Welcome to Your Course Workbook

This workbook will be your companion throughout the course. You’ll use these pages for self-
reflection and to track your learning. World Relief eLearning staff members will be able to see
your responses, so please consider each workbook section as an essential part of your
completion of the course.

At the end of the course, you will download your completed workbook. Your time in this course
may be short, but we hope that you will revisit your workbook as you practice what you've
learned in this course.

This is a digital workbook. After you read the reflection question, click in the text box underneath
and type your response. Your work automatically saves when you hit "Complete and Continue."

Why do you want to volunteer with World Relief?

I want to volunteer with World Relief because I am deeply inspired by its mission to provide
sustainable support and hope to vulnerable communities around the world. Volunteering
with an organization that is committed to making a lasting, positive impact aligns with my
personal values and desire to serve others in a meaningful way. World Relief's focus on
empowering communities, responding to crises, and promoting long-term development
resonates with my belief in compassionate, community-centered solutions. I am eager to
contribute my skills, learn from dedicated professionals, and be part of an organization that
is creating real change.

What are you hoping to learn in this course?

In this course, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of [subject or specific area] and to
develop practical skills that I can apply in real-world situations. I'm excited to learn from both
the instructors and my peers, gaining insights that will enhance my knowledge and expand
my perspective. I’m also looking forward to challenging myself, building on my strengths, and
addressing any areas where I can improve. Ultimately, I hope to leave this course feeling
more confident and well-prepared to apply what I’ve learned.
 Scroll through the first few pages in your Handbook and find the Welcome Letter and the
Statement of Purpose (pages 3-4).

After, reflect on the following question below. What do you want to learn about World Relief as
an organization and how we work with volunteers?

Yes, I'd love to learn more about World Relief as an organization and how it works with
volunteers! Understanding World Relief's mission, core values, and the specific programs and
initiatives that volunteers support would give me a clearer picture of how I can make a
meaningful contribution. I'm also interested in knowing how volunteers are involved in the
day-to-day operations and community outreach, as well as the types of training or resources
provided to ensure volunteers can effectively support the mission. Learning about World
Relief's approach to volunteer engagement would help me feel more connected and
prepared to support the organization's goals.
In this module, we explored why volunteers are central to World Relief. We’ve seen volunteers at
work welcoming others and heard from volunteers about their experiences. Now it’s time to
reflect.

Which story or theme from this module resonated with you the most? Why?

The theme that resonated with me the most was the power of welcoming and building
connections. Hearing stories of volunteers who warmly welcomed newcomers and formed
genuine relationships showed me how a simple act of kindness can create a lasting impact.
This theme highlights how volunteers play a crucial role in making others feel seen and
valued, fostering a sense of belonging that goes beyond providing immediate support. It
resonated deeply because it reflects the kind of compassionate, community-driven impact I
hope to make through volunteering with World Relief.
Let’s get ready to learn more about mass displacement and immigration.

On a scale of 0 (nothing) to 100 (everything), how would you rate your knowledge on this topic?

0 100

What experience do you have with the U.S. immigration system and/or refugee resettlement?

I have limited direct experience with the U.S. immigration system or refugee resettlement.
However, I am familiar with the challenges faced by immigrants and refugees through
volunteer work with local community organizations that support immigrant families. This
experience has given me insight into the obstacles they encounter, such as language
barriers, cultural adjustment, and securing employment and housing. I am eager to deepen
my understanding and contribute meaningfully by assisting with resettlement efforts and
supporting individuals as they navigate this transition
What stages of flight did you identify in Al’s story? (pre-flight, flight, life in transit, and adjustment
to new culture)

In Al's story, the stages of flight identified are:

Pre-flight: This stage includes the events and circumstances that forced Al to consider leaving
his home, such as threats to his safety and stability.
Flight: Al's actual journey, where he left his home and traveled to escape the dangerous
situation.
Life in Transit: This stage covers the time Al spent in temporary locations, possibly in refugee
camps or safe zones, where he faced uncertainty and challenges while awaiting resettlement.
Adjustment to New Culture: After arriving in his new country, Al began adapting to the
language, customs, and way of life in a new culture, overcoming both practical and emotional
challenges as he worked toward building a stable life.
Each of these stages reflects a significant part of Al’s journey and transition to a new
beginning.

Think about what you learned in this module. What surprised you?

