DEADLINE: May 16, 2024

DURATION: Mid-July 2024 to Mid-January 2025 (6 months)

LOCATION: Initial convening in Southern California, then mostly virtual

For decades, Afghans have been in search of dignified life throughout the world. Affected by conflict and forced displacement, generation after generation of Afghans have found themselves in perpetual crisis. Deeply impacted by systems that render Afghans powerless and invisible, Afghans For A Better Tomorrow (AFBT) was created to achieve transformative change for Afghans and to move away from structures that have harmed us for decades.

This Fellowship kicks off with a two-day in-person (July 12-14) convening and meets virtually for the following six months. The Emerging Leaders Fellowship aims to build capacity by investing in tomorrow’s leaders of our community, today.

During the six-month fellowship, fellows will be immersed in workshops, frameworks and conversations in order to invest in the grassroots leadership of the Afghan community.

You will receive:

• Opportunity to learn from and connect with other social movements and leaders

• Mentorship on how to develop your leadership skills

• One-on-one and group support for project planning and project implementation

• Collaboration with and opportunities to build meaningful networks with current and alumni fellows

• $1,000 stipend to support you yourself of your project

Fellows responsibilities:

• Young leaders who are passionate about social justice and want to build community organizing skills

• People who can fully commit to an in-person convening in Southern California during July 12-14 and a six-month fellowship consisting of virtual meetings

Projects that align with our pillars of programmatic work:

• Welcoming new Afghan arrivals

• Community safety

• Storytelling

• Community resource

How we will select you:

After your submission, we might ask you for a quick phone conversation to get to know you further. We are looking for passionate individuals who are eager to learn and see themselves as part of the broader movement to bring real social change.

Who should apply:

• Members of the Afghan community who resides within the United States between the ages of 18 and 30

• If you are passionate and committed to a better tomorrow where Afghans and other marginalized people are treated with dignity

About Afghans For A Better Tomorrow

AFBT aims to organize the Afghan-American community to bring about systemic change in the U.S. and beyond to ensure all Afghans have lives of safety, dignity, and freedom.

AFBT is committed to a true, diversified applicant pool. People of color, women and gender non-conforming people, LGBTQIA folks, and people of diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply for this fellowship.

For questions, please contact contact@weareafghans.org.

PLEASE APPLY HERE.

Afghans For A Better Tomorrow is organizing to connect English/Dari/Pashto speakers to Afghans seeking asylum at our border and elsewhere.

Through your volunteer work to interpret virtually, you ensure critical language access and resources are conveyed to our community members.

If interested, please complete this form.

Upon completion of this form, you will receive an email to join a WhatsApp Group and an invitation to a briefing explaining what you'll be asked to volunteer for.

Got questions? E-mail contact@weareafghans.org.

Anticipated start date: April 2024

Background:

Since the end of 2022, New York State – but New York City in particular, has seen an influx of Afghan and Muslims seeking asylum. These individuals, including families with children and others, trekked 11-countries to enter the U.S. through the Southern border. After that, due to various circumstances, they came to New York City. At this time, we have approximately 200+ people seeking asylum living in shelters across the city who need assistance with everything from navigating the shelter system, assistance in legal coordination of their asylum cases, and other immediate needs.

A small set of volunteers has been assisting on these fronts, but it is time to have someone who can take on this role in a more cohesive manner, which is what we expect the person in this role will take on.

About the role:

Location: Must be based in NYC metro area, and able to commute to various NYC locations as needed. This position allows for remote work, when not needed on-site.

Compensation:

• Contractual role, anticipating 20 hours per week for a period of 6-9 months

• $25-32 per hour based on qualifications

Benefits: At this time, we are unable to offer comprehensive benefits, including healthcare and paid time off.

Travel: around 30% of the time; you might be asked to travel to Albany, NY if needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Navigation and case management services for Afghans and others seeking asylum in NYC/NY state.

• Coordinator will work closely with the (program coordinator/Co-directors) to complete needs assessments, help clients access vital resources in the community, facilitate programs to support community integration and build cross-cultural connections.

• Completes needs assessments on all new Afghans new arrivals to develop customized action plans; Identifies an individual/family's needs, clarifies information, and provides solutions or alternatives.

• Adheres to the guidelines and requirements to maintain high standards of client privacy and protection of sensitive information.

• Coordinator will work with the AFBT team to complete interviews and gather information on all current families and individuals throughout the year.

• Identifies and implements (or secures another provider to offer) regular, ongoing programs for adults and children that meet the goals of the organization.

• Manages relationships with partner organizations and develops systems to ensure coordination and communication between AFBT and partners’ staff.

Key Requirements:

• Participates in all staff meetings as required.

• Attends training and seminars as relevant.

• Support and engage in activities to further the organization's mission, vision, and strategic plan.

• Demonstrate the core values of the organization in all that you do.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Flexible availability on weekends/evenings.

Desired Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of prior experience in a case management setting.

• Experience working with immigrant and/or refugee populations; previous experience with Operation Allies Welcome a major plus.

• Some knowledge and familiarity with immigration processes.

• Dari or Pashto bilingual qualifications in addition to English; both Dari and Pashto are highly desirable.

• Ability to travel throughout NYC with some travel to Albany, as needed.

About AFBT:

Afghans For A Better Tomorrow is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.