/ Center for Social Change and Community Involvement/Volunteer/Bridge Builders

Bridge Builders

The Bridge Builders Social Change Cohort aims to connect Lewis & Clark Students with the Immigrant and Refugee Community in Portland Oregon through community partnerships, volunteer opportunities, as well as events and workshops that foster learning and understanding.

Program Goals

1. Cultural Exchange and Learning

Objective: Promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange between student volunteers and the immigrant/refugee community.

2. Awareness and Advocacy

Objective: Raise awareness about immigrant and refugee issues and advocate for their rights and needs.

3. Resource Mobilization & Reciprocity

Objective: Support fundraising efforts to provide resources and services for the immigrant/refugee community.

By aligning these goals with the needs of the immigrant and refugee communities, student volunteers can make a meaningful impact while also gaining valuable experience and skills.

Social Change Cohort Includes:

Orientation/Training
1. With IRCO, Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization
2. Background check, other training, expectation setting
3. With Center for Social Change
4. Ethical Volunteering, How to be a youth mentor, basic understanding of issues immigrants and refugees are facing in Portland, Oregon
Regular Volunteering either as a group or individually
1. Will decide volunteer placements based on schedules, interests, needs of community partners etc.
Attend Community Dialogue and/or Conversation Project related to Immigrant & Refugees
Attend educational workshops
Attend Community Art or Cultural Events
Meet with cohort twice a semester to debrief experiences
Earn Certificate of Completion