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)

If you have any questions, please contact Franklin Cooper at cooperf@iistl.org.

Thank you for wanting to make a difference in the lives of others.

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:

To contact an Institute representative to learn more about current needs, click here.

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/mPEmNhEERE

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.

All volunteer opportunities in the Ed. Department require a 3 month minimum volunteer commitment, one or more times per week. Classes run year-round.  

Basic Qualifications:  

• Cultural sensitivity and flexibility
• Ability to work well with others and to work independently
• Attend tutor trainings
• Willing to complete necessary onboarding paperwork & criminal background check
• Ability to speak English well
• Dependability and punctuality

Please be patient with the time that it takes to process the application. To volunteer in the education department, start by filling out this interest survey https://forms.office.com/r/3vsMQ0Vi4R  and  Volunteer App – International Institute of St. Louis (iistl.org)  Background checks are also required. Please fill out the Volunteer Background Check – International Institute of St. Louis (iistl.org) 

 

ENGLISH (Time commitments) 

English Literacy Tutor – Assist the lead teacher with classroom activities for adult learners. Clients have low English proficiency. Limited availability 

• afternoon:  Monday – Wednesday, 1:00-3:00 p.m. (limited availability) 

 

English TA – Assist the lead teacher with classroom activities for adult learners. Limited availability 

• evening:  Monday-Tuesday, 6:00-8:30 p.m. 

 

Computer TA – Assist the lead teacher with classroom activities for adult learners. Limited availability. 

• Tuesday, Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 

 

CITIZENSHIP (Time commitments) 

Citizenship Literacy Tutor – Teach key information to pass the naturalization interview as modeled by a lead instructor. 

• Monday-Wednesday, 1:00pm-3:00pm 
• Monday-Tuesday, 6:00pm-8:00pm.  

 

Citizenship Mock interviewers – Simulate the citizenship interview experience through guided questions that cover the English language skills required to successfully pass the naturalization interview. 

• Variety of times throughout the year. A one-time commitment is possible.  

Telephone Conversation Partners – Teach key information to pass the naturalization interview over the phone. (depends on student availability)