Spring Volunteer Opportunities
The following is a list of volunteer positions available this spring at the IRC in Seattle. Our volunteer needs change regularly, so check back often for information about new opportunities. Please attend a volunteer orientation to find out more about the volunteer process and which position might be a good fit for you!
Questions? Contact us at VolunteerSEA@Rescue.org. For information on summer internship opportunities, click here!
Friend of the Family Mentor: Become a Friend of the Family Mentor and help a newly arrived refugee family adapt to a new home, new culture and new life in the U.S. You can warmly welcome a family into our community by serving as a friend, a guide and an advocate. By providing companionship on a consistent, weekly basis at their home or on small outings in the community, you can help families become more confident and accustomed with their surroundings. Mentors help family members become more independent by showing them how to access local resources, in addition to helping them improve their English language skills. The mentoring experience can take many forms - for a more detailed description of this position, click here!
Location: South King County (primarily Tukwila, Burien or SeaTac)
Time Commitment: 2-4 hrs/week, flexible days/time. Minimum 6 month commitment.
Skills and Requirements: Must be culturally sensitive and respectful of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and beliefs; Must be willing to communicate with English language learners; Previous experience working with refugee/immigrant, multi-cultural and/or low-income communities preferred; Respect client privacy and treat family information as confidential; Flexibility, resourcefulness, and easy-going attitude.
Donation Drive Organizer: Team up with friends, family, neighbors, classmates or coworkers to organize a fundraising or donation drive benefiting newly arrived refugees! This is a great way to welcome refugees into our community and support the IRC without needing to commit to a regular volunteer schedule. Examples of past drives include backpacks and school supplies, apartment set-ups, winter clothing and supplies, mentor kits, holiday gifts drives and more! If interested in this opportunity, you’ll work with IRC staff to determine current donation needs and we’ll support you as you organize and carry out the drive.
Location: Anywhere!
Time Commitment: Anytime!
Skills and Requirements: Must be willing to work with staff to determine needs of clients prior to organizing drive; must follow IRC guidelines if publicizing the drive.
Front Desk Volunteer: Learn about refugees and related issues first-hand! Answer client questions, direct calls and greet visitors to our office during business hours. Practice communication skills and interact with people from various cultures. Become familiar with the role of a resettlement agency in the lives of refugees. This position is a great opportunity to see the inner workings of an international non-profit.
Location: Seattle Office
Time Commitment: 3-8 hrs/week, available shifts vary. 3 month commitment.
Skills and Requirements: Must be culturally sensitive and able (or willing to try) to understand English language learners. Ability to handle a multi-line telephone and basic computer skills. Willingness to learn about refugees and refugee-related issues.
Pre-Employment Classroom Volunteers: Help refugees prepare for their first jobs in the U.S.! Volunteers support class participants as they learn about the job search process and practice skills they’ll need to be successful in securing employment. IRC pre-employment classes are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am-12:00pm in Tukwila. Our classes focus on increasing clients’ confidence and English skills through conversation and oral/visual instruction rather than text-based instruction.
Location: Tukwila
Time Commitment: Minimum 1-2 days/week. Classes are held from 10am-12pm every Tuesday and Thursday.
Skills and Requirements: Must be outgoing, friendly and patient! Previous teaching experience a plus, but not required. Must be independent and self-motivated, culturally sensitive, willing to work with multi-level English speakers, and comfortable planning activities and curriculum.
