Volunteering in Seattle

Volunteering with the IRC

The IRC relies on community members to help us support our clients. Volunteers are not paid staff, but their contributions are deeply valued. They give their time, skills, and resources freely, driven by a shared belief in helping others. Many of our volunteers are former refugees or immigrants themselves, giving back as a way of paying forward the support they once received.

At the IRC in Seattle, volunteers assist in many ways, including:

• Welcoming clients and visitors to our office-Front Desk support
• Helping our Economic Empowerment clients, with resumes and job application support
• Tutoring youth and providing mentorship
• Supporting clients with practical needs  
• Assisting with community events—setup, cleanup, and logistics
• Helping with impromptu needs around the office

You may meet volunteers at the IRC office or in your home. If a volunteer cannot answer your question or concern, they will direct you to IRC staff or help you get in touch with the right team. If you need community hours, reference letters to find jobs, a good way to get involved with the community, the best way to get started is to volunteer.

Please note: In accordance with IRC policy, clients are not eligible to volunteer with the IRC till six months have passed since they were enrolled in IRC programming.  This allows individuals time to adjust, settle, and adapt to their new environment before engaging in volunteer activities.

Community Events

The IRC hosts a variety of external facing events (small, mid, large scale) throughout the year for clients, volunteers, donors, and community partners. These include:

• World Refugee Day: Day of celebration and elevating the diversity and beauty of the refugee populations that we serve
• Cultural and art experiences
• Program-specific fundraisers
• Our Annual Gala

These events are a chance to connect, celebrate, and learn together.

Get Involved

To become a volunteer, to support the IRC financially, be involved with upcoming events please email seattle@rescue.org

For any questions related to the development team please email developmentteam.seattle@rescue.org