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Volunteer Sign-Up

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with The Advocates for Human Rights. Your time and effort as a volunteer will help protect and promote human rights in Minnesota, the U.S., and around the world.

Please let us know which volunteer opportunities you are interested in (you may select more than one) by checking boxes below and then clicking "Next."

Volunteer Opportunities:

Graphic Designers │ Volunteer Attorneys │ MN State Fair │ Photography/Videography │ Interpreters │ Administration/Mailings │ Medical/Psychosocial │ General Opportunities │ Other

 

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Administration/Mailings 
Throughout the year, The Advocates has various mailing and other administration needs. Handwriting, stuffing and sealing envelopes, photocopying, scanning, filing, database entry, conducting follow-up phone calls, and other tasks are needed on an ongoing basis. Most administrative and mailing tasks are conducted on-site at The Advocates’ office.

Notices of volunteer opportunities will be sent out on an as-needed basis.
Graphic Designer 
Graphic designers are needed to assist The Advocates with developing brochures, promotional materials, event announcements, and other materials. In addition, The Advocates seeks graphic designers who are able to assist with the layout of our publications.

Notices of volunteer opportunities will be sent out on an as-needed basis.
Interpreters
Click here for the Volunteer Interpreter form

Volunteer interpreters and translators can assist in preparing a client's application for asylum by interpreting at interviews and meetings with the client's attorney and immigration officials or by translating documents for an asylum case. The Advocates keeps a database of volunteer interpreters and translators to call upon as client needs are determined. If you are fluent in English and one or more other languages, and are interested in serving as a volunteer interpreter or translator, join our interpreter database today! Trainings for volunteer interpreters and translators are conducted twice per year. Please fill out our interpreter volunteer interest form if you are interested in volunteering as a translator or interpreter.
Medical/Psychosocial
Click here for the Volunteer Medical/Psychosocial form

A professional evaluation of a client's physical and mental health is often a critical element supporting their asylum claim. Volunteer health professionals can help corroborate a client's claim that he or she was tortured in their country of origin, or that they have a credible fear of being tortured if they return to their country of origin. By confirming that the client's physical and psychological symptoms are consistent with the type of abuse that the client reports, the volunteer health professional can support the client's credibility.

Licensed doctors, psychiatrists and psychologists who are interested in volunteering to assist low-income asylum clients can join our medical/psychosocial volunteer listserv. The Advocates will then contact you about becoming involved in providing this critical service.
MN State Fair
Click here for the Minnesota State Fair Volunteer form

Every year The Advocates for Human Rights hosts a booth at the Minnesota State Fair. Volunteers help our staff with four-hour shifts at the booth. Under the supervision of The Advocates personnel, volunteers at the booth serve as ambassadors for the organization, distribute materials, answer questions, and interact with the public.

The MN State Fair 2012 runs from August 23 through September 3, 9:00am-9:00pm. Details can also be found under 'events'. For questions, contact Chanida at cphaengdara@advrights.org..
Photography/Videography 
Photographers are needed for various events, such as house parties, fundraisers, trainings, conferences, and other activities. The photographer should have access to an SLR camera and be willing to photoshop images as needed. Volunteer photographers who sign up will receive an email announcing upcoming events and needs. Photos taken by volunteer photographers become the property of The Advocates for Human Rights.

Videographers are needed for various events, as well as for specific project needs that arise. The videographer should have access to video equipment and be willing to edit if needed. Volunteer videographers who sign up will receive an email announcing upcoming events and needs. Videos become the property of The Advocates for Human Rights.

Notices of volunteer opportunities will be sent out on an as-needed basis.
Volunteer Attorney
Click here for the Volunteer Attorney form

Legal representation: asylum and detention Lack of experience is not a barrier to providing pro bono representation to asylum seekers. Asylum cases are carefully screened by The Advocates for eligibility for asylum in the U.S. Volunteers are teamed with experienced immigration attorneys and have the support of the staff. Volunteers are provided with a copy of The Advocates Volunteer Attorney Manual and are encouraged to attend the Annual Asylum Conference. Practice Alerts keep volunteers updated on changes in law and procedure. If you are interested in representing an asylum seeker, probono.net/asylum and view a list of current asylum cases in need of volunteer attorneys.

Attorneys practicing immigration law are needed to serve as mentors to volunteer asylum attorneys and at detained master calendar hearings. If you are interested in volunteering in this capacity, please email Deepinder Mayell at dmayell@advrights.org.
General Volunteer Opportunities 
If you would like to be on our general volunteer list and receive periodic notices of volunteer opportunities, please check the box above.
Other 
If you have a particular skill or are willing to help in a way not listed, please describe your skills/talents and how you would like to help in the space provided above. The Advocates has a variety of needs, including hosts for visiting guests, drivers, catering needs, party hosts, auctioneers, marketing, professional development trainings, and many more.