Help teach Cultural Orientation classes, where newly arrived refugees learn about the basics of life in the U.S. Wide-ranging topics such as emergency services, transportation, and school are covered so that refugees can begin to thrive in their new environment. Volunteers will also help newly arrived refugees explore their neighborhoods and provide follow-up support for individuals needing additional one-on-one assistance.

Time Commitment: Cultural orientation is an eight weeks series. The classes are held twice a week; on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00am to 12:00pm. 

Responsibilities:  

  • Facilitate small to large group instruction using provided Cultural Orientation curriculum.
  • Work with interpreters to effectively deliver instructional content to multilingual students.
  • Assist in orienting newly arrived refugees to their neighborhoods through classes and field trips (libraries, parks, clothing stores, grocery stores, and other community services).
  • Assist in teaching refugees how to navigate Wichita Transit.
  • Provide follow-up for individuals needing more assistance after Cultural Orientation class.
  • Help develop new resources to introduce newly arrived refugees to U.S. customs, laws and culture.

Qualifications:

  • Experience working with diverse populations
  • Proven ability to demonstrate patience, understanding, and flexibility
  • Experience in fostering a warm and welcoming environment in group settings
  • A willingness to work with, and take direction from, program staff
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently in a multicultural environment

If interested, please submit a volunteer application.

For further inquiries, please contact [email protected]. 

Working with the IRC: Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.     

IRC resettles refugees into the Wichita community through extensive programming. We recognize that volunteers form the backbone of what we do here, and we would not be successful without them! Volunteers can be assured that we will work with them to give them the experience and guidance that they need/desire.