When we invest in people in our community, we create powerful change for all. OneAmerica volunteers support English language learners, partner with immigrants and refugees on their path to citizenship, register voters, advocate for policy, and elect powerful leaders.
Citizenship Days and Citizenship Clinics are events where Legal Permanent Residents (“green card” holders) can get free assistance filling out their application for U.S. citizenship.
Clinics are completely staffed by volunteers, and we are always looking for new volunteers. View a list of upcoming citizenship workshops and sign up to volunteer using this link.
Volunteers serve in a variety of roles at our citizenship clinic, from providing legal advice to interpreting and general event support. Read through the descriptions below to get a sense of which could be a fit for you or your group.
Attorneys meet one-on-one with clients to determine eligibility for naturalization, answer questions, review applications for accuracy, and provide further instructions for follow-up or filing. Attorneys may also review the work of other attorneys during client checkout. You must be a licensed immigration attorney or accredited Department of Justice Representative to fulfill this role.
We are a WSBA Qualified Legal Service provider, which means that attorney volunteers are eligible to receive up to 24 hours of credit per year for volunteer hours at our Citizenship Days and Clinics.
AILA attorney requirements:
If you would like to volunteer as an attorney with us, but do not fulfill the minimum requirements, contact us and we will provide other options!
DOJ Representatives meet one-on-one with clients to determine eligibility for naturalization, answer questions, review applications for accuracy, and provide further instructions for follow-up or filing.
Form Completers meet one-on-one with clients to help complete naturalization forms. Paralegals may NOT provide legal advice. This is a great role for certified paralegals, attorneys, and law students seeking to gain experience in immigration law – though anyone willing to complete the online video training may serve in the paralegal role.
Interpreters interpret verbatim between clients and paralegals or attorneys and other volunteer staff. Interpreters ensure clients and paralegals/attorneys understand each other and the contents of all forms and documents needed for naturalization. Interpreters may NOT provide legal advice except as a direct translation of advice given by an attorney.
Interpreters of all languages are welcome, particularly those with Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Somali, and Vietnamese skills – among other languages.
Generals are directed by Site Coordinators. They help with set up/take down, signage, client intake, routing of clients through the facility, copying and assembling documents, answering non-legal questions, passing out information documents, and helping with food and drinks for volunteers. Our general support volunteers are critical to making our workshops successful!
