For my Leadership in Action Project, I am working with Serve the City Paris, a community service organization focused on helping the underprivileged (asylum seekers, refugees, homeless). I am specifically working in the refugee support sector, crucial in the context of Europe's refugee crisis. Along with other volunteers, we help conduct classes about French culture (e.g Bastille Day on July 14th) and practical topics (road signs, laws…). We aim to help ease their transition into a new country both in terms of cultural adjustment and general living customs. These classes have a lecture section, followed by a small group discussion portion in which beneficiaries have the opportunity to ask questions. Additionally, I participate in language exchanges, with both English and French options, to offer beneficiaries the opportunity to improve their language skills. 

For my first week, I attended training and workshops that instructed volunteers on how to  navigate sensitive topics surrounding their refugee journey and status, to ensure they feel at ease and supported. One part of the training that really stuck with me was a comment about dismantling the perceived hierarchy between volunteer and beneficiary - it is important to remember we can both learn from each other, it is not a ‘one a way street’. 

I am adding a picture of a pretty archway I pass every day on my way to work! I use it to help me figure out if I am going the right way (I can be directionally challenged :)