This is a Special Project managed by PBSC National.
Name of Organization: The 519 Community Centre
Website of Organization: www.the519.org
Organization's Mandate: The 519 is committed to the health, happiness, and full participation of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities. A city of Toronto agency with an innovative model of Service, Space and Leadership, we strive to make a real difference in people’s lives, while working to promote inclusion, understanding and respect.
Project Name: The 519 Community Centre – Refugee Mock Hearing Program
Project Type: Client services (court forms, shadowing, mock hearings, intake, legal clinic, etc.)
Project Delivery: Hybrid
Description of Project: Over the past decade there have been various legislative changes that have resulted in significantly increased wait times for refugee claimants from the time of application to the date of their hearing. The 519 Refugee Mock Hearing Program provides support and guidance to LGBTQ+ refugee claimants. The individuals supported through the mock hearing are claimants who have and upcoming hearing with the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) to determine whether they can be granted Convention Refugee Status based on their Sexual orientation, gender identity/expression and/or sexual characteristics (SOGIE-SC claims). This program allows individuals to get guidance on how to effectively prepare for their refugee hearing. The mock hearing provides an opportunity for claimants get assistance with the drafting/structuring their narrative/claim; feedback on the evidence included in their refugee claim and a simulated hearing with the student volunteers and one of our pro bono volunteer immigration and refugee lawyers. The objective of the mock hearing to familiarize claimants with the hearing process in an affirming environment and provide an opportunity for the claimant to take a more critical look at their narrative and supporting evidence provided in their claim to make any final changes before their hearing. The student volunteer will also assist with preparing a manual for SOGIESC claimants to be able to provide guided written information for clients as an additional resource to help prepare for their refugee hearing. The student volunteer may also assist with research and written advocacy related to SOGIESC refugee rights in Canada.
Role of Student Volunteers: Student volunteers are expected to review the claimants Basis of Claim (BoC), forms and supporting evidence prior to each mock hearing. They are also expected to review the IRB’s National Documentation Package for the country the claimant is seeking to be protection from. Student volunteers will then identify any key issues and draft questions which may be explored during the mock hearing. Student volunteers will contact the client ahead of the mock hearing to explain what the client can expect from the mock hearing process. They will be expected to consult with their supervising lawyer prior to each mock hearing. If additional support is needed for amending the client’s BoC, they will coordinate with their supervising lawyer to attend a follow-up meeting with the client.
Role of Supervising Lawyer(s): During the hearing, the student will work directly with volunteer pro bono immigration and refugee lawyers who are connected to The 519 and will play the adjudicator during the mock hearing. However, the Mock Hearing program supervisor will be Zara Mercer who is a lawyer on the Access to Justice team at The 519. Zara will connect with student volunteers to ensure they are prepared ahead of mock hearing dates, answer any questions and debrief after mock hearing dates. Zara will be available for check-ins and assigning work in between mock hearings.
Type of Law: Immigration & Refugee Law
Main Project Deliverable: Completing client intake and assistance (e.g. completing client intake, providing client referrals, helping clients with their ID documents, etc.)
Number of Student Placements: 3 students
Hours per week the student volunteer(s) will be expected to work: 3-4 hours/week
Regular shifts or a flexible schedule:
Virtual Hearings
All mock hearings are currently being conducted virtually using The 519’s Zoom or Teams platform. Students and their supervising lawyer can connect via phone or email. We will assess returning to in-person hearings and other opportunities with students as they progress, based on accessibility, availability, and willingness.
During the hearing, student volunteers will provide a brief introduction and explanation of the hearing process and have the role of observer during the mock hearing. The student volunteer will take notes during the mock hearing and debrief with the client and volunteer lawyer during the hearing to provide feedback. The student volunteer will also debrief with the supervising lawyer after the hearing.
Mock hearings will take place once per week, on Thursdays, 6pm – 9pm. Student volunteers will be assigned two mock hearing per month and are expected to work with the partner organization to determine which date is most appropriate to meet before the hearing. Student volunteers are expected to arrive/sign-in on time, and discuss any questions they may have.
It is an expectation that student volunteer will meet with the supervising lawyer/organization at least once per month to provide an update on cases and seek guidance as needed. Student volunteers should take the initiative to schedule meetings with the partner organization/supervising lawyer at the outset of their placement. This timeline is subject to review and may change due to program expansion or community needs.
Is there a workspace provided for the student at the Organization: No, all mock hearings and preparatory work will be completed remotely. Student volunteers will be expected to adhere to the remote work and privacy guidelines provided by the Partner organization.
Devices and technologies the students will be required to have: Computer, phone, internet access, video conferencing will be used – software is Teams or Zoom. Students must block their personal number when calling clients with a personal cellphone. Students are additionally expected to adhere to the procedures as set out in the “Student Volunteer Guidelines” which will be provided to students placed on this project.
Is there an expectation for the student(s) to be bilingual: No, however additional languages are an asset.
Law School Pre-Requisites: Student volunteers must have completed at least their first year of law school.
Preference will be given to student volunteers who have taken or are enrolled in an immigration and refugee law course. Clinical placement experience, Administrative law, Human rights law, Immigration & Refugee Law
Other Requirements or Expectations: Given the background of clients being served by the mock hearing program, we welcome applications from trans and gender diverse, Black or racialized students. Volunteers selected must demonstrate ongoing and meaningful allyship with the Two-Spirit, Trans, non-binary and non-gender conforming and gender diverse communities. Volunteers must have strong organizational and time management skills, strong attention to detail, record-keeping and communication with supervisor skills, and experience with client relations or communications. Student volunteers must demonstrate sensitivity and trauma awareness in their work with refugee claimants.
Assets include:
A strong sense of anti-oppressive and anti-racist principles
Personal or professional experience working with Two-Spirit, Trans, non-binary and non-gender conforming communities
Experience in clinical, client-facing, and/or tribunal setting
Social work background – experience working with LGBTQ+ communities and survivors of trauma