As you likely know, our community is expecting a large number of Afghan refugees in the next few months.  Many Rotary clubs have been asking how they can help.  D5340 Rotarians, supported by District Governor Dan Gensler, can provide assistance in many ways through  the International Rescue Committee (IRC),  a federally designated resettlement agency in San Diego that is in need of some assistance.
 
By volunteering with the IRC in San Diego, CA, you can use your skills to help people who have fled violence and persecution to rebuild their lives in America. See below for the latest volunteer opportunities and how to apply.
 
Airport Pick-up Volunteer

Responsibilities: Airport pick-up volunteers will communicate with IRC staff about pick up and drop off logistics to receive families as they arrive at the San Diego International Airport. Volunteers must have access to a car and be willing to transport IRC clients and their luggage. Volunteers should also be culturally sensitive and respectful of diverse backgrounds, self-motivated and comfortable working with little supervision, and able to handle sensitive client information confidentially. Most importantly, volunteers should be welcoming and eager to help newly-arrived refugees settle into the San Diego community.   
  • Requirements: Access to a vehicle; Available on an as-needed basis; Reliability and attention to detail; Able to lift 20 lbs; Work well under pressure; Flexible and adaptive to change; Excellent communication skills; Provide valid driver’s license with current insurance; Provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19; Willing to adhere to IRC Volunteer and workplace policies, including confidentiality policies.
  • Location: San Diego International Airport and around San Diego County (locations disclosed to volunteers).
  • Time Commitment: As needed. Volunteers can expect at least 1 airport pick-up per week and to spend between 2-3 hours per pick-up. Airport pick-up times vary but are primarily on weeknights and weekends. Volunteers must be able to commit to 2-3 months of service.
Housing Setup Volunteer
 
Responsibilities: The Housing Setup Volunteer will help the Resettlement Team prepare and furnish homes for new refugee families. The Housing Setup Volunteer will support the movement of furniture and supplies from the IRC in San Diego’s storage locations to the apartment or house. Volunteers will work closely with the Resettlement Team at the home to unpack, assemble, and arrange items to create a welcoming home.
 
  • Skills & Qualifications: Volunteers must be able to collaborate with others, work well as part of a team and handle client information confidentially. It is preferred (not required) for volunteers to have access to a personal vehicle for transportation and moving items and be able and willing to lift 40lbs.
  • Requirements: Available on an as-needed basis; Reliability and attention to detail; Work well under pressure; Flexible and adaptive to change; Excellent communication skills; Ability to lift 40lbs; Provide valid driver’s license with current insurance; Provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19; Willing to adhere to IRC Volunteer and workplace policies, including confidentiality policies
  • Location: Varies, San Diego County (locations disclosed to volunteers).
  • Time Commitment: This volunteer position is an on-call opportunity. The Resettlement team will contact the volunteer 1-2 days in advance regarding upcoming housing setups. Most housing setups are completed in 2-4 hours on a week day, between 9AM and 7PM. Volunteers must be willing to complete one set up per week for a minimum of 2-3 months.
There is a dedicated resource page on the IRC  website that shares all of the ways that you—individually or through your Rotary Clubs collectively—might be able to support efforts at the IRC. You can read more about that here.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Donny Repsher at Donny.Repsher@rescue.org.