FORGE
(Facilitating Opportunities for Refugee Growth and Empowerment)
DESCRIPTION
FORGE is a service and advocacy organization working with the local refugee communities in Pittsburgh. We collaborate with the resettlement agencies in Pittsburgh to foster engagement between university students and refugee communities. Our activities include providing in home tutoring / mentorship to refugee families and a college and career preparation program for high school students. The in home program entails helping the families with day to day activities of life in America (such as banking, applying to jobs, etc.) and working with them on their English. The college and career program works towards empowering refugee students to achieve their college- and career-related goals.
Throughout the year, we also hold advocacy and education events on campus to raise awareness about issues that affect refugees across the world. Our weekly Monday meetings are discussions that center around refugee issues.
LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
Education Chair (2016 – 2017)
- led weekly meetings and weekly educational presentations on refugee-related current events
- invited guest speakers
- initiated letter-writing campaigns
Co-President (2017 – 2018)
- initiated refugee-led steering committee to foster accountability to and co-leadership with refugees
- oversaw all organization activities
- connected to community organizations
Steering Committee Chair (2018 – 2019)
- facilitate regular meetings and initiatives with student and refugee leaders
- initiated partnership with resettlement agency to ensure sustainability of the Steering Committee
- led meeting with University of Pittsburgh Chancellor, Provost, Vice Provost for Global Affairs, and Dean of Students to discuss initiatives for university engagement with refugee and immigrant communities
- executed partnership with university service office (Pitt Serves) to establish DIY service boxes to create picture dictionaries for the refugee families with whom FORGE works
- implemented a survey to be administered to refugee families and university tutors each semester to ensure we are working towards the same goals
COMMUNITY – BASED RESEARCH
- researched the goals and experiences of both FORGE volunteers and families to ensure accountability and efficacy of tutoring sessions
- completed with the support of the Honors College ACT Community-Based Research Fellowship
- completed with the community partner ARYSE and faculty advisor Dr. Tomas Matza