Refugee Settlement Monitoring Team and Refugee Committee

Due to recent changes to governmental regulations and processes, the Diocese of Edmonton has identified a pressing need for a group of faithful volunteers to help assist with refugee settlement monitoring for the refugees coming to Edmonton through Diocesan and parish sponsorship.

We hope to build two unique refugee support teams consisting of individuals with a heart for refugee and resettlement support (individuals may serve on both teams if they are so called).

The Refugee Settlement Monitoring Team, working in teams of two individuals or more, would commit to connecting with newcomers and their co-sponsors at least five times in their first 12 months in Canada (typically months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12). These visits can be a combination of in-person and phone/online. The role of this team would be to ensure that the newcomers are completing the necessary processes to fully settle (procuring health care cards, etc.) and ensure the co-sponsors are providing the promised and required support. This would require a one-year commitment to the newcomer family from the date of arrival and would require approximately 2 hours per month per family you commit to.

The Diocesan Refugee Committee would be made up of individuals with a background in refugee sponsorship and settlement and the availability to meet approximately 4 times per year. The time commitment for this committee would be 1-2 hours per month.

Involvement on either team would require a Police Record Check, a clergy recommendation, and an interview (done over the phone, on Zoom, or in person as per your preference), as volunteers will be dealing with a vulnerable population and sensitive personal information.

If you are interested in either or both opportunities, please get in touch with RJ (churched@edmonton.anglican.ca) at the Synod Office and he will connect with you to set up an interview time. Following the interview, the diocese will provide information on getting a Police Record Check and a letter to provide your clergy to request the clergy recommendation.