What surprised me most in this module was the depth of challenges that refugees and
immigrants face beyond just physical relocation. While I knew the journey was difficult, I
hadn’t fully grasped the emotional and psychological impact of each stage—from pre-flight
trauma to the complex cultural adjustment after resettlement. Additionally, I was surprised
by the vital role that volunteers play, not only in providing practical support but also in
helping newcomers feel welcomed and valued in their new communities. This module
showed me just how essential compassion and community support are in the resettlement
process.

How will this information help you as you prepare to volunteer with World Relief?

This information will help me be more empathetic and supportive as I prepare to volunteer
with World Relief. Understanding the different stages of a refugee's journey—from pre-flight
to adjusting to a new culture—gives me insight into the complex challenges they face. It has
also shown me the importance of being patient and compassionate, recognizing that
newcomers may be processing trauma or cultural adjustments. Knowing how vital volunteers
are in helping them feel welcomed, I feel more motivated to offer practical help and
emotional support, ensuring they feel valued and supported as they settle into their new
community.
Let’s start by thinking about our own experience. From what you know, what makes a good
volunteer? List some traits below.

A good volunteer embodies several important traits, including:

Empathy – the ability to understand and connect with others’ feelings and experiences.
Patience – remaining calm and supportive, especially when working with people facing
challenges.
Dependability – being reliable and following through on commitments to provide consistent
support.
Adaptability – being flexible and able to handle unexpected changes or new tasks.

Now, let’s think about World Relief volunteers, who serve relationally with refugees and others
who may come from very different backgrounds.

What kind of preparation do you think it takes to become a good volunteer? What specifically
might you need to help you prepare?

To become a good volunteer with World Relief, especially when serving individuals from
diverse backgrounds, preparation in several key areas is essential. Here are some aspects
that could help prepare effectively:

Cultural Awareness Training – Understanding cultural norms, values, and customs of

different communities helps in building respectful and meaningful connections. Training in
cultural sensitivity would prepare volunteers to avoid misunderstandings and be respectful
of differences.
Trauma-Informed Care – Many refugees have experienced trauma or loss. Learning trauma-
informed approaches helps volunteers to be empathetic, patient, and supportive without
unintentionally triggering distress.
Language and Communication Skills – If possible, basic language training or skills in non-
verbal communication can bridge gaps, helping volunteers to communicate effectively when
language barriers exist.
Emotional Resilience – Volunteering with people who have experienced hardship can be
emotionally challenging. Preparation in managing one’s own emotions and practicing self-
care is crucial for maintaining compassion without experiencing burnout.
Practical Skills Training – Learning practical skills such as assisting with paperwork, navigating
public resources, or understanding basic financial and housing support options can equip
volunteers to provide practical help.
Can you think of a time in your life when you witnessed or practiced cultural humility? Or, a time
when you should have practiced it but didn’t?

What was it like?

I remember a time when I was volunteering with an organization that supported

international students. One student came from a culture very different from my own, and I
initially made assumptions about his background based on stereotypes I’d heard. When he
shared more about his experiences, I realized how unique his story was and how wrong it
was to assume anything about him.

This experience taught me a lot about cultural humility. Listening to him, I learned to
approach people with an open mind and respect for their individual experiences. Practicing
cultural humility in this situation opened my eyes to the importance of setting aside
assumptions and being genuinely curious and respectful. It reminded me that everyone has
a story that deserves to be heard without judgment.

Cultural humility is a posture that grows with practice. What is one reminder or action you want
to take with you as you intentionally practice cultural humility?

One reminder I want to take with me is to listen first and seek to understand rather than
assume. By actively listening to others’ perspectives and stories, I can create space for them
to share openly and authentically. This practice reminds me to set aside my own biases or
assumptions, approach each interaction with respect, and view each person as a unique
individual. It’s a simple action but a powerful reminder that humility starts with listening and
valuing others' experiences.
Trauma-sensitive support can be overwhelming at first. Let’s plan a first step.

What is one reminder or action you want to take with you as you work towards being informed
of and sensitive to trauma?

