None of our work would be possible without dedicated volunteers. We are able to offer extensive services to refugees due in large part to generous contributions of time, resources, and professional services from volunteers. Volunteer opportunities are available at our resettlement offices in midtown Manhattan and Linden, New Jersey and in refugees’ homes in New York City and northern New Jersey.
Summer internships with IRC New York's Literacy for Life Program are now posted!
Apply now for IRC New York Fall 2008 Internships!
You can volunteer...
...at the New York Resettlement Office
Volunteer office assistants are the “face” of IRC. Whether they are interacting with refugees face-to-face or on the phone, they are often some of the first people a refugee interacts with in New York. Volunteers provide invaluable assistance to staff members and the clients of the IRC. Althea, an office assistant in New Jersey shares that, “I learned something new everyday and the things that I learned at the IRC, I would never have learned anywhere else.”
Literacy for Life Tutors teach ESL and cultural orientation concepts to beginning, intermediate, or advanced-level recently arrived refugees. Instructors are be in charge of planning their lessons, the selection/production of their lesson materials, and collaborating with their students’ ESL teacher to provide holistic instruction. Prior teaching experience with ELL adults and comfort working with refugees from a variety of backgrounds, including those with limited formal education and/or literacy skills is required.
Case aides assist case managers to guide refugees through their first months in the United States. Case aides assist with administrative work in the office, prepare refugees' apartments prior to their arrival, and accompany refugees to various appointments around the city.
…in the Community
Organize a donations drive at your work or school. Collect donations of new clothing, household items, and toys for our annual holiday party for refugees in December; or gather toiletries, household items, or school supplies for newly arrived refugees who arrive year-round. Offer fundraising drives - all proceeds will go to assisting refugees to resettle in the New York area.
The Mentor Program is an exciting and growing program based on the dedication of volunteers who commit their time and compassion to serving as mentors. The program boosts confidence and builds strong, solid relationships between responsible, caring adults in the NYC area and recently resettled IRC children and teenagers. It is entirely up to matches to decide how they will spend their time, but activities may include doing homework, playing or watching sports, or visiting museums, gardens, and zoos. Volunteers must make a one-year commitment during which matches meet three times a month for two hours each time.
Volunteers visit refugees in their homes and assist them to learn or improve their English and literacy skills. You do not need to be a seasoned ESL instructor to volunteer. The IRC New York Literacy for Life program is able to provide training and materials for new volunteers. Volunteers must be willing to meet with clients in their homes in Brooklyn, the Bronx, or Staten Island.
Adult/family mentors provide community orientation activities, job search assistance and crucial insight into life in New York. Mentors are matched with one individual or family and meet weekly with them throughout their first 4-6 months in the U.S., exchanging knowledge about American culture and of refugees’ countries of origin. Mentors often find they have made a new friendship with people they may not otherwise have had the opportunity to meet.
…through Education and Social Activities for Newly Arrived Refugee Youth
The Saturday Learning Series is held at the IRC office in mid-town Manhattan. Refugee Youth Program staff provide regular Saturday classes focusing on extra homework help and English language instruction through creative and fun learning activities. Advanced students participate in the Refugee Youth Leaders in Training Program, learning more about future academic and career options and getting involved in advocacy on international refugee issues.
Mini-Academies are held throughout the year during weekends or school holidays. Mini Academies aim to orient newly arrived refugee youth to U.S. schools through culturally appropriate and fun learning activities led by experienced, multi-lingual IRC staff.
…at After School Programs for Refugee Children and Teens
The IRC, in collaboration with Century Dance Complex, hosts an after-school program in Staten Island that serves children and youth, ages 6 - 18 in Park Hill, Staten Island. The after-school program runs Monday through Friday starting at 3:00 pm, providing daily homework help and creative literacy classes, dance history classes and a comprehensive dance program including instruction in ballet, jazz, hip-hop and African styles.
The IRC and International Community High School have teamed up to offer refugee, asylee and immigrant students an after school program which provides a safe and supportive space in which to develop students' English language and general academic skills through dynamic learning activities. Based in IC's classrooms, the IRC offers its students ELL classes, homework help and a theater program based on IC's Social Studies and English class curriculum. On Mondays the program runs from 4:00 pm till 6:00 pm and on Wednesdays from 1:15 pm till 3:30 pm
How to Apply
1. Peruse the IRC website and volunteer opportunities above.
2. Fill out an application. (If you would prefer to fill out the application using Notepad, click here.)
3. Email your application and a current resume to NewYork@theIRC.org.
Please note that due to the large number of applications for volunteer positions, we are unable to take on all qualified applicants. Not all volunteer positions are open at one time and resumes are reviewed as spaces become available. You will be contacted only if there is an appropriate opportunity available at the time of application. All applicants will be added to IRC New York’s email list to receive monthly volunteer updates.
Above all, we thank you for your interest in volunteering with IRC New York!
