Volunteer with the Coalition

The Refugee Resettlement Coalition of Lane County is a community effort to support refugees and asylum seekers who are resettling in our area. The Coalition is primarily made up of volunteers. We could not do our work to welcome and support refugees and asylum seekers without the many people who have shared their time and knowledge. Thank you for considering joining this important community effort.

Current volunteer needs:
  • Join the Fundraising Team.  The fundraising team works to raise funds to support the project through donations, events and grants.​ 
  • Be an English Language Tutor. Volunteers are needed with experience in teaching or tutoring English as a Second Language (ESL), or those with interest in gaining experience in ESL tutoring. 
  • Be an Interpreter (Oral).  Fluent foreign language speakers are needed to interpret for refugees. Currently, we are particularly seeking speakers of Dari, Arabic and Spanish, although other languages will likely be needed in future. We maintain a list of interpreters and the languages they speak so that we may call on them when needed.
  • Be a Translator (Written).  Volunteers are needed to translate English-language documents into the native language of a refugee or asylum seeker. ​
  • Be an Advocate. Provide support to a refugee or asylum seeker. Being an advocate requires training (which the Coalition will provide) and a 12-month commitment. For more information about being an advocate, see the job description.
  • Cultural Orientation Team.  Help organize cultural orientation classes for clients. Curriculum materials available. ​
  • Technology Team: Help clients acquire and set up cell phones and computers. Some items are donated and funds are available to purchase devices as needed.
  • Moving Furniture. Volunteers needed to move furniture. We especially need people with their own trucks. If you can help, please fill out our Contact form, and we'll get in touch with you. 
  • Housing is one of our biggest challenges.  Would you be willing to rent to a refugee or asylum seeker on an ongoing basis, or do you have a lead on an affordable rental?  If so, please fill out the "Housing" section of our volunteer application form.
Want to volunteer? Fill out our brief volunteer application form
Once you complete the volunteer application form, your name will be passed on to the team leaders in the areas in which you express interest.  However, you may not hear from them unless a need arises for more volunteers in their area.  Your information will remain in our database and, should the situation change, we will be in touch with you.
OUR MISSION
Mobilize the community to welcome and support refugees and asylum seekers, fostering their well-being and self-sufficiency.
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