We are able to best serve our clients with the help of generous volunteers. Our volunteer and internship opportunities change throughout the year, and require different levels of time-commitment. Here are some jobs that volunteers helped with:
Direct Volunteer Service Opportunities at RIS: work directly with our clients
Indirect Volunteer Service Opportunities at RIS: support our work with clients
The American Friend Volunteer is matched with a refugee family to help support integration into their new community. AFV helps reinforce key cultural orientation topics. AFV helps family members practice new skills like riding the bus, walking to school, doing laundry, taking out the trash, etc. AFV often form lasting bonds with families during the course of their relationship. This position is perfect for those who are outgoing, enjoy lots of activities and helping others become independent & self-sufficient. Practice our core values Hospitality & Compassion!
Senior Companion Volunteer for Older Refugees
The Senior Companion Volunteer for Older Refugees is matched with an older refugee to help address their unique needs. Older refugees often struggle to learn English and can become quite socially isolated. They enjoy weekly visits with a compassionate person. This position is perfect for someone who enjoys a slow & steady relationship and can creatively connect with someone with Low English Proficiency. Perfect for good listeners. Practice our core values Respect & Compassion!
Naturalization Tutor for Older Refugee
The NTV helps groups of older refugees prepare for the English & Civics exam requirements to become naturalized US citizens. They create a supportive learning environment, building the confidence needed for older learners. This position is perfect for those with a love of US history who want to learn about other governments. Perfect for retired educators & those with ESL experience who are comfortable in front of a class. Practice our core values Integrity & Excellence!
The ILV is specially trained to prepare select immigration applications. The ILV is part of a dedicated team providing low & no cost legal services to vulnerable families. This position is perfect for those with an eye for detail and who love an intellectual challenge. Perfect for retired attorneys, paralegals and those with an interest in immigration law. Practice our core values Integrity & Excellence!
Cultural Orientation Ambassador
The Cultural Orientation Ambassador supports monthly cultural orientation on the third Friday of each month. The COA helps prepare the event by making confirmation calls to clients, transporting clients, setting up the room, & preparing multilingual learning materials. During the day-long event, COA’s welcome refugees, keep children entertained, and shares a meal with cultural orientation students. This position is perfect for those who love to host events and make others feel welcome. It is perfect for those who want to make a difference with less time to give. Practice our core value of Hospitality!
The Reception Support Volunteer supports our busy reception desks in Portland and Lewiston. The RSV works along paid reception staff to greet visitors from all around the world, answer phones and direct folks. This position is perfect for friendly problem solvers who are available during the day! Practice our core values Hospitality & Respect!
The RIS Filing Friend provides administrative support to RIS staff members. The FFV puts their organizational skills to the test to provide ongoing administrative support or to tackle short term projects. FFV with accounting experience may help us manage receipts and create vouchers. Data entry, filing, shredding, sorting mail, organizing supplies. It is perfect for those who prefer to work independently on tasks in a multicultural environment. Practice our core values of Integrity & Stewardship!
Welcome Home Volunteers help clean and furnish apartments secured for refugees. WHV helps pick up & deliver furniture and other household items. The WHV helps make an apartment a home by giving it good cleaning and attending to all the tiny details. This position is perfect for those who like to see the impact of their efforts and have flexibility in their schedule. Practice our core value of Hospitality!
The Donations Assistant works with Welcome Home Teams and Resettlement Case Managers to source and prepare individualized donation packages for refugee families. The The Donations Assistant keeps the RIS inventory of seasonal clothing organized and ready to use. This position is perfect for those who enjoy shopping! Practice our core values of Hospitality & Stewardship!
Click here to find out about current open volunteer and internship opportunities with Refugee and Immigration Services. (Click on "related programs" to find Refugee and Immigration Services positions).
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