Get Involved
The International Institute provides opportunities for refugees and immigrants to thrive. Volunteers are key to helping our new neighbors on their path to self-sufficiency. Sharing your knowledge and offering your time creates a welcoming space and contributes to a more inclusive society.
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How do I become a volunteer?
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Review volunteer opportunities
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Apply for a volunteer opportunity.
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Complete a background check ($25.00 per volunteer)
Are there requirements to become a volunteer? To volunteer at the International Institute, we ask that you:
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Be at least 18 years of age; some exceptions apply
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Pass a criminal background check (for client-related volunteer roles)
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Complete Refugee 101 training (1 hr.)
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Complete Cultural Competency Training (1 hr.)
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Volunteer Activity Training (duration depends on volunteer activity)
Thank you for wanting to make a difference in the lives of others.
Volunteer Opportunities
​Volunteer Team Leads - is a collaborative, fulfilling, hands-on volunteer opportunity. Manage and support a team of six to eight activity-based volunteers to support the integration and self-sufficiency of a recently arrived refugee family.
Time Commitment: 5 - 10 hrs. weekly for 90 days (about 3 months) Apply Now
Volunteer Activity - Grocery Shopping is a fulfilling and hands-on volunteer opportunity. Share your useful knowledge of how to economize and make the most of a dollar with a new neighbor.
Time Commitment: 2hrs weekly for 3 months (flexible schedule) Apply Now
Volunteer Activity - Bus Training is a fulfilling, adventurous technical volunteer opportunity. Empower refugee families to get around town by teaching them how to get around town and learning the bus routes. This is one of the most impactful ways to support a refugee family's path to self-sufficiency.
Time Commitment: 4 hrs. once a week for 30 days (about 4 and a half weeks) Apply Now
Volunteer Activity - Home Maintenance is a fulfilling, practical, hands-on volunteer opportunity. Teach a new refugee family how to identify useful cleaning supplies and routine maintenance needs, such as changing air filters, changing light bulbs, and understanding the breaker box.
Time Commitment: Volunteer Activity—Home Maintenance. Apply Now
Volunteer Activity - Library is a fulfilling and fun opportunity. Share your love of the library by introducing a refugee family to its resources.
Time Commitment: 2 hrs. once a month for 3 months (flexible schedule). Apply Now
Volunteer Activity – Parks and Trails is a fulfilling, fun volunteer opportunity. Share your love of the Greene County Parks and trails by introducing a refugee family to this free public resource.
Time Commitment: 2 hrs. once a month for 3 months (flexible schedule). Apply Now
Volunteer Activity - Medicaid Transport is a fulfilling technical, hands-on volunteer opportunity. Teach a new refugee family how to utilize the Medicaid transport app and identify Medicaid transport vehicles (OATS, Uber, Lyft) to attend medical appointments.
Time Commitment: as needed for 3 months (must be available during office hours) Apply Now
On-call Volunteer is a fulfilling and vital support for IISMO caseworkers. If you have a flexible schedule throughout the day, consider being an on-call support volunteer. This individual works closely with agency caseworkers to address a variety of needs.
Time Commitment: 2 hrs. once a week for 30 days (about four and a half weeks) Apply Now
Employment Support Volunteer is a fulfilling and vital volunteer opportunity. Work with agency staff to assist refugees to apply for jobs that will support their path to self-sufficiency.
Time Commitment: Friday at 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Apply Now
Youth Mentor is a fulfilling and fun volunteer opportunity. By mentoring refugee youth (15 – 23 years old), you can support their career and education aspirations.
Time Commitment: 4 hrs. per month (Third Saturday of each month at 10:00 AM and a 1 flexible on one check each month) Apply Now
Women's Refugee Economic Development Volunteer is a fulfilling, fun volunteer opportunity. Walk along aside and encourage homebound woman to use their talents to generate income to support their families and their dreams.
Time Commitment: 2 hrs. per month (Second Thursday of each month at 5:00 PM) Apply Now
Immigration Support is a fulfilling technical volunteer opportunity. Assist refugee families in completing Employment Authorizations and Legal Permanent Residency Applications. All applications are reviewed and submitted by a local immigration attorney.
Time Commitment: 2 hrs. Per week (select one of three times) Apply Now