At the University of Chicago Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, we want students to have access to academic and cultural resources, but to also have opportunities independent of the classroom and student life. Thus, the following is a list of opportunities where students can go to search for funding, enrich their summers or find work after graduation.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

NIJC's Language of Human Rights: Volunteer Interpreter Project

Asylum Seekers & Immigrant Survivors of Violence Need Your Help!

Each year, the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) provides legal counsel and representation to thousands of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in the Chicago area. NIJC partners with pro bono attorneys from Chicago's most respected law firms to secure legal protections for these individuals. Pro bono attorneys frequently need volunteer interpreters to help them communicate with their clients -- many who have experienced violence and persecution -- as they prepare applications for immigration legal protections.

Please join the volunteer interpreter corps and partner with a pro bono legal team.

Volunteer Qualifications:
  • Bilingual (oral and written fluency in another language)
  • Commit to at least 3 months of service
  • Reside in the Chicagoland area
  • Flexibility, patience, and the ability to work in a multicultural environment
  • Prior experience working with immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and/or victims of crime is helpful, but not required
  • Corps Member Responsibilities:
  • Attend one training at NIJC's office
  • Serve as an on-call translator for pro bono cases in Chicago. Pro bono attorneys will contact you directly, at their discretion, based on language abilities and availability listed in your volunteer profile
  • Fully interpret in-person and telephone interviews
  • Translate affidavits and other written documents
  • Maintain a professional demeanor when working with clients who have experience trauma
Benefits:
  • Opportunity to exercise language skills while serving a client and learning about the complexities of immigration law.
  • Work directly with attorneys from the nation's leading law firms to secure legal protections for vulnerable populations.
The next volunteer training will be on Thursday, March 24, 2011 from 5:30 - 6:30 pm at 208 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 1818 in Chicago.

Please email aperlmutter@heartlandalliance.org for more information or to confirm your attendance at the next training.

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