Refugee Support
The Peace Corps Community for Refugees (PCC4R), the NPCA Affiliate Group working on refugee issues, is gearing up for an expected large number of refugees entering the U.S. due to the Biden Administration’s announced new policy of allowing up to 125,000 refugees to enter the country each year.
PCC4R invited SEAPAX to consider working with their new partnership with the Lutheran Immigrant and Refugee Service and their regional regional affiliate, Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW).
There are many ways you can support - examples include assisting refugees in preparing for job interviews, obtaining drivers licenses, opening bank accounts, enrolling children in school, operating kitchen appliances, and furnishing a home. There are opportunities to raise awareness, provide legal advice, develop budgets, fundraise, and so much more!
If you are interested in working through SEAPAX with refugees (via LCSNW or otherwise), please email Lillian with your contact information, location, any non-English languages you speak, and your relevant technical skills.
SEAPAX's Mentorship Program is open to newly returned PCVs AND not-so-newly returned PCVs! How we can offer support:
- Finding housing
- Job/career/professional development
- Social networking events
- Reintegration and readjustment
- Graduate school
- Service/volunteer opportunities
- Navigating Seattle
- Talking about the Peace Corps experience
If you are interested in participating as a mentee, sign up here.
Advocacy
February has always been a busy month for the Advocacy Team as we prepare to meet with our elected officials to advocate for Peace Corps in early March. This year will be a little different as we will not be traveling to Capitol Hill, but instead there will be several virtual district meetings and other activities. The NPCA will host a nationwide kickoff to the 17th annual National Days of Advocacy in Support of the Peace Corps on Monday, March 1 at 5 pm PST. Keep an eye out for more information!