More than one billion people volunteer globally for solidarity and humanity, for people and the planet. International Volunteer Day is an occasion to pay tribute to volunteers worldwide and recognize the value of volunteerism in advancing peace and development. It serves as an opportunity to applaud the selfless efforts of individuals who dedicate their time and skills to make positive changes in their communities and beyond. During International Volunteer Day, the IRC in Los Angeles wishes to recognize the outstanding efforts of several of our volunteers. These volunteers have demonstrated the selflessness, dedication, and perseverance that exemplify the heart of the IRC in Los Angeles and our mission. Please join us in congratulating them!

Tom Greenleigh has been volunteering for the IRC in Salt Lake City office for 8 years. Working to support refugee and immigrant communities is in Tom’s blood: his ancestors worked to rescue and resettle refugees during World War II.

Amid the crisis In Afghanistan, Afghans both inside the country and far from home are doing their best to endure–and ensure others have what they need to survive and rebuild.

Whether it’s through restrictive laws that prohibit them from working, or through language and cultural barriers that make it extremely difficult to earn an income, refugees have to try to survive another disaster—a life lived in limbo. Here's how supporting refugees to build careers benefits everyone.

Since 2014, economic upheaval and political turmoil in Venezuela have caused over 3 million people to flee the country, and this number is likely to rise as the crisis intensifies.

Navigating a new city alone as a refugees, this Somali family found comfort in their friendship with an American.

After fleeing ISIS in Iraq, a young woman starts over in a refugee camp in Syria—with her infant son. They are among the almost 17,000 people, mostly Iraqis, living in Al Hol camp.

Since June 2012, widespread violence between Buddhists and Muslims in Myanmar’s Rakhine State has uprooted hundreds of thousands of people. The majority are Muslims who call themselves Rohingya—the world’s largest stateless group and one of the most persecuted.