By Lidet Gezahegne, Community Sponsorship Coordinator, IRC
Photo: Andrew Oberstadt for the IRC. Jacqueline stands outside her home with her son, Zoe who is one. Jacqueline Uwumeremyi, 43, fled the Democratic Republic of Congo to South Africa in 1998 because of escalating violence. She and her children were resettled in Boise by the IRC in October 2018. There she was welcomed by the local church community who helped Jacqueline navigate American customs and culture. Today, Jacqueline works as an interpreter, speaking five languages, and she is now the one helping other refugees adapt to their new community.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) Co-Sponsorship Program is a remarkable initiative that allows ordinary people to make a profound impact on the lives of newly arrived refugees.
This program sets a precedent for how communities can come together to create a nurturing environment, offer hope, stability, and solidarity, ensuring a smoother transition, and brighter future for those fleeing from difficult circumstances.
Understanding the Co-Sponsorship Program
Co-sponsorship, as a model of resettlement, involves community groups partnering with a local IRC office to provide or ensure the provision of Reception and Placement (R&P) services to refugees.
The beauty of co-sponsorship is that community groups can take various forms, for example:
- Local clubs
- University communities, teams, and clubs
- Faith-based institutions
- City and neighborhood sports teams
- Book clubs
- And many more!
Through this initiative, co-sponsorship groups, consisting of committed volunteers, provide much-needed support and resources to help these newcomers rebuild their lives. The Community Sponsorship Program for IRC Seattle offers a co-sponsorship opportunity for groups within 100 miles of our office.
The Benefits of Co-Sponsorship
Co-sponsorship allows community groups to collaborate with local IRC office to both increase local resettlement capacity and promote greater community awareness and involvement in resettling refugees in their communities.
The IRC Co-Sponsorship Program in Seattle and Spokane provides an extraordinary opportunity for individuals and communities to come together and be a part of a compassionate and inclusive movement that empowers hope and creates a stronger, more united community.
In the words of a refugee who experienced the co-sponsorship program firsthand with IRC Spokane and Washington State University (WSU), he expressed that the most valuable component of his co-sponsorship experience was the kindness of the volunteers. He shared how they helped him and his family during a time of uncertainty when they knew very little about their new surroundings. The friendship and support he received from the co-sponsors were more valuable to him than any monetary assistance. Working with the co-sponsors made him feel less alone, reuniting him with a sense of family after a prolonged period of struggle before arriving in the US.
The heart of the Co-Sponsorship Program lies in promoting inclusivity and a welcoming environment for refugees from diverse backgrounds. This initiative encourages lasting friendships to form between newcomers and community members, creating a stronger and more united society. Through collective action, the program stands as a testament to the transformative power of coming together to uplift lives and build resilient communities. Let’s stand together, extend a helping hand, and build a brighter future for those who need it the most.
How to Get Involved
If you’re interested in forming your own co-sponsorship group and joining the IRC Seattle’s Co-Sponsorship Program, here’s what you need to do:
- Visit the IRC Seattle Website: Go to the IRC Seattle website – https://www.rescue.org/announcement/become-co-sponsor – to learn more about the program, its requirements, and the responsibilities of co-sponsorship groups.
- Reach Out to IRC Seattle: Contact the IRC Seattle office, DevelopmentTeam.Seattle@rescue.org, to express your interest and request additional information about starting a co-sponsorship group.
- Attend Orientation and Training: Once you have connected with the IRC Seattle team, participate in orientation and training sessions to understand the program’s guidelines and how to support newcomers effectively.
- Engage Your Community: Spread the word among your community members and encourage them to get involved. The more individuals you have in your co-sponsorship group, the greater the positive impact you can make.
As a co-sponsor, you become a pillar of support, helping refugees rebuild their lives with dignity and empowering them to overcome challenges.
Together, we can create an inclusive and compassionate society that embraces diversity and stands as a testament to the strength of collective action. Remember, every act of kindness, no matter how small, can make an immeasurable difference in the lives of others. So, why wait? Join the movement and be part of a transformative journey that uplifts lives and builds stronger communities.