There are many ways to get involved. A lot of work goes into mutual aid between asylum seekers and community members. YOU can support us as a network volunteer, a housing sponsor, a financial contributor, and more.
VOLUNTEERS AND HOSTS PROVIDE:
Housing: a safe place to land
Rides: access to appointments, classes, errands, etc
Community: connect, build friendships
Logistics: link people with resources
Committees: fill organizational roles
Rides: access to appointments, classes, errands, etc
Community: connect, build friendships
Logistics: link people with resources
Committees: fill organizational roles
Volunteer Opportunities:
All volunteers begin by coming to an orientation and training (~2 hrs) to learn about our structure, strategy and values. We run these monthly. If you’d like to get involved, please fill out this form, and we’ll contact you about our next training dates.
Here are some of the roles that volunteers can fulfill:
All volunteers begin by coming to an orientation and training (~2 hrs) to learn about our structure, strategy and values. We run these monthly. If you’d like to get involved, please fill out this form, and we’ll contact you about our next training dates.
Here are some of the roles that volunteers can fulfill:
- Join a committee: Health, Housing, Legal/Political Education, Outreach (fundraising, social media), News monitors, Pro Se Project
- Rideshare & accompaniment: interpretation, giving rides, coming to appointments, meetings, classes, hearings, etc
- Resource assistance: ordering and delivering groceries, helping friends get clothes & other basics
- Provide community: tutoring, conversation buddy, helping friends get to know the area
- Share your strengths: support us in whatever way you can, whether it's with finances, art, logistics, networking, or technology. We welcome you to dedicate your own passions!
Hosting:
Newly arrived asylum seekers need housing, and often require a sponsor to help get out of detention. Sometimes, asylum seekers live with individuals and families in an extra bedroom in the house, but other arrangements are also possible.
Are you interested in helping out with housing? Please fill out our host form. We will contact you and discuss how to proceed.
Newly arrived asylum seekers need housing, and often require a sponsor to help get out of detention. Sometimes, asylum seekers live with individuals and families in an extra bedroom in the house, but other arrangements are also possible.
Are you interested in helping out with housing? Please fill out our host form. We will contact you and discuss how to proceed.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
YOU CAN HELP US RAISE FUNDS! Here are some other ways to support us and our friends:
All contributions go directly to helping asylum seekers navigate their legal processes and establish a new life for themselves. You can donate to our project here and here.
The Western Massachusetts Asylum Support Network is a fiscally sponsored project of the Peace Development Fund (PDF). Based out of Amherst, Massachusetts, PDF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization: all donations to WMASN are tax-deductible through PDF.
- Host a gathering for friends, neighbors, and family!
- Organize a concert or other benefit event!
- Use your talents or interests - art, baking, music, athletics!
- Share ideas for fundraising events!
- Send a fundraising appeal to your contacts!
- Donate and encourage others to donate through our website!
All contributions go directly to helping asylum seekers navigate their legal processes and establish a new life for themselves. You can donate to our project here and here.
The Western Massachusetts Asylum Support Network is a fiscally sponsored project of the Peace Development Fund (PDF). Based out of Amherst, Massachusetts, PDF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization: all donations to WMASN are tax-deductible through PDF.
Contact Us
For asylum seekers and all other questions — [email protected]
For fundraising connections and offers — [email protected]
For community partners (Know Your Rights trainings, workshops, etc) — [email protected]
For inquiries about the Pro Se Project — [email protected]
For fundraising connections and offers — [email protected]
For community partners (Know Your Rights trainings, workshops, etc) — [email protected]
For inquiries about the Pro Se Project — [email protected]
The Western Massachusetts Asylum Support Network is a fiscally sponsored project of the Peace Development Fund