Libraries of Sanctuary Working Group Volunteer

 

 

 

 

Libraries of Sanctuary Working Group Volunteer

 

Are you passionate about helping refugees and asylum-seekers in Barking and Dagenham feel safe and welcome?  The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham is applying for a Library of Sanctuary award (Award - Libraries of Sanctuary) to demonstrate our commitment to asylum-seekers and refugees in our borough. We want to make our borough as welcoming as it can be to new arrivals to the UK. To do this, we need some help from the community, especially those who already volunteer in the libraries or those who have lived experience to share of their own arrival in the UK.

What the role involves:

  • Attending half-hour meetings every two weeks (reducing to every four weeks when the work has progressed further) to discuss ideas for developing the library service to be better for asylum-seekers and refugees.
  • Independently researching ways that we can improve our library service to be better for asylum-seekers and refugees.
  • Fulfilling small tasks (no more than 1 hour a week) in the libraries so that our ideas can be put into practice.
  • Being a public voice for asylum-seekers and refugees within the library, encouraging colleagues and other members of the community to be involved and create a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Attending any events or celebrations, for example, training on welcoming new arrivals, refugee week activities, and other planned events.

We need volunteers who are:

  • Confident enough to share their own perspectives on sensitive subjects.
  • Non-judgmental and empathetic.
  • Reliable and committed.
  • Have respect for different ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds.
  • Have a friendly and enthusiastic approach.
  • It would be great to have some experience working in the library service, especially if you are a current volunteer.

You must:

  • Be over 16 years of age.
  • Share in the mission of the Libraries of Sanctuary award.

 

 Benefits of the role:

  • You will be working within a team who share your values and want to make a real difference in the borough.
  • Some aspects of this project will involve complex problem-solving skills and independent research, which are excellent abilities to develop for the workplace.
  • You will have the opportunity to learn a lot about a key topic relevant to life today, as well as participating in training that you may find valuable in other areas of your life.
  • Engage with those in the community who are currently underrepresented.
  • Share your own story of seeking asylum/refuge in the UK, allowing more people to understand the realities of new arrivals.

 

Meetings will be held online. Actions will take place within the libraries.

 

For expressions of interest, email natasha.meechan@lbbd.gov.uk