Co-Sponsorship: partner with IRC to welcome refugees in Pima County

Looking for a way to support refugee families and make a difference in their lives? You’re in the right place!

What is Community Sponsorship?

Community Sponsorship is an umbrella term that describes different models of resettlement in which refugee clients are paired with community groups who provide in-kind contributions, financial contributions, and service delivery to support the welcome and integration of refugees in their new communities. This includes models such as private sponsorship through WelcomeCorps and sponsor circles as well as Co-Sponsorship. 

Before the Refugee Act of 1980 standardized refugee resettlement, through the use of resettlement agencies such as the International Rescue Committee, resettlement was largely conducted privately or through community groups. With the recent increase in refugees and enthusiasm of local community groups wanting to partner to resettle refugees, IRC has committed to integrating community sponsorship programming. 

What is Co-Sponsorship? 

Co-Sponsorship is just one form of community sponsorship. In this model, Co-Sponsors are specific community groups located near an IRC office that help assist clients as they start their lives in the United States. Groups commit to provide clearly defined financial & in-kind contributions, as well as to provide the majority of core services, for newly arriving refugee families. Throughout their time with clients, Co-Sponsor volunteer efforts are overseen by the local IRC office to ensure that volunteers & clients are supported to their fullest potential during their initial months of resettlement. Co-Sponsor groups enhance the quality of life for displaced individuals and families by supporting their transition to their new home and ensuring integration in the local community. 

Perks of being a Co-Sponsor: 

Volunteer hours through Co-Sponsorship look great on a college or work application and show a commitment to gain a set of skills in leadership, problem solving, and time-management. Co-Sponsorship can also help provide you with a sense of purpose, grow your social and language skills, and enhance your sense of community while giving back. 

How Do I Become a Co-Sponsor? 

• After expressing interest, form a group of 6-10 members
  - Groups can take many forms including local clubs, university communities, faith-based institutions, other community groups, sports teams, book clubs, and more.
  - IRC can help facilitate matchmaking for interested parties without groups.
• Attend an informational session with an IRC Community Sponsorship Coordinator
• Each group member submits a Volunteer Application to IRC AZ
• Each group member completes a background check
• Commit to six months of on-going education, mentorship, and client support
• Attend two training sessions with IRC staff & complete a Co-Sponsorship Application
• Raise $5,000 to support the family you will be working with. A small portion will go toward the administrative cost of the Co-Sponsorship program.
  -Suitable housing accommodations can also be used to cover or supplement the $5,000 financial requirement.
• Establish group leads to sign a 'Co-Sponsorship Agreement' and facilitate each group member signing a 'Vehicle Use Agreement'
• Once IRC receives notice of a new refugee family appropriate for your group, we will contact you to confirm matching
• Partake in regular check-in sessions with IRC staff while providing services agreed to during training

Contact

For more information about Co-Sponsorship or to get started with IRC Tucson please contact our Community Sponsorship Coordinator, Morgan Bell, at: [email protected] 

Jacqueline (center) shares a Congolese meal with her friends, Chris Johnson, 65, Jenny Hirst, 55, Janna Brown, 29, and Charlie, 16. Jacqueline Uwumeremyi, 43, fled the Democratic Republic of Congo to South Africa in 1998 because of escalating violence.

Photo: Andrew Oberstadt for the IRC