Top Main Nav Bar
logo
join our mailing list
Email:
connect

Connect with Refugee Transitions on Facebook Connect with Refugee Transitions on YouTube Connect with Refugee Transitions on LinkedIn Follow Refugee Transitions on Twitter Connect with Refugee Transitions on Yelp Connect with Refugee Transitions on Flickr

volunteer!
volunteer spotlight

"I love volunteering at SFIHS because it’s such a great group of kids."
- Lauren Nazario, RT Volunteer

Lauren is an after-school tutor at San Francisco International High School (SFIHS) and is always an enthusiastic and positive presence in the tutoring room. Thanks Lauren for being an exemplary volunteer!

To read more from our dedicated volunteers, click here.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION AND ORIENTATION PROCESS

HOW TO APPLY

Refugee Transitions requires a multi-step application and orientation process in order to ensure that our Literacy Coaches are confident, committed, and capable.  Below is a step-by-step walk through of the process and its components.

►Step 1:  Fill out a Literacy Coach application

CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT OUR ONLINE APPLICATION
    

►Step 2:  Attend a Refugee Transitions Orientation

All volunteers are required to attend this mandatory Orientation, which will help you better understand the resettlement process of refugees and asylees in the United States; the challenges that low income immigrants face in the Bay Area; Refugee Transitions' mission; the services that we offer; and the backgrounds and needs of our clients. Please visit our calendar page for upcoming Orientation dates in the East Bay, South Bay, and San Francisco.  RSVP to lauren@reftrans.org or 415-989-2153.

►Step 3:  Interview with one of our Staff Members

After attending the Orientation, an RT staff member will contact you to set up an interview.  Here you will discuss your volunteering preferences and we'll have a chance to learn a bit more about you.  This will enable our staff to match you with an appropriate student.  We also encourage you to look over our resources page on refugees and immigrants.  Our list of websites, books, and films will offer you an enhanced perspective on the students we serve.

►Step 4:  Attend a Youth or Adult Training

After your interview, we ask that you attend a mandatory 3 hour training session where we provide you with curriculum material and teaching resources relevant to refugees and low-income immigrants.  You are welcome to attend both Youth and Adult Trainings, but we only require that you attend one of them.  You can find upcoming Training dates on our calendar page.   

►Step 5:  The Match

Once you have been trained and oriented to the organization, our staff will match you with a student.  Depending on the specificity of your preferences and the availability of clients who meet your preferences, this can take anywhere from a week to several weeks.  Once a student has been selected, a staff person will accompany you on your match date to meet the student at his or her home.  Here you will establish a schedule and finalize any last details.    

►Step 6:  You're ready to start!

Now you are ready to assume your role as a Refugee Transitions Literacy Coach!  Our Volunteer Coordinator and staff are always available to answer any questions and to provide you with the support you need.  Additionally, we ask that you attend one supplementary training of your choice during the first six months of your service as a Literacy Coach.