They are ready to become Citizens! Can you help? Virtual or In-Person

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In 2016, the United States resettled 78,761 refugees from Somalia, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Syrian Rep., DR Congo, Eritrea, Iraq, and Myanmar. At the height of refugee resettlement in 2016, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee resettled over 600 refugees in Milwaukee and Sheboygan.

6 years later, these individuals are now eligible to apply for Citizenship! Becoming a U.S. citizen is a big dream for many refugees or immigrants as it provides them many opportunities that they otherwise would not have, including:

• The right to vote
• Securing US citizenship for their children
• Traveling with a United States passport
• New opportunities for employment
• Eligibility for scholarships for their children’s education
• Applying for a wider range of family members to join them in the United States

As explained in this video, there are many requirements to become a citizen and preparing by yourself can be overwhelming! This is where our volunteers step in to provide crucial support. You will work with learners to memorize the 100 Civics Questions, learn how to respond confidently to questions on the citizenship application (please note, you are not responsible for filling this form out with your learner), and pass the reading and writing requirement.

As a citizenship volunteer, you do not need to be a lawyer or a history professor to help. We will provide all the training and materials, but a basic knowledge and interest in American history is helpful. Our volunteers create a safe learning space for refugees and immigrants to prepare for and pass the Citizenship test. Sessions are one-on-one or small groups and held virtually at times that work best for all participants

Please note: Due to the time it takes to complete training and to find a learner who is a good match, this is not a quick-start opportunity, and we generally ask for a 6-month minimum commitment.

Skills/ Experience

Likes to connect with others

Is compassionate and culturally sensitive

Feels comfortable working with individuals with varying levels of English

Works independently, yet is willing to ask questions, as needed

Thinks on their feet and creatively problem solve as the needs of the learner change

Comfortable communicating in English to speakers of various levels-English speakers of all levels are welcomed and encouraged to apply

People who have gone through the citizenship process themselves or have helped family and friends prepare are strongly encouraged to apply

No previous experience is necessary and training is provided; however, teaching, tutoring, cross-cultural experiences and/or additional language skills are a plus

Must be 18 years old to volunteer

Technology (if meeting virtually)

Have access to a computer/tablet/phone with a webcam feature and reliable internet

Basic computer skills and familiarity with Zoom, WhatsApp or FaceTime

Time Commitment

1-2 hours per week; most learners are looking for 45 minutes to 1-hour sessions, once or twice a week

Schedules will be determined based on both the learners’ and the volunteer’s availability; people meet during the week and weekend, in the morning, afternoons, or early evenings

A volunteer may work with more than one learner individually or in a small group

Training & Materials

Volunteers will receive training before being matched and will have ongoing educational opportunities to enhance their teaching techniques through periodic check ins, monthly newsletters and Volunteer MeetUps (virtual educational and collaboration time)

Volunteers and learners will be provided with hard copies of our citizenship curriculum and books.

Volunteers also have access to a vast virtual and physical library of supplementary instructional material, including videos on our YouTube channel .

The Impact

You will become a big part of someone's citizenship success story!

Here’s what program participant Zubair had to say: "I passed my Citizenship test on Thursday, November 18 th, 2021. I didn’t have much time to prepare when I received the letter from USCIS but my teacher was amazing in guiding me on what to prepare. I follow the instructions I receive from her, like YouTube videos, Q & A practice with my wife, and also moral support. She made me comfortable and confident for the test and Alhamdulillah [thanks to God], I passed my test and I’m now a Citizen of the USA. I am grateful for having a teacher and thankful for Catholic Charities to make our dreams come true to belong to a country. Thank you!"

Click here to learn more about why citizenship is so important for the Rohingya refugee community.

Questions?

Contact Marie Honel, Volunteer Coordinator, at mhonel@ccmke.org

Learn more about the citizenship application process by clicking below!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P54S68lIZ5w