International Rescue Committee

Opportunity Title: Citizenship Class Volunteer
Location: In-person at various LA Public Library Branches
State Date: March 2025
Duration: 4-6 months, Flexible hours – evenings and Saturday morning needs

***** NOTE: This is an unpaid opportunity. *******

ABOUT US:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity, and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:

The Citizenship Volunteer will serve refugees and members of the local immigrant community by providing the civics and history knowledge needed to pass the United States Citizenship Exam. Volunteers will work closely with the IRC-LA Adult Education Program Supervisor.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Share the knowledge required to pass the United States Citizenship Exam by either assisting or leading our citizenship classes.
• Use the provided curriculum, PowerPoint presentations, flashcards, and other materials to teach your class.
• Help enroll students in class.
• Coordinate with IRC-LA staff.
• Respond to student’s needs within the scope of the class.
• Take charge of necessary documents and pass them on to IRC-LA staff as needed.
• Occasionally working 1:1 with clients to complete citizenship applications.

OPPORTUNITY OUTCOMES:

• Volunteer will gain experience in working with clients of diverse backgrounds, gaining cultural competency through one-on-one interactions.
• Volunteer will gain a wide range of communication and interpersonal skills while building a professional relationship with their client.
• Volunteer will develop teaching and leadership skills that will translate well to other professional endeavors.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bilingual speakers preferred (Spanish, Armenian, Farsi, Dari, Ukrainian, etc.)
• Fluency in spoken and written English
• Korean speaker needed for our Wilmington branch. Mondays & Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30pm. 
• At least a US High School Diploma or familiarity with US History REQUIRED.
• Flexible availability during the evenings and weekends (usually Saturday mornings).
• Reliable transportation to various LA Public Library Branches.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Engaged in learning about the broader IRC mission, philosophy, global work, and local efforts.
• Willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies.

Opportunity Title: ESL Class Volunteer
Location: Virtual, through Zoom
State Date: Spring 2025, ASAP
Duration: 4 months, with the opportunity to extend

***** NOTE: This is an unpaid opportunity. *******

ABOUT US:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity, and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:

The ESL Volunteer will serve refugees and members of the local immigrant community by providing guidance and education through English as a second language classes. Volunteers will work closely with the IRC-LA Adult Education Program Supervisor.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead weekly ESL classes, including English language instruction and facilitation.
• Availability Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am-12pm PST.
• Availability Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am-12pm PST.
• Availability Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-7:30pm PST.
• Availability Fridays from 10am-12pm PST.
• Knowledge of how to use the video calling platform Zoom, and comfortability with teaching online.
• Use the provided curriculum, PowerPoint presentations, flashcards, and other materials to teach your class.
• Coordinate with IRC-LA staff.
• Respond to student’s needs within the scope of the class.
• Work closely with the Adult Education Team to provide sufficient support to your students.
• Knowledge of Spanish and/or Armenian preferred but not required.
• BA in English/MA in TESOL preferred.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge and comfortability teaching online via Zoom.
• Knowledge of using the Remind platform.
• Availability on weekdays listed for the class.
• Ability to adapt to different learning skills and environments, has a passion for education.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Engaged in learning about the broader IRC mission, philosophy, global work, and local efforts.
• Willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies.

We need volunteers for newly arrived refugees who have fled violence and persecution to rebuild their lives in America. Volunteers can help with financial literacy, ESL instruction, Citizenship instruction, young Afghan women mentoring, and donation drives. 18+ years of age required. 55+ welcomed.