Volunteer

VOLUNTEER

Volunteers are critical to our programs and services. Our needs change throughout the year, so please check back for new opportunities.

Please note that depending on the activity, volunteers may be required to pass a criminal background check and/or show proof of current vaccinations.

 

Quick Links:

CURRENT NEEDS | JOIN OUR RESERVES | LA REFUGEE VOLUNTEER COALITION

Terry Herkner, Janet Elkins and Betty Carmona are helping Afghan refugees through the International Institute of Los Angeles. Photo by Chris Mortenson for Pasadena Weekly

CURRENT NEEDS

Our active and most urgent needs will appear here.

Don’t see an opportunity for you? Fill out the form below to join our Volunteer Reserves.

Updated 9/14/22

Legal Professionals & Law Students

We are looking for legal professionals and law students who are interested in providing pro bono legal assistance to Afghan evacuees, which may include asylum, Special Immigrant Visa, P1/2 refugee status, Temporary Protected Status, and other legal applications. SIGN UP HERE

Dari and Pashto Interpreters and Translators

We are looking for volunteers who can provide assistance to Afghans applying for asylum and other legal matters. Tasks may include helping to fill out applications, translating documents in Dari/Pashto, proof-reading, delivering documents, and other non-legal tasks. SIGN UP HERE

Ukrainian and Russian Interpreters and Translators

Please fill out the volunteer reserves form below. We are anticipating a great need for volunteers to assist Ukrainian refugees in the coming months.

High School-Age Volunteers

IILA works with Teens at the Door, a group of youth that supports refugee teens by helping them build and maintain personal connections with American teenagers to make them feel welcome as they launch the next chapter of their lives in their new home. Learn more at www.teensatthedoor.org.

“FIVE WAYS THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP REFUGEES AND OTHER NEWCOMERS”

Click the video below to learn how volunteers and other community partners can be of support for our new neighbors!

JOIN OUR RESERVES

IILA’s volunteer needs change throughout the year and can sometimes arise unexpectedly at the last minute.

Joining our “Reserves” and indicating your interests can be a huge help! When there is an opportunity and good fit for your assistance, a member of our team will reach out.  By signing up, you will also be added to the IILA mailing list to receive occasional emails (bimonthly or less) that share our latest needs, news, and other information.

LOS ANGELES REFUGEE VOLUNTEER COALITION (LA RVC)

Another way to get involved is by joining forces with IILA and our fellow refugee resettlement agencies in Los Angeles.

If IILA does not have a current volunteer opportunity for you, the Coalition might!  Click here to go to our LA RVC page and learn more.