LGBTQI+ Country Conditions Research Volunteer

LGBTQI+ Country Conditions Research Volunteer

About Rainbow Railroad

Rainbow Railroad is a global charitable organization that envisions a world where LGBTQI+ people are free to live with dignity and without fear of persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics. Our mission is to help at-risk LGBTQI+ individuals get to safety and to build lives free from violence and discrimination.

Since 2006, we have supported over 21,000 LGBTQI+ individuals through our services including relocation, crisis support, and community sponsorship. Rainbow Railroad is a USA 501(c)(3) organization and a registered Canadian charity with offices in New York and Toronto.

The Volunteer Role

We are seeking a volunteer to assist our Emergency Travel Support (ETS) team in conducting country condition research as it relates to LGBTQI+ forced displacement. This role will conduct specialized research on the treatment of LGBTQI+ individuals in countries of origin related to our client base and develop adaptable templates used to draft letters of support for asylum claims. This role plays a critical part in documenting risk, systemic discrimination, and lack of state protection for LGBTQI+ people globally.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing templates and country condition research to be updated as needed
• Conduct targeted research on country conditions affecting LGBTQI+ individuals, including but not limited to:
  • Criminalization of SOGIE (sexual orientation and gender identity/expression) and enforcement of laws;
  • Patterns of arrest, detention and abuse by state actors;
  • Patterns of non-state violence and family or community-based persecution;
  • Discrimination and lack of protections across healthcare, housing, employment and other areas.
• Synthesize information into structured summaries to be used in letters of support for asylum claims, providing key pieces of evidence for individuals seeking safety through asylum systems globally
• Collaborate with the ETS team to support with the creation of letters of support as needed

Qualifications

Personal Skills

• Strong research, analytical and English writing skills
• Demonstrated interest or experience in LGBTQI+ rights, refugee protection, or human rights work
• Understanding of issues affecting LGBTQI+ individuals globally
• Familiarity with asylum or refugee processes
• Background in law, human rights, international development, or related fields (considered an asset)

Requirements

• Commitment of 3-5 hours per week on an ongoing basis (4-6 month commitment preferred)
• Ability to work independently
• Willingness to participate in onboarding and training

Volunteer Benefits

• Make a meaningful impact on the lives of LGBTQI+ individuals navigating forced displacement
• Contribute directly to the protection of LGBTQI+ asylum seekers
• Gain an understanding of the intersecting forms of persecution and drives of displacement faced by LGBTQI+ individuals globally
• Join a global network of passionate, skilled volunteers
• Receive support, training, and recognition for your contributions

How to Apply

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer interpreter, please fill out our application form: https://www.vomevolunteer.com/opportunity-board/rainbow-20railroad/programs-20intake-20team-20volunteer/9c5d70e4-b636-4c50-8f5a-6036e71d22b0?_branch_match_id=1583489978818868619&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXL85ILErVK8vPTS3LzynNK0lNLdJLzs%2FVz3L2t7Aw8vOyMEqyrytKTUstKsrMS49PKsovL04tsg1OTEssygQAy5IPtUUAAAA%3D

Rainbow Railroad welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities. We are committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our organization, and we look forward to welcoming volunteers who share these values.