United Voices for Newcomer Rights

United Voices for Newcomer Rights (UVNR) is a community-led nonprofit organization based in Albuquerque that supports the well-being, integration, and leadership of newcomers. We use the inclusive term newcomers to refer to refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, and other migrants who are building new lives in New Mexico.

Founded in 2019, UVNR grew out of more than a decade of community-based work through the Refugee and Immigrant Well-Being Project (RIWP) at the University of New Mexico. Today, our organization continues this work by strengthening relationships between newcomers and the broader community while promoting equity, belonging, and opportunity.

We envision a New Mexico that welcomes newcomers, builds on our collective strengths, and promotes well-being and community participation for all.

UVNR works to foster newcomer well-being by improving access to resources and strengthening collaboration among newcomers and the broader community. Our programs combine direct support, community engagement, and leadership development to address both immediate needs and long-term systemic change.

Our work includes:

• Community-based programs that support newcomer families’ mental health and well-being

• Education and youth leadership initiatives that promote belonging and civic participation

• Advocacy and resource navigation to help newcomers access housing, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities

• Cultural exchange and community-building spaces that bring newcomers and long-term residents together

• Partnerships with local organizations to advance equity and improve systems that impact newcomer communities

UVNR centers the leadership and lived experiences of newcomer Community Advocates, ensuring that solutions are developed with communities, not for them.

VOLUNTEER WITH US

Volunteers play an important role in supporting newcomer families and strengthening our community. Opportunities may include:

• Assisting with youth and family programs

• Supporting community events and cultural exchange activities

• Providing language support or interpretation

• Helping with educational or mentorship activities

• Providing childcare during programs

• Supporting outreach and community engagement efforts (e.g., tabling)

• Tutoring for newcomer youth

• Teaching English (ESL)

By volunteering with UVNR, you become part of a community working toward a more welcoming and inclusive New Mexico!