volunteer
Individual Volunteer
At IISTL, we believe in equity and opportunity for all. For those looking to make a difference, we offer a variety of ways to contribute to a more inclusive society.
How do I become a volunteer? Simply sign up for one the volunteer opportunities linked below. You may be required to complete a background check or additional training, depending on the volunteer role.
Are there requirements to become a volunteer? In order to volunteer at the International Institute, we ask that you:
- Be at least 18 years of age, some exceptions apply
- Pass a criminal background check (for client-related volunteer roles)
Group Volunteers
Is your organization interested in participating in a group project associated with the International Institute?
Community-based as well as on-site options for volunteerism abound. Here are a few examples of recent activities:
- Field Trip Sponsor: Provide admission tickets, transportation, and chaperones for an organization-sponsored visit to a local attraction.
- Community Engagement Potluck Co-Host: prepare food and provide volunteers for our monthly on-site client lunches.
- In-Kind Drive Sponsor: Organize a drive for specialty items needed by new refugee arrivals, for example, toiletries, winter coats, kitchen pots and pans, and blankets.
- Administrative & Clean-Up Support: Semi-annual days for interior and exterior clean up at the International Institute’s headquarter campus.
After School Program for Immigrant High-Schoolers
Recruiting ongoing volunteer tutors for the After School Program
Tutor Role:
- Volunteers will help students with school assignments and/or other subjects, such as English and Math, in person AND/OR online via Microsoft Teams and Zoom
- Volunteers may lead students in recreational activities
Volunteer Qualifications:
- Available to commit to 1 – 2 days of volunteering, Monday – Thursday, 3:45 – 5:30 PM, evenings & weekends (via online) possible
- Attend 1-hour tutor training
- Willing to complete necessary onboarding paperwork & criminal background check
- Age 18+
- Cultural sensitivity and flexibility
- Desire to work with high school students
- Work well with others and independently
- Ability to speak, read, and write English well
- Dependability and punctuality
- Previous tutoring or teaching experience preferred, no required
Volunteer Tutor Interest Survey: https://forms.office.com/r/tssc9hP7LE
Please contact Katherine Schoeberle at 314-773-9090 ext. 140 or email schoeberlek@iistl.org.
Refugee Youth Mentoring Program
Recruiting mentors for ongoing youth mentoring sessions
Mentor Role:
- Support the successful integration of a refugee youth by helping him/her to meet his/her educational, vocational, and social goals through an ongoing, one-to-one relationship.
- Implement guided conversation curriculum via phone or video chat
- Build the relationship by participating in organized mentor/mentee events
- Help work toward accomplishing goals set by the mentee
Mentor Qualifications:
- Available to commit to:
o 10-week session (Sessions run January-March, April-June, July-September, & October-December.)
o Attend 1-hour mentor training session
o Regular one-on-one contact with mentee (in person or via phone/video chat)
o At least one group mentor/mentee virtual event per month organized by the Institute
- Willing to complete necessary onboarding paperwork & criminal background check
-
- Clean criminal history, no history of child abuse, and no use of alcohol or controlled substance in an inappropriate manner
- Age 19+
- Cultural sensitivity and flexibility
- Desire to work with youth ages 15-24
- Work well with others and independently
- Ability to speak, read, and write English well
- Dependability and punctuality
Mentor Application: https://forms.office.com/r/HuwtQyfQY3 **Note: Volunteers and youth are paired based off common interests and career goals. After completing the mentor application, we will contact you when a mentor opportunity arises.
Please contact Katherine Schoeberle at 314-773-9090 ext. 140 or email schoeberlek@iistl.org.