Currently, I am the incoming Director for the Refugee Assistance Program, run by Young Professionals in Foreign Policy and dedicated to providing refugees that have recently resettled in the United States with volunteer mentors.  In addition to liaising with new and prospective volunteers, one of the most rewarding aspects of this position has been my work on our wiki -- i.e. online resource base -- which provides volunteers with tips on interacting across cultural boundaries and information on local resources our refugee families might be able to use.  Of course, mentoring my own refugee families has been a wonderful experience, lending me firsthand insight into the struggles refugee populations have faced, their needs once they arrive in their new home country, and best practices for interacting with those from other cultures. 

Other experiences include ...

         ~Publishing on the topic of peace journalism -- i.e., how best to use words in the service of humanity -- in the Peace 
           and Conflict Review (Nov. 2007).
         ~Content writing for a pamphlet aimed at helping foreign workers protect themselves from trafficking 
           and exploitation in the United States.
         ~Collaborating with the Rights and Democracy Delegation in the development of a "Footsteps" display documenting
           a victim's hypothetical journey through the vicious cycle of the global sex trade.
         ~Recruiting corporate sponsorship and donation for the 2007 Benefit Soiree at the Norman Paterson School of
           International Affairs, boosting proceeds nearly 35%.
         ~Initiating/conducting policy research (special focus: intercountry adoption trafficking) and drafting 
           correspondence on behalf of a U.S. Congressman.
         ~Delivering motivational/informational speeches before college student and parent audiences.
         ~Teaching English as a second language in Spain and developing and engaging students in creative participatory
           activities (e.g., role play) to improve English grammar and conversation.
         ~Grading university student essays for logic of argumentation and fine points of grammar, punctuation, and syntax.
         ~Presenting at academic conferences:
                Their Own Corner of the Island: Violent Nationalism among Sri Lanka's Tamils.
                South Africa: Educational Stratification and its Sociopolitical Implications.