The IRC's work is made possible by an incredible community of volunteers, who donate their time to teach classes, tutor children, offer administrative support, engage in advocacy efforts, and much more.

In honor of National Volunteer Week, we asked: "Why do you choose to stand with refugees as an IRC volunteer?" The responses we received are nothing short of inspiring and exemplify the passion, dedication, and empathy volunteers bring to the IRC every day.

Thank you to all of our volunteers - we are so fortunate to have you standing with us!

“Why do I volunteer at the IRC and stand with refugees? It’s about potential. It’s about the potential of every refugee and asylee. It’s about our collective potential to create positive change. And it’s about my own potential to contribute - in a small way - to protecting the human rights of everyone. There is no better organization to support than the dedicated staff at the IRC locally and globally.” 

-Jackie, Family Reunification Volunteer

“Interning with the IRC allows me to feel like I am a part of a global community right here in my home state. I think it’s important to be connected to the refugee crisis abroad, since we play a major role in reshaping refugee policy locally. There is a ton to be done right here, right now, to make it better.” 

-Rheame, Intensive Case Management Intern

“Our current political environment seems to reflect a self-centered, me-first approach when talking about refugees. It was important to me to stand with refugees so that I was doing something visible to others that said: this population of refugees in Seattle and around the world, they matter too."  

-Bob, Logistics Volunteer

“Hanging out with the kids at [the IRC afterschool program] is consistently the best part of my week. No one would ever guess that this group of huge smiles, giant hugs, silly jokes, and crazy soccer skills has endured so much. It’s been awesome to watch the newer kids get more and more comfortable expressing themselves each week and I’m so glad I’ve had the opportunity to get to know each one of them!”

-Jenny, Youth Tutor Volunteer

“I volunteer because I can! What a privilege to be able to share your time. I have the opportunity to step away from my career at the moment and am so happy to do something meaningful at the IRC in Seattle. Being a mother, volunteering at the IRC is actually my “Me” time! Pedicures are great, but they don’t provide the same rewarding feelings that I get when I’m here serving our refugee and immigrant populations. We have to be morally courageous in the world we live in. Refugees are fleeing persecution and harm – it’s the right thing to do to stand with them and be on their side.”​

-Emily, Administrative Volunteer

“The IRC afterschool program is consistently the highlight of my week... All of the children individually may have had different highs and lows in their past, but that doesn’t matter as much at the afterschool program where at least for an hour they’re all learning, talking, and laughing together to help each other grow. It’s a beautiful thing to witness and be a part of.”

-Adi, Youth Tutor Volunteer

“The need is so great. Refugees are the most vulnerable population in the U.S. We can’t not do anything about it. As a nation made of immigrants, it’s literally in our DNA to take responsibility and care for each other. Caring for refugees means you are caring for your own family - for people who deserve to live a safe from harm life.”

-Kathy, Logistics Volunteer

“At this time when government policy is going in the wrong direction, it’s rewarding for me to help on the home level and make a difference when I can. I was aware of the IRC from my time in the State Department and knew it was a good organization. I’m at the “give back” stage of my career and volunteering with the IRC in the last 6 months has been fulfilling. I stand with refugees because it is core to American culture that we be a welcoming and accepting place. Who better to help than refugees at a time such as now?”

-Andy, Administrative Volunteer

“I volunteer because, as a humanitarian, I had big plans to go abroad and work in a refugee camp, but realized there was a lot to do locally when I met an IRC representative at an outreach event. I’ve been volunteering for about 6 months and find the work very purposeful. At the IRC, you can go around the world on a Tuesday!”

-Jane, Development Volunteer

“This is an incredible experience. It's been one of the most gratifying experiences of my life to help these little kids adjust, and to make sure they feel loved and welcomed in our country, especially in these times.”

-Judy, Youth Tutor Volunteer