Become A Member

The RSC is the hub of collaboration, coordination, and creativity when it comes to ensuring refugees in Cuyahoga County have the ability to thrive. This is only possible with the help of a wide range of organizations, corporations, partners, and advisors.

RSC membership levels were crafted to ensure everyone can have a seat at the table with unique benefits that serve the needs of each organization, individual, and partner.

Most importantly, the RSC cannot fulfill its mission of serving the refugee community without ensuring that the perspectives and opinions of that community are at the center of all that we do. Embracing the principle of “If not with us and by us, it's not for us,” the RSC has created Newcomer Advisors. These individuals and newcomer/refugee-led organizations are the heartbeat of their communities and will guide the entire RSC while gaining additional benefits.

Membership Levels

From grassroots to government, philanthropy to workforce, if your work contributes to helping international newcomers in Cuyahoga County, you can join us.

Newcomer Advisors

Any individual with a personal connection to the refugee experience, or any refugee-led organization, doing grassroots work in their own communities. There is no membership fee for this level—these members are compensated for their advisory capacity.

Benefits

  • Committee & Taskforce Membership (Required) and ability to run for leadership

  • Eligible for the Executive Committee

  • Voting rights in general meetings and committee meetings

  • Access to exclusive monthly RSC Updates

  • Access to the RSC Internal Referral Network

  • Access to RSC Bricks Sessions (collective professional development and capacity building)*

  • Complimentary entrance to RSC Events for all staff

  • Opportunity to receive coaching on ways to grow and enhance the work of the organization

Membership Level

Foundation Member

Organizations that provide direct services to the refugee community day in and day out, such as resettlement agencies, refugee-specific social service agencies and health screening providers.

Benefits

  • Committee & Taskforce Membership (Required) and ability to run for leadership

  • Eligible for the Executive Committee

  • Voting rights in general meetings and committee meetings

  • Access to exclusive monthly RSC Updates

  • Access to the RSC Internal Referral Network

  • Access to RSC Bricks Sessions (collective professional development and capacity building)*

  • Complimentary entrance to RSC Events for all staff

  • Logo/name placement on all RSC material including media kit

Membership Level

Benefits

  • Committee & Taskforce Membership and ability to run for leadership

  • Eligible for the at-large positions on the Executive Committee

  • Voting rights in general meetings and committee meetings

  • Access to exclusive monthly RSC Updates

  • Refugee 101 Training for leadership and staff*

  • Access to RSC Bricks Sessions (collective professional development and capacity building)*

  • Complimentary entrance to RSC Events for all staff

  • Logo/name placement on all RSC material including media kit

Membership Level

Community Member

Organizations that provide support services and/or are actively seeking to provide support services to refugees in addition to the general public, such as nonprofits, health care institutions, libraries, public agencies and community development corporations.

Benefits

  • “First-look” access to refugee talent that comes through the foundation and community members

  • Access to exclusive monthly RSC Updates

  • Refugee 101 Training for all staff and leadership*.

  • Welcoming Employer Training, including cultural consultation for leadership and hiring managers*

  • Committee & Taskforce Membership

  • Invite to RSC events, costs may apply

  • Logo/name placement on RSC material related to Welcoming Employers and the workforce at large

Membership Level

Welcoming Employer Member

Any organization or business actively involved in welcoming refugees into the workforce.

Benefits

  • Committee & Taskforce Membership

  • Access to exclusive monthly RSC Updates

  • Group RSC Orientation and Refugee 101 Training*

  • Access to select RSC Bricks Sessions*

  • Complimentary entrance to RSC Events

Membership Level

Individual Member

Any individual who has a personal interest in the work of the RSC and wants to actively contribute.

Benefits

  • Committee & Taskforce Membership

  • Access to exclusive monthly RSC Updates

  • Refugee 101 Training for all staff and leadership.

  • Access to select RSC Bricks Sessions (collective professional development and capacity building)

  • Invite to RSC events, costs may apply

Membership Level

RSC Partner

Any organization or entity that is ineligible to pay dues to a membership organization or not interested in full membership but wants to be involved in the work.

Membership fees, which vary based on membership level, organization size and operating budget, support member services and collective work on behalf of our network to support Cleveland’s newcomers. Please contact us to learn more about membership fees and to apply for membership.