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The New Neighbor Citizenship Program
Who will I be helping?
You will be helping someone who is eager to become a citizen of the United States. All citizenship partners are immigrants or refugees who have lived in the U.S. for at least five years as permanent residents. Some New Neighbor volunteers will work with people who are enrolled in a citizenship class, but need extra help and encouragement. Others will work with elderly or disabled refugees or immigrants who are not able to attend citizenship classes to prepare for their interview. Some of the citizenship partners will need tutoring in basic English skills. Others will know basic English but need help in learning the more advanced U.S. history and civics information.
What will I do during my weekly meetings?
You will meet once a week for four months with your citizenship partner, either in their home or in a meeting place such as your local library. During your visits you will review material provided by Exodus to prepare your partner for their interview with the Immigration and Naturalization Service, including questions on U.S. history and civics, English dictation sentences, and interview questions about your partner's personal history. You will encourage your citizenship partner in their efforts to learn and you will answer their questions. You'll have fun getting to know your citizenship partner and their culture, and you'll have the satisfaction of giving someone the help they need to become a citizen of the United States.
What kind of support does Exodus World Service provide for me?
Exodus provides easy-to-use citizenship tutoring materials; training in the naturalization process and tutoring skills; introduction to a citizenship applicant who wants your help; and ongoing support including answers to questions, ideas for your weekly meetings, and other resources and help.
Why should I become a Citizenship volunteer?
This is a unique opportunity to meet someone new from a different culture and to welcome them into our society. You can make a significant difference in your citizenship partner's life by supporting them in achieving a goal that is very important to them. You will gain a new understanding of and appreciation for your own citizenship. You will also make a positive statement in your citizenship partner's life in a society where anti-immigrant sentiment is common.
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