Side by Side Co-Sponsorship Program
Welcoming Newly Arrived Americans
Walk Side by Side with New Americans
Volunteer groups are needed to help refugee families take their next step towards self-sufficiency and thriving here in Minnesota.
Groups of two to four people can now apply to become a volunteer team through our Side by Side initiative!
These teams will commit to four months of walking “side by side” with their matched refugee family who has been in the U.S. less than 3 years. Helping them take the next steps towards their goals of thriving here in Minnesota. Goals such as personal fulfillment, professional development and community belonging. Side by Side teams will receive training and support from the Institute’s staff along the way.
Volunteer teams must secure a minimum of $5,000 in contributions which will be used to help the family achieve their goals.
Side by Side teams will receive training and support from Institute’s staff members along the way.
This volunteer opportunity combines the Institute’s long-time expertise supporting new Americans with the warmth of community support that makes Minnesota welcoming. We can’t wait to work with you to support our immigrant neighbors.
If you’re interested in learning more, please complete the Side by Side interest form.
Frequently Asked Questions
- The key focus is to offer help and guidance to refugees’ ready to take the next steps needed to thrive as new Americans
- Support the family to achieve the goals they have set for themselves.
- Provide opportunities for community connection.
- Provide information without making decisions for the family.
- Volunteers should think not of “doing for” but rather “doing with.”
- Institute staff:
- Train and support the volunteer team throughout the 4 month commitment period
- Advocate on the families behalf to receive services for which they are eligible.
- Side by Side team:
- Must secure a minimum of $5,000 in contributions which will be used to help the family achieve their goals
- Assists the family in achieving self-sufficiency in partnership with the Institute.
- Supports the family as they integrate into the community.
- Offer help and guidance to achieve the goals the family has set for themselves.
- Track volunteer activities and hours.
- New American Family:
- Work in partnership with Institute staff and Side by Side team to succeed in obtaining their goals.
- Set obtainable goals that will aid in achieving self-sufficiency in order to thrive as New Americans.
An orientation and training will be provided for all Side by Side team members
Institute staff members will be available to support the team throughout the entire 4 month commitment
Please complete form below.
Side by Side
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