Date of Graduation

5-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

International and Global Studies

Advisor/Mentor

Phillips, Jared

Committee Member

Cleveland, Todd

Second Committee Member

Popp, Jennie

Third Committee Member

Warren, Ron

Abstract

The Department of Health and Human Services found that refugee resettlement results in a net positive fiscal impact of approximately $63.0 billion over a ten-year period. Meanwhile, refugees are one of the most highly vetted groups of people immigrating to the United States, enduring a screening process that lasts approximately 2 years. Despite this, anti-refugee sentiments and fluctuating federal support hinders the long-term success of refugee resettlement agencies (RRAs) and support organizations. Successful volunteer programs are critical in maintaining the long-term aid of refugees and advocacy for reliable federal support. The need for successful volunteer programs is especially prevalent in rural settings and smaller cities where refugees are dependent upon assistance for transportation and have less access to resources. Additionally, the reduction of support for resettlement during the Trump Administration and the present recovery from reduced federal funding between 2016 and 2020 has created a gap between resources and need for RRAs, especially those in nontraditional resettlement locations.

This research analyzes Canopy Northwest Arkansas and Students with Refugees (SWR), two organizations supporting refugees in Northwest Arkansas (NWA) since 2016. The purpose of this research is to identify volunteer program strategies that expand impact, retain, and promote the widespread inclusion of diverse volunteers for RRAs in small cities and rural communities. By developing strong volunteer programs, organizations like Canopy NWA and SWR can withstand severe limitations in federal aid and continue to effectively support and advocate for refugees in nontraditional resettlement destinations. For more RRAs in small cities and rural communities to withstand funding shortages and changes in institutional support, volunteer programs must evolve to accommodate an increased dependency on volunteers.

This research includes an analysis of contemporary sources, a case study of a new SWR volunteer initiative, and interviews with volunteers, Canopy NWA employees, and RRA employees in nontraditional resettlement locations. The contemporary sources assist in the analysis of how volunteerism and advocacy support refugee resettlement in Northwest Arkansas and communities not typically acknowledged as hubs for resettlement. Then interviews and surveys allow for a look at past and present volunteer program models for Canopy NWA and SWR. Both organizations utilize volunteer program models that are always changing. By analyzing volunteer and employee experiences under different volunteer models, service gaps and areas for improvement are identified. Using this information, new volunteer program strategies that will allow for diverse volunteer inclusion and empowerment, expanded volunteer impact, and a stronger long-term model of support for refugees are proposed.

Keywords

Canopy; northwest Arkansas; refugee; resettlement

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