Thanks for your desire to support refugees as they rebuild their lives!

Volunteer Opportunities

Adult Mentors
Support an adult refugee as they build a life in Chicago. Practice English, navigate city life, or prep for the citizenship exam, building a friendship along the way. Schedule flexible, arranged according to mentee availability. Must commit to weekly meetings for 6 months.

Youth Tutors
Be a friend and role model for a school-aged youth (5-14). Offer academic support, English practice, and—perhaps most importantly—social and emotional support as they navigate life in Chicago as a young person. Must commit to weekly meetings for 6 months.

Young Adult Mentor
Be a friend and role model for a young adult (15-24), helping them work toward education and career goals. Attend workshops and social events with your mentee. Guided goal-setting framework provided. Must commit to weekly meetings for 6 months.

After-School Program
Offer homework help, English practice, and facilitate activities for school-aged refugee youth alongside RefugeeOne staff. Volunteers must commit to at least one afternoon per week (4:00-6:30 p.m. Mon-Fri on CPS school days) for at least a semester term (Jan-Jun/Sep-Dec).

Co-Sponsors
Interested in a longer term group volunteer opportunity? Organize a team to welcome a newly arriving refugee family: you'll fundraise, set up an apartment, and mentor a family for 6 months.
Click here for more info.

Dental Clinic Volunteers
The RefugeeOne Dental Clinic is seeking dentists and dental professionals to provide pro bono services. To learn more about these opportunities, email volunteer@refugeeone.org, subject "Dental Clinic Volunteer."
Click here for more info.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy (as of October 28, 2021)
In order to help ensure the health and safety of the entire RefugeeOne community,
​volunteers are required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Steps to becoming a volunteer:

1. Fill out a volunteer application.
2. Look for a confirmation email with a link to sign up for an upcoming orientation via Zoom. (Check your junk folder if you don't see it — since it's an automated email it might end up there.)
3. Attend orientation to learn more about RefugeeOne, available volunteer roles, and best practices for working with refugees.
4. Submit your signed volunteer release forms and submit a background check ($10.50 fee) via the link we provide you.
5. Get matched with a volunteer opportunity! ​​Depending on how quickly your release forms are submitted and scheduling availability, getting matched with a role can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks from orientation. Thanks in advance for your patience and commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions

​Who is eligible to volunteer?
RefugeeOne volunteers must be 18+, clear a background check, share proof of COVID-19 vaccination, and be based in Chicagoland and able to travel regularly to neighborhoods on Chicago’s far north side (West Ridge area).

Do I need any special language skills?
No language skills besides English are required. If you have any specific language skills or cultural experience, we'll consider that in matching you with a refugee partner. Beyond that, matches are made by need, not preference. You might be matched with someone from Afghanistan, DR Congo, Burma, Syria, or elsewhere! Some volunteers will work with newcomers, others will be matched with refugees who have been here longer.

Click here to fill out a volunteer application >>

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Questions? Email volunteer@refugeeone.org.