Get Involved

World Relief Minnesota welcomes churches, small groups and individuals who want to partner with new refugee families as they seek to start a new life in America.

Group Volunteer Opportunities 

Co-Sponsor Team

A Co-Sponsor team is a group of at least four to seven volunteers coming together with the refugees’ relative(s) and World Relief to help resettle a refugee family.The resettlement period includes the months preparing for the family’s arrival and the first 3 months after they are here. During this time the family’s basic needs are met and the family is set on the path towards self-sufficiency.

Individual Volunteer Opportunities

Please contact Lance Carroll (lcarroll@wr.org or 612-243-2951) for information about the following opportunities:

Citizenship Class Tutor

Help someone gain their US citizenship! Classes will be held one night a week, on a weeknight, for two hours, and will begin in mid-September. Volunteers will need to tutor students on the 100 civic questions and answers, basic English grammar and writing skills, and citizenship interview preparation. No experience necessary, just a passion to help immigrants!

Job Mentor 

Help refugees look for employment, fill out applications, and conduct mock job interviews. Offer encouragement and answer questions.

SALT (Somali Adult Literacy Training) teacher or tutor 

Make friends with a Somali man or woman by teaching or tutoring in a structured classroom environment. Tutors don't need any experience, just a willingness to learn and make friends. Lead classroom teachers should have ELL training and experience. Minimum commitment of six months required.

Befriend a Refugee

Help a refugee combat loneliness and culture shock in adjusting to cultural differences in America by developing a one-on-one friendship. Help refugees learn about local community services, answer questions, read their mail, and spend time with them. Training for this position is the same as the Refugee Co-Sponsor/Mentor position.

Transportation Help

Give refugees rides to appointments. Assist with appointments as needed. Must own vehicle and have a safe driving record.

Translator 

World Relief is seeking a Russian speaking volunteer to assist the Employment Services department. Volunteer will assist with interpretation at intake appointments, scheduling appointments with employment counselors, and on job searches in the community. 

Website Designer 

Give technical and design support for WR website and promotional materials. Experience necessary.

Donation Gathering

  • Welcome Kit Maker
    • Organize and compile boxes of donated items to give to newly arrived refugee families. Volunteer will be expected to come at least once a week to our Richfield office to prepare Welcome Kits.
  • Resource Drive Coordinator 
    • Organize the collection of Gift in Kind resources (Welcome Kits, Furniture, School Supplies) through your church, work, school, neighborhood or small group.
  • Furniture Mover 
    • Help provide basic furniture needs by periodically picking up furniture from donors and dropping it off either at the World Relief office or at a refugee home.

  

Training Opportunities

Refugee Ministry Training Seminar

The world has come to Minnesota! World Relief Minnesota welcomes churches, small groups and individuals who want to partner with new refugee families as they seek to start a new life in America. Come and learn about this exciting cross-cultural ministry through the Refugee Ministry Training Seminar. Topics covered include: the refugee journey, refugees in