Volunteer Opportunities

IRC in Atlanta offers a wide variety of volunteer and internship opportunities for members of the community, businesses, students, retirees and groups. Whether you are interested in volunteering for a few days or a few months, completing an internship for college credit, or you want to volunteer with your local community group, IRC Atlanta has an opportunity that will fit your schedule. 

Internships require a 120 hour commitment with a schedule of approximately 15 hours weekly. Below is a list of some of the volunteer positions available.  If you see one that interests you, please plan on attending one of our volunteer orientation sessions at our office or contact our volunteer coordinator at VolunteerATL@Rescue.org or 678-636-8928. You can download our volunteer application here.

Upcoming Volunteer Orientations:

Saturday, June 23, 11:00am-1:00pm
Tuesday, June 26, 6:00pm-8:00pm
 

Typical Volunteer Opportunities

Family Mentor
3 month commitment
Days and times are flexible   2-3 hours per week

Work one-on-one with a newly arrived refugee family to help them adjust to their new lives in the United States. Mentors focus on practicing English conversation, orienting families to their new city and community, and offering friendly support to newly arrived families. Mentors must commit to a minimum of three months.

English as a Second Language Assistant
3 month commitment
Monday-Thursday  12-2pm   2-8 hours per week

Our English as a Second Language (ESL) classes help newly arrived refugees learn English so that they can secure early employment and perform the daily tasks necessary for their family's well-being. Volunteers assist staff instructors in two ESL classes: ESL I focusing on pre-literate clients and ESL II focusing on more advanced clients. Both classes take place from 12-2pm, Monday through Thursday. Volunteers are also needed in the VESL class, which has a vocational focus, and takes place 2-4pm, Monday through Thursday. 

First Things First Women’s Literacy Program Assistant
3 month commitment
Monday-Thursday  9:30-11:30am  2-8 hours per week

IRC’s First Things First Program (FtF) is a women’s literacy class that provides English instruction to refugee mothers while providing educational childcare. Volunteers assist in the classroom and help care for the children while their mothers learn. FtF I focuses on pre-literate clients and FtF II focuses on more advanced clients. Both take place 9:30-11:30am, Monday-Thursday. 

In-kind Donations and Resettlement Shop Assistant
3 month commitment
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday  9:30am-12:30pm 3-9 hours per week

Work in this thrift-shop environment helping refugees choose clothing and house wares appropriate for their new homes. Volunteers are needed Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am-12:30pm.

Computer Lab Assistant
3 month commitment
Monday-Friday  9am-4pm  2-20 hours per week

Assist clients in acquiring essential computer literacy skills. Volunteers help refugee clients learn how to navigate the Internet, create email accounts, improve their typing skills, create resumes, apply to jobs, and learn basic functions of MS Office. The computer lab is open from 9:00-4:00pm Monday-Friday.

Youth Futures After-School Program Tutor
3 month commitment  3:30-5:30pm 2-10 hours per week

IRC’s After-School Program is designed for refugee and American students in grades 7 to 12. The program provides academic assistance, helps youth transition into their new homes and schools, and builds leadership skills. Volunteers provide homework help, mentoring, and support for students. The program takes place every school day between 3:00 and 5:30 pm at three locations: Clarkston High School, Druid Hills High School and the International Student Center. It also operates during the summer, and includes a refugee youth internship  program.