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Statewide effort aims to recruit veterans to aid immigrants who want to become citizens

Posted 10/5/15

A statewide effort is underway to recruit veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those in St. Lawrence County, to volunteer and assist immigrants who want to become American citizens. Veterans …

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Statewide effort aims to recruit veterans to aid immigrants who want to become citizens

Posted

A statewide effort is underway to recruit veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those in St. Lawrence County, to volunteer and assist immigrants who want to become American citizens.

Veterans would teach newcomers English and help them prepare for the U.S. civics portion of the naturalization exam, according to a press release from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office. The initiative will also encourage immigrants to volunteer with veterans’ organizations, including the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs offices and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals to assist returning service members in their transition from military to civilian life.

Veteran volunteers will be connected to offer their time at any of the 26 Office for New American Opportunity Centers in the state. Volunteer opportunities include:

· Helping a new American use a computer or tablet device to practice English in an in-class or computer language laboratory setting.

· Conducting or participating in a one-on-one or group conversation practice group based on classroom instruction.

· Conducting mock testing sessions for new Americans on the U.S. civics component of the naturalization exam.

· Assisting with installation of the U.S. Civics phone app on a client’s cell phone.

· Providing logistical support during naturalization drives.

This volunteer initiative will also focus on supporting veterans. Participation in this initiative will help veterans transition to civilian life, advance their military skills into competitive workforce skills, and use their experiences and world knowledge to connect with people and help develop diverse communities. Additionally, ONA will encourage immigrants to volunteer with organizations, such as the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs offices and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals, to serve New York State’s veterans community.

The New York State Office for New Americans, the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs and the New York State Commission on National and Community Service are partnering to support and recruit military veterans interested in helping New Americans fully participate in our State’s civic and economic life. The Division of Veterans Affairs will use the more than 80 Veterans Affairs offices throughout the State to serve as Veteran Volunteer Recruitment Centers to help veterans who are looking for opportunities to continue serving the public. Partner Veteran support organizations will also assist in recruiting efforts, as will other State agencies.