Welcome
Welcome to the CRC Volunteer Hub (or simply, the HUB)! We are thrilled to have you as part of our team of dedicated volunteers. This online platform has been designed to be your one-stop shop for everything you need to succeed as a CRC volunteer. From scheduling your shifts to accessing online training resources, SOPs, and volunteer job descriptions, the CRC Volunteer Hub has everything you need to make your volunteer experience as seamless and rewarding as possible.
To the right, you will see three main resources including (1) a link to our online classroom; (2) a link to HomeBase and (3) a link to submit your background check. Below, you will find links to our Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) library in addition to a library of volunteer job descriptions.
Thank you for your commitment to our organization, and we look forward to working with you!
Volunteer Training
The Chicago Refugee Coalition believes that sufficient, engaging, and high-quality training is the key to our volunteers' success. All volunteers will be enrolled in CRC 102: Volunteer Training via Canvas.
Access HomeBase (Scheduling)
As volunteers, we understand that you are generously contributing your time while balancing additional outside responsibilities. To afford our volunteers unparalleled flexibility in their experience with us, we use HomeBase as our central scheduling platform. Each week, open shifts are published and you can sign up for a shift that best meets your needs for that week. We aim to schedule up to four (4) weeks out so please feel free to look ahead!
CPS Background Checks
The Chicago Refugee Coalition empowers you to be representatives of our organization. However, we have a fiduciary responsibility to protect the safety and security of those we serve. Please be sure to submit your background check form as soon as possible. Please notify CRC when your background check has been submitted.
ABOUT US
Mission Statement
The Chicago Refugee Coalition is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the alleviation of human suffering through innovative partnerships, advocacy, and community empowerment.
Our Vision
The Chicago Refugee Coalition is rooted in the values of anti-racism, dignity, equity, and accountability. We believe in building a better, more innovative, and responsive, system for refugees to access critical resources.
This system requires a paradigm shift away from the Global North and tasks the staff, volunteers, and leadership to be conduits to ensuring our constituents are able to equitably access resources that they otherwise would forgo.
Chicago is a welcoming city and our vision is to ensure that it remains a bulwark against intolerance so all can contribute to this incredible place we call home.
Our Work
We are guided by community informed data which helps us to focus our work to yield the greatest impact. Our work is designed to identify and fill the systemic service gaps that exist in the relief services space and work to build solutions. Our scope of work covers three main areas (1) Food Security; (2) Resource Distribution and (3) Emergency Relief. To learn more about our programming, we invite you to visit our website.
Briefing Central
We want to ensure that you feel prepared and ready to take on whatever tasks lay ahead. This is why we have developed comprehensive briefings that are sent out via e-mail at least a day before your shift. If you’re looking to access your briefing sooner than that, please use the briefing library (right) to navigate to the date of your shift where you will be able to access all of the briefing files for that day.
"Upon my arrival, the
Chicago Refugee Coalition
was the greatest support my family and I received"
“Rahma” from Afghanistan
Volunteer
Job Description Library
Welcome to our Volunteer Job Description Library! We understand that as a new volunteer, you may be eager to explore the various opportunities within our organization. To assist you in finding the right role that aligns with your interests and skills, we have organized our volunteer job descriptions by teams.
Here's how to navigate the library:
- Start by accessing the team folders: Each team has its own dedicated folder within the library (right). For example, if you're interested in the Logistics team, look for the "Logistics" folder.
- Explore the job descriptions: Inside each team folder, you will find a collection of job description documents related to specific roles within that team. These documents provide detailed information about the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations for each volunteer position.
- Choose the role that suits you best: Take your time to review the job descriptions within the team you're interested in. Once you've identified a role that aligns with your interests and skills, check HomeBase to see if there are any available shifts.
- Please note that shifts are typically scheduled up to four weeks out. If there is not a open shift for a position you’re interested in please note that it may not be scheduled yet. We appreciate your patience.
Our goal is to make your volunteer experience enjoyable and fulfilling, and finding the right role is an essential part of that journey. If you have any questions or need assistance while exploring the Volunteer Job Description Library, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help you every step of the way as you embark on this exciting volunteer opportunity. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our cause!
Standard Operating Procedure Library
As a new volunteer, you may have questions about the systems/processes you'll be interfacing with. We understand and have developed a detailed, and growing, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) library to assist. This library is always evolving and is our central hub for providing guidance and support to our dedicated volunteers like you. Our SOPs cover a wide range of topics, from onboarding procedures to specific task instructions, ensuring that you have access to comprehensive resources throughout your volunteer journey.
If you have any questions or need clarification on any aspect of our organization's processes, don't hesitate to reach out to a member of the team. They are here to help you navigate through the SOPs and ensure that you feel confident in your role.
Remember that your contributions as a volunteer are invaluable to us, and we're here to make your experience as smooth and rewarding as possible. Welcome to our team, and thank you for choosing to make a difference in our community!
Volunteer
Handbook
We invite you to download a copy of our volunteer handbook which discusses key features of your tenure such as (1) code of conduct; (2) ethical advocacy; (3) emergency procedures and (4) incident reporting. This list is not exhaustive but rather provides an overview of some of the topics covered in this document. You can read the document online (right) or download a copy (below).
CRC 103: Beyond Borders
Embark on a transformative journey into the world of forced migration studies with CRC 103: Beyond Borders. This enlightening introductory class, spanning 8 comprehensive modules, delves into the complexities of forced displacement, human rights, and global responses.
This course, available on a donation basis, enables you to explore the historical foundations of the refugee system, understand the roles of international stakeholders, and immerse yourself in role our city has played in this global crisis. Our class also emphasizes the power of education as a tool for effective advocacy, with a special focus on ethical advocacy practices.
By the end of the course, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by individuals uprooted from their homes and the potential solutions for displaced communities worldwide. This course is designed for individuals from various disciplines—including international relations, political science, sociology, anthropology, geography, and human rights—who seek to grasp the intricacies of forced migration and leverage their knowledge for meaningful impact.
More than just a flotation device, this lifejacket serves as a powerful symbol of the ongoing refugee crisis. It represents the hope and determination of those fleeing their homes in search of safety and a better life. A stark reminder of the perilous journey many undertake, this lifejacket is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
Volunteer General Information Meeting Recording:
Q1 2024
This video is a recording of our Volunteer Information Session that was hosted in March 2024.
This video provides a (1) general overview of the organization; (2) an overview of our programming (3) a brief discussion on opportunities for engagement, and (4) ways to stay connected.
Some of the volunteer opportunities mentioned in the video have since passed; however, the foundational content is the same. We hope this is useful and look forward to hosting another informational session soon.
thank you for your support & Please
Stay Connected
Mailing Address:
303 East Wacker Drive
Suite 2108
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Email:
info@chicagorefugee.org
media@chicagorefugee.org
