others to use their unique cross-cultural and language skills to welcome refugees and help them resettle in the United States. The guide provides information on a wide range of welcoming services that individuals and groups of RPCVs can provide for refugees in their communities and along the border.
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Register for Upcoming Events
- November 11 at 8 pm ET – Conversation and Information Sharing
- November 18 at 8 pm ET – Advocacy Forum
- December 9 at 8 pm ET – Conversation and Information Sharing
- December 11 at 8 pm ET – Showcase highlighting RPCV and RPCV group activities supporting refugees
Note that we will add further details on individual sessions as we get closer to their dates. Details subject to change. All conversations are from 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm (note the new time!) in the Eastern U.S. time zone.
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Archived Webinar Recordings
Welcoming Refugees – An introduction to our newly-launched guide and Switchboard, a one-stop online resource hub (recorded Sept. 26, 2024)
Career Pathways in the Refugee Resettlement Sector, co-hosted with RPCVnexus (recorded Oct. 21, 2024)
(Note: the content of each webinar is as of the dates noted. Some content may now be outdated.)
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Support PCC4Refugees!
PCC4Refugees is run entirely by volunteers, but our website and crucial database are not free. Help us best share key information with you and facilitate networking with your financial contribution.
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The mission of Peace Corps Community for Refugees (PCC4Refugees) is to inspire and mobilize the Peace Corps community to help those seeking refuge in our country and to advocate and educate on their behalf.
Please visit these pages of our website for regularly updated resources and opportunities: