Volunteer with the IRC

Time to spare?  Volunteer! The mission of the IRC Volunteer Corps is to provide committed and trained volunteers to work with IRC staff and to help refugees in the greater Washington area integrate successfully into American society.  At the same time, the Volunteer Corps exists to support the volunteers themselves in achieving their personal objectives for volunteering.   Training is available for most positions, and the average time commitment is between 3-5 hours per week for a minimum of four months. There are many positions available:

• Reception and Placement Volunteer: Orient family to greater Washington area, help them become accustomed to American culture, assist them with English language training, transport members of the family to job interviews and medical appointments, help families understand bills.
• ESL Tutor: Teach vocational and basic English.  English ability of clients will vary from near-fluent to absolutely no English.
• Driver: Help pick up and deliver donations of furniture and household goods from donors to refugee families.
• Office Operations Volunteer: Maintain client database, assist with fund-raising efforts, assist with filing certain forms for refugee sponsorship.
• Job Coach: Teach classes in job search skills for newly arrived refugees seeking employment.  Classes will cover topics including American workplace culture, interview skills, filling out applications and where to look for a job.
• Translator/Interpreter: Accompany refugee to appointments, and translate between English and the refugee's native language.  Interpret newsletter from English into refugee's language. Stuff to spare?  Give an in-kind donation! Donations of furniture and household goods for refugee families are always welcome.All donated items should be in good shape.