Leadership

At JRS Australia, we uplift people with lived experience to become advocates, agents of change and leaders in the community.

Refugee Leadership Program

JRS Australia’s Refugee Leadership Program supports leaders with lived experience of forced displacement to be advocates, agents of change and leaders in the community.  

At JRS, we recognise and celebrate refugee leaders’ existing leadership and expertise – deriving directly from their own stories, journeys and insights. We are committed to centring the leadership of people seeking asylum in all areas of the work we do.  

How Does the Leadership and Speakers Program Work?

The Refugee Leadership Program offers leaders opportunities, training and resources to participate in speaking, leadership and advocacy activities while ensuring that their rights, needs and ambitions are promoted including:  

  • Seeking opportunities for leaders to develop their skills and network 
  • Offering training and development opportunities 
  • Seeking input from leaders on our work, programs and initiatives 
  • Network-building opportunities  
  • Providing individualised support
  • Providing financial remuneration for leadership engagements
     
  • Personal and professional development in a supportive environment  
I may be safe here, but I carry the fear and pain of what’s happening in my country every single day.  That’s why I need to be understood and supported here.
Zainab Khavary, Leader in JRS Australia's Refugee Leadership Program

Relational Principles

Sara Muzamil, JRS Australia Finding Safety Project Coordinator, shares a hug with a guest at our "Free Together" Refugee Leadership event on 19 July 2024.

At JRS Australia, we build meaningful collaboration with people with lived experience through a set of relational principles, centred around ethical storytelling:

  • Building relationships and trust 
  • Understanding and addressing power balance 
  • Investing in leaders and their communities 
  • Listening and responding to needs and desires of communities 

Leadership Activities

Participants in the Leadership Program can engage in a range of activities, including:

  • Public speaking at schools, churches and community events to educate the public  

  • Write and provide interviews for media and social media  
  • Campaigning 
  • Being part of political delegations  
  • Connecting and bringing together communities to work together for change 
It’s very important to share the story of the community of people still living in limbo in this country. And JRS has helped me tell my story. That’s very important.
Thanush Selvarasa, Leader in JRS Australia's Refugee Leadership Program

Would you like to join the leadership program?

If you or anyone you know would like to be part of the Refugee Leadership Program, please fill out this Expression of Interest form or reach out to refugeeleadership@jrs.org.au for more information.