Valerie Wonder is the Community Programs Manager in the IRC Seattle Regional Resettlement Office and a "field expert" for Project SOAR, an IRC program that provides assistance to community-based organizations created by refugees, for refugees. Valerie recently completed a two-day site visit to the Montagnard Human Rights Organization (MHRO) in Raleigh, North Carolina. During this site visit, Valerie provided training to MHRO staff and board members on fundraising techniques and strategies.
In the following questions, IRC’s Project SOAR asked Valerie to share some of her experiences working with refugees in Seattle and with community-based organizations across the United States.
What drew you to working with refugees?
I have always been involved in public service. After serving in the Peace Corps in Benin, I decided to work on strengthening my own community here in Seattle. I wanted to continue working with an international population though, and my current job allows me to do both.
What do you enjoy most about your work at the IRC?
I love working with refugees, and I have a great team here in Seattle. I also really enjoy the opportunity to do capacity-building work that assists local community-based organizations, such as my work with Project SOAR.
What community based organizations have you worked with this past year?
I have been working with the Montagnard Human Rights Organization in Raleigh, providing training in resource development planning such as building the organization’s donor base, working with volunteers, and developing public relations and fundraising strategies- by phone and in person.
What is it like to work with community-based organizations through Project SOAR?
It’s fantastic! The Montagnard Human Rights Organization in Raleigh is truly inspiring in the dedication they feel about their work and their enthusiasm for strengthening their program. I used to work in small, rural libraries in the U.S., then in rural libraries in Africa, and then more recently with Somali agencies in Seattle. Although individual situations can differ dramatically, there are many similarities among the needs of small organizations around the world.
Do you have a favorite memory of your work?
After a training I conducted with the MHRO Board of Directors in Raleigh, I was presented with a traditional Montagnard vest by the leadership of the organization to thank me for my work. That was a very moving experience. In general, it’s exciting to work with community organizations and see their enthusiasm for learning new skills.