One important reminder I want to take with me is to prioritize creating a safe and non-
judgmental space. By ensuring that those I support feel respected, heard, and free from
pressure, I can help them feel more comfortable in sharing only what they’re ready to share.
This approach reminds me to be patient, avoid making assumptions, and respect their
boundaries, allowing them to lead the pace of interaction. Starting with empathy and
creating this safe environment is a foundational first step in providing trauma-sensitive
support.
Empowerment
We can prepare to lean into empowerment now, even while we are waiting to start our
volunteer roles. What new practice or reminder do you want to begin as you work towards
embracing empowerment?

One practice I want to begin is to focus on strengths rather than limitations when interacting
with others. This means actively looking for and acknowledging the skills, resilience, and
potential within each person I work with, rather than focusing on what they may need or
lack. By doing this, I can help foster confidence and encourage them to recognize their own
abilities. Embracing this mindset now will prepare me to empower others effectively, helping
them feel more capable as they navigate new challenges.

Reflect on Module 4
Earlier in the course, we heard from World Relief volunteers as they shared their experiences
and perspectives.

Think back to what you heard from them. Revisit the video in Module 2 if you need to. When
you’re ready, take a look at the questions below.

How did a volunteer from the video demonstrate cultural humility, trauma-sensitive support, or
empowerment? Choose an example to write about below.

In the video, one World Relief volunteer demonstrated cultural humility by actively listening
to the stories of the refugees they worked with, without making assumptions or imposing
their own perspectives. The volunteer made an intentional effort to understand each
individual's unique background and experiences, creating a space where the refugees felt
seen and respected for who they are. This approach showed cultural humility because the
volunteer prioritized understanding over judgment, allowing the refugees to share their
stories at their own pace. By respecting their identities and experiences, the volunteer
helped foster a supportive environment that was both empowering and sensitive to the
trauma the individuals had endured.
World Relief is here to support you every step of the way as you encounter new experiences and
process what you’re learning. What other support do you have in your life to help you stay
grounded and self-reflective?

In addition to World Relief’s support, I rely on several key resources in my life to stay
grounded and self-reflective. My family and close friends provide a strong support system
where I can share my experiences openly, and their encouragement helps me process
challenges and celebrate growth. I also benefit from journaling, which allows me to reflect on
my thoughts and emotions regularly. Additionally, I have a few mentors and colleagues with
experience in humanitarian work who offer valuable advice and perspective. Together, these
sources of support keep me balanced and mindful as I continue to learn and grow.
Setting Personal Boundaries
Policies are in place to help keep us all safe as we are involved with World Relief, whether we are
staff members, clients, or volunteers. They are set lines we all agree not to cross, like a
boundary.

Let’s start this module by thinking about some boundaries that you want to set for your time as
a volunteer. These could be about the time you give, the way you care for yourself, keeping a
healthy balance, and more.

Take a minute to think about what personal boundaries would help you on your volunteer
journey. Write some ideas below.

Here are some personal boundaries I want to set for my time as a volunteer with World
Relief:

Time Commitment: I’ll set clear limits on the hours I volunteer each week to ensure I can
balance my volunteer work with other responsibilities. I’ll avoid overcommitting to prevent
burnout and maintain energy for each session.
Self-Care: I’ll prioritize self-care, making time for activities that recharge me, like exercise,
reading, or connecting with loved ones. This will help me stay mentally and emotionally
present when volunteering.
Emotional Boundaries: While I’ll bring empathy and compassion to my interactions, I’ll also
set emotional boundaries to avoid taking on others' burdens as my own. I’ll remind myself
that my role is to support, not to solve every challenge.
Asking for Support: I’ll reach out to World Relief staff or mentors if I face any challenges or
need guidance. Knowing when to ask for help will keep me grounded and effective in my
role.
Work-Life Balance: I’ll maintain a balance between my volunteer work and personal life,
ensuring that volunteering enhances my life rather than overwhelms it.
These boundaries will help me stay grounded, engaged, and effective in my volunteer role.
Recommended Reading
Visit the “Policies and Code of Conduct” Section in your Volunteer Handbook (pages 27-33) and
read through it.

Please plan to reach out to your Volunteer Coordinator if you have any questions or concerns
about the code of conduct or expectations for volunteers.

As you gain more experience as a volunteer, following WR’s policies and code of conduct will
become second nature. However, at the beginning, you may need to review and remind yourself
of policies as new situations arise. It’s ok to ask for help or guidance!

What will you do if you’re in a “grey area” situation, and you aren’t sure which way forward is
best? Make a plan below.

If I find myself in a "grey area" situation and I'm unsure how to proceed, my plan will be:

Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to assess the situation calmly and think about the
possible impact of my actions on the individuals involved and the organization.
Review the Policies: I’ll refer to the Volunteer Handbook, specifically the "Policies and Code of
Conduct" section, to see if there’s any guidance on how to handle the situation. If the answer
is not clear, I’ll consider what aligns best with the core values of World Relief, such as respect,
integrity, and confidentiality.
Consult with the Volunteer Coordinator: If I’m still unsure, I’ll reach out to my Volunteer
Coordinator for guidance. It’s important to clarify the situation to ensure I’m acting within the
organization’s expectations and maintaining a safe and respectful environment.
Document the Situation: If necessary, I will make a note of the situation for future reference,
especially if it involves sensitive information or any potential concerns. This can help me
learn from the experience and be more prepared in the future.
By following this plan, I’ll ensure that I’m always acting in the best interest of the clients and
adhering to World Relief’s policies.

Policy Acknowledgement
Thank you for taking the time to learn about World Relief's policies. Remember, they are in your
volunteer handbook for easy access after this course.

In the text box below, please type your name to acknowledge that you’re aware of the
policies and will follow them.

First and last name: Mohammed Abdalla Khareef Ehaimr

Welcome to your Course Resources page! There are many topics in this course that we couldn't
cover fully. You may be curious to learn more or share the resources with someone outside of
this course.

Under each topic, you'll find resources to help you explore each topic more in-depth. When you
download your workbook, you'll also download this page.

Mass Displacement and Immigration

Learn more about the screening process for refugees.

Read about how the U.S. welcomes refugees and asylees.

Discover how the UNHCR helps displaced people.

What Makes a Good Volunteer?

Watch a short video to learn more about cultural humility.

Read this article on how to practically apply the idea of empowerment.

Check out these tips for culturally-sensitive trauma-informed care.

The Workshop Courses

As a volunteer, you have access to your local office's library of eLearning courses. Your volunteer
coordinators will let you know what specialized training you may need for your role, but you are
welcome to take additional courses. Visit your local office's website and reach out to your
volunteer coordinator for a special coupon code to enroll for free.

Here are some recommended courses based on topics in this course:

To learn more about mass displacement and immigration, take Intro to Resettlement, or
Welcoming the Stranger.

To learn more about cultural sensitivity and humility, take Friendships: Embracing Cultural
Differences or Friendships: Navigating Religious Differences. You can also learn about specific
cultures in our Culture Guide series.

Friendships: Embracing Socio-Economic Differences has more to teach you about

empowerment.

Friendships: Navigating the Effects of Trauma can teach you more about trauma-informed care.

All of these topics are summarized in the general Navigating Friendships course.

What resource do you want to check out?

What resource or topic intrigues you the most? What do you think you could benefit from
learning as you become a volunteer? Take a minute to write out what course or resource you
want to discover next.

One resource that intrigues me the most is learning more about trauma-informed care and
how to support individuals who have experienced significant hardship, such as refugees or
displaced families. Understanding how trauma affects people's mental health and behavior,
and how to respond in a way that is empathetic and empowering, would be incredibly
valuable as a volunteer.

I think I could benefit from a course or resource that dives deeper into mental health
awareness and cultural humility, particularly in the context of refugee resettlement. This
knowledge would help me engage more effectively with the individuals I’m helping, ensuring
that I can provide the right kind of support and understanding.
Thank you for your work in this course!

Before you download your workbook to finish, name 2 ways this course has prepared you to
take the next steps in volunteering.

This course has prepared me to take the next steps in volunteering in two key ways:

Cultural Sensitivity and Humility: It has helped me understand the importance of

approaching every individual with cultural humility, being aware of their unique experiences
and backgrounds, especially when working with refugees. This awareness will guide me in
building trust and creating an inclusive environment.
Trauma-Informed Support: The course has provided valuable insights into how to support
individuals who have experienced trauma. By learning about trauma-sensitive approaches, I
feel more equipped to engage with clients in a compassionate and understanding manner,
ensuring that I can be a positive resource in their journey.

Next Steps
What is the next step you’ll take on your journey to become a volunteer?

I will
take on my journey to become a volunteer is to reach out to my Volunteer Coordinator for a one-on
Workbook Download