RISE Becomes RIVA AmeriCorps
RISE AmeriCorps has been an integral part of Refugee & Immigrant Voices in Action (RIVA) since launching in 2015. Today, we are excited to announce that the program will be known as RIVA AmeriCorps moving forward. AmeriCorps members have always lived up to RIVA’s mission to serve refugee and immigrant communities through collective action, advocacy, and leadership development. This name change will strengthen that connection; yet despite the new name, you can expect the same community-centered resources and support during your service across Iowa.
RISE AmeriCorps has been an integral part of Refugee & Immigrant Voices in Action (RIVA) since launching in 2015. Today, we are excited to announce that the program will be known as RIVA AmeriCorps moving forward. AmeriCorps members have always lived up to RIVA’s mission to serve refugee and immigrant communities through collective action, advocacy, and leadership development. This name change will strengthen that connection; yet despite the new name, you can expect the same community-centered resources and support during your service across Iowa.
Refugees in Iowa
Over the past 10 years, more than 18,000 refugees have resettled directly to Iowa. While they have reached safety from persecution and refugee camps, they now face a different set of challenges. Families receive little support as they transition to their new lives as Iowans. Finding a job, enrolling in school, or accessing existing resources can be insurmountable challenges due to language and cultural barriers.
Over the past 10 years, more than 18,000 refugees have resettled directly to Iowa. While they have reached safety from persecution and refugee camps, they now face a different set of challenges. Families receive little support as they transition to their new lives as Iowans. Finding a job, enrolling in school, or accessing existing resources can be insurmountable challenges due to language and cultural barriers.
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Power of Teamwork
RIVA AmeriCorps uses a paired team approach, to leverage members' diverse experiences, perspectives and strengths to facilitate inclusion and integration. RIVA AmeriCorps Members serve in teams: one member from the newcomer refugee community and one member from the receiving community work together to help empower refugees in their community. |
Stronger Iowa
RIVA AmeriCorps Members serve at select nonprofits and workforce agencies across the state, empowering refugees to access services, build workforce readiness skills, and gain economic empowerment.
RIVA AmeriCorps Members serve at select nonprofits and workforce agencies across the state, empowering refugees to access services, build workforce readiness skills, and gain economic empowerment.
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About RIVA
Refugee & Immigrant Voices in Action (RIVA) works to build the power of the people who are so often sidelined — the leaders, volunteers, and advocates working on the ground in refugee and immigrant communities. These individuals and groups are the experts. They know what their communities need, and how best to serve their neighbors in culturally responsive and effective ways. By partnering with refugee and immigrant leaders and ethnic community-based organizations (ECBOs) to elevate their voices and expand their capacity, RIVA creates a cascade of change that’s powered by our own communities. |
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