The Value of Art Programs Like the Narratio Fellowship for Refugees

Keynote speaker and 2021 Narratio Fellow Nidaa Aljabbarin opens up RAIVS 2022 with a discussion on the value of art and creative programs for refugees and her experience writing poetry. She ends with reciting a poem she wrote as a Narratio Fellow.

Welcome to the US Tax System! Primary Tax Issues Facing Newcomers

At 38:33, David Sams, Executive Director of the Community Tax Law Project leads us through the US tax system with a focus on common issues newcomers face.

Girls' Education in Afghanistan

Speaker Farhangais Akbari describes her experiences as a young teacher in Afghanistan along with barriers and victories throughout her immigration and educational journeys.

Supporting Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE)

Henrico County English language teacher and cofounder of the Tusome Pamoja Saturday school, Kenya Gray, speaks on understanding and working with SLIFE (Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education) students. She describes how to identify SLIFE students, understand the unique barriers they face, and school advocacy.

Teaching Citizenship - Strategies and Techniques to Enhance Adult Students’ Learning

Laura Wilkinson, a faculty member in the English language program at VCU, explores techniques and activities for teaching adult English language learners about citizenship.

Family Reunification and the Afghan Parole Situation

Senior Programs Officer and Immigration Attorney at the International Rescue Committee, Diane Sheehey, explains various processes with the Afghan Parole situation. She informs volunteers about family reunification, the eligibility of U.S. citizenship, and the current state of Afghan parolees.

R&P/APA Program Overview and the Role of the Caseworker

Michelle Taylor, Casework Supervisor at the International Rescue Committee Richmond office, explains the role of caseworker in resettlement agencies and the R+P (Reception and Placement) program.

Big Impact in Small Doses: Mentor VA

Tiara Whitfield, Training & DEI Programs Manager at MENTOR Virginia, explains the aspects of high quality mentoring relationships including what they look like, how trauma can impact them, and strategies for support when working as a mentor. Tiara is a training and development specialist with experience working in a variety of organizations.

Tutoring People in Refugee Communities: How to Get Started

Speakers Laurie Weinberg and Nancy Riddlemoser are long-time educators and volunteers with ReEstablish Richmond.

Laurie Weinberg served as the ESL program coordinator at Reynold's Community College for 15 years prior to her retirement in 2020.

Nancy Riddlemoser is a certified teacher in Special Education, Adult Education, ESL and as a Reading Specialist. She's a pillar in the volunteer community at ReEstablish Richmond training our English tutors and supporting our recent English classes.

In this RAIVS session, they provide a crash course on English tutoring for new volunteers or those wondering where to get started.

Pertinent Cultural Information About Afghans

Dr. Sultana Salam, board certified psychiatrist and Afghan-American immigrant, explores the cultural conduct and values of Afghan people. She emphasizes hospitality and loyalty as fundamental values that shape Afghan heritage.

Latino Cultural Competency: Vital to Establishing Connection and Building Allyship

Carolina Lugo, Director of Programs at the Sacred Heart Center, dives into Latino cultural competency with our volunteers. Participants received a snapshot of the diversity of the Latino diaspora, cultural values, and how this diversity impacts relationship-building in the non-profit sphere.

Language Access: Best Practices and Where to Find It

Sara Haj-Hassan, the Partnerships Manager at Tarjimly, explores the best practices for using interpretation services and how to utilize the app Tarjimly in volunteer-client matches.

Maintaining Balance: Yoga and Mindfulness for Caregivers

Yoga instructor and Family Science Educator at Varina High School, Michelle Landon, explores wellness tools and practices for volunteers working in the non-profit sphere. She leads a calming beginner-level yoga practice to encourage mindfulness and self-care.

Credential Recognition for Immigrants, Refugees, and Displaced Persons

World Education Services staff member Senay Gebremedhin explains the WES Gateway program and how it helps evaluate and recognize international credentials for refugees or immigrants.

The Cost of Caring for Others: Signs of Compassion Fatigue/Vicarious Trauma

Nicole Anjum, Program Assistant at the Virginia Family Network, defines compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. She identifies common symptoms and shares solutions for self-care. The Virginia Family Network is a statewide network to support and empower families with children who have mental health needs.