ORGANIZATION SUMMARY: CAPI's mission is to guide refugees and immigrants in their journey toward self-determination. Key organizational values are rooted in equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Today, we are an inclusive, multi-lingual, and immigrant-led nonprofit serving new refugees and immigrants including Minnesota's Asian, East and West African, and Latinx communities, as well as underserved US-born communities. Over 11,000 individuals are served annually across three core service areas Basic Needs, Economic Empowerment, and Civic Engagement.
Position Overview:
As a volunteer with the Afghan Community Friend Program, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Afghan newcomers. Your role will involve providing support, building connections, and offering a welcoming atmosphere to help ease the transition process for individuals and families recently arriving in the Twin Cities.
Impact & Benefits:

• Hands-on learning and work experience opportunities.
• Personal fulfillment from making a positive impact on the lives of Afghan newcomers.
• Networking opportunities within the community.
• Training and skill development in cross-cultural communication and support.

Schedule:
Volunteers are asked to make a 6 month commitment to the program which includes the expectation that they will to connect with their families weekly, including connecting in-person at least once a month. Volunteers must also compete 2 of the 6 training sessions held during their volunteer commitment.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Welcome & Orientation: Assist newcomers in understanding local services and resources.
• Social Support: Engage in social activities with Afghan individuals and families to foster a sense of community and belonging.
• Language Assistance: Help with language barriers by providing conversational English practice and translation support when needed.
• Cultural Exchange: Facilitate cultural exchange experiences to promote mutual understanding and friendship.
• Resource Navigation: Guide individuals in accessing essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment resources.

Required Qualifications:

• Genuine interest in supporting Afghan newcomers and promoting cultural exchange.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Patience and flexibility.
• Ability to commit to a minimum of three months of volunteering.

Time Commitment:

• Flexible schedule, with an expected commitment of connecting weekly/monthly with their family.
• Training sessions will be provided to equip volunteers with the necessary knowledge and skills.

Diversity and open expression are fundamental to the work of CAPI USA. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment where everyone can belong. Every member of our team enriches our work by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions. We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in our sector: individuals who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQI and gender fluid or gender nonconforming, individuals with disabilities (both seen and unseen), veterans, people of any age or family status. We encourage you to apply even if you feel like you don't fit 100% of the technical requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, disability, marital status, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, genetic information or a protected veteran's status.