Student Life is introducing a new monthly series designed to highlight a diverse array of local leaders who are actively contributing to the St. Louis community. The primary goal is to shed light on their endeavors in promoting positive change and to familiarize the WashU community with various civic initiatives they can engage with.
John Worth describes himself as a proponent of proactive change. A St. Louis native, his professional background is not only extensive but also notable for his unwavering dedication to assisting others. Since 2019, he has held the role of Volunteer Program Manager at the International Institute of St. Louis, focusing on enhancing the lives of refugees in the St. Louis area.
In 2023, Worth joined the team at Washington University’s Gephardt Institute as a St. Louis Fellows Facilitator, where he has been actively involved in mentoring students to nurture them as future leaders. These positions, among others, embody his personal philosophy—Worth is not content to sit back and wait for change to happen; he actively initiates it.
John Worth, standing beside the International Institute (Courtesy of Anika Chatterjee)
Worth graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2018 with a degree in Criminal Justice. While he sought a fulfilling career, he was equally driven to make a positive impact on others. The field of law enforcement initially seemed like a natural fit to him because, in his words, it involves “helping people firsthand, engaging with the community, and fostering relationships.” His aspiration was to become a federal law enforcement agent, and in 2019, he received an enticing job offer from the Drug Enforcement Agency.
However, this offer was contingent on passing their evaluation criteria. One of the tests included a vision assessment, which Worth failed due to color vision issues. This setback was a significant blow to him. After dedicating years of effort towards this opportunity, he struggled to come to terms with the realization that an uncontrollable factor could potentially derail his career aspirations. Despite this, Worth refused to succumb to self-pity. Instead, he sought out alternative avenues to effect change.
Although he had never envisioned himself delving into the realm of politics, a pivotal conversation with his childhood best friend, who was involved in the Biden campaign, prompted Worth to explore political activism. He embarked on a journey as a field organizer in Georgia, where he witnessed firsthand the substantial impact politics can have on a community.
Engaging in campaigning provided Worth with the platform to connect with community members and empower them to recognize their voices and influence in choosing their representatives. However, the lack of job security and stability inherent in campaign work, which predominantly operates on a contract basis, left him feeling drained. As he contemplated his next steps, Worth concluded his involvement in the gubernatorial race in Virginia Beach by the summer of 2021. Subsequently, in August of the same year, the U.S. Department of Defense initiated a large-scale evacuation of U.S. and Afghan citizens from Afghanistan following the fall of Kabul. Learning about the resettlement efforts for evacuees in the U.S., Worth felt a strong desire to contribute in any way possible. He began applying for positions with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and in November, he was selected to assist with Afghan resettlement at Fort Dix in New Jersey under “Operation Allies.”
During his tenure at Fort Dix, Worth played a pivotal role in providing cultural orientation training to resettling families. He emerged as a primary source of information for these families, educating them on U.S. culture, safety, and security. His objective was to alleviate their burdens and reassure them that they were not alone in their journey.
For Worth, this endeavor was a means of reciprocating the support he had received during his own formative years from individuals in his community who had selflessly dedicated their time and effort to assist him during challenging times. These memories serve as a driving force for him to support families who lack a robust support system.
His experience at Fort Dix ignited a passion within Worth for directly aiding refugees. Following the conclusion of his contract with the IRC, he began pursuing permanent positions in refugee resettlement. In April 2022, he assumed the role of Volunteer Coordinator at the International Institute in St. Louis (IISTL). The International Institute has established itself as a central hub providing information and services to immigrants and refugees in the broader St. Louis region. The Institute’s mission is to ensure that these families not only survive but also thrive in their new environment.
Worth resonates deeply with the International Institute’s objective of “welcoming these people and creating a home” for them in St. Louis. While the federal government offers 90 days of resettlement support for refugees, Worth acknowledges that the process of integration and community assimilation extends far beyond this timeframe. The International Institute bridges the gaps in the federal government’s support system by offering services ranging from job training and placement assistance to community-building activities and English classes.
In his capacity as Volunteer Coordinator, Worth has encountered challenges in recruiting volunteers willing to assist with less glamorous tasks. Nevertheless, the success he has achieved in his role has been transformative. The overwhelming support from the St. Louis community has resulted in a diverse volunteer base that transcends political divides.
For Worth, the most rewarding aspect of his job lies in the relationships he has cultivated. He derives a sense of fulfillment, joy, and gratitude from witnessing the happiness of others. Despite the demanding nature of his work, which can at times lead to burnout, the tangible impact he has on individuals’ lives serves as a constant source of rejuvenation for him.
Worth imparts a crucial message to WashU students—that staying informed is the initial step towards effecting change. Community needs evolve continuously, and the key is to remain engaged and receptive to learning. He emphasizes the significance of contributing one’s time to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, stressing that even a few hours of volunteering can have a significant impact. Above all, Worth underscores the importance of advocacy. By raising awareness about organizations like the International Institute and their initiatives, individuals can galvanize community support through donations, volunteerism, and political engagement. Ultimately, Worth urges students to leave a positive mark wherever they go, striving to leave a place better than they found it.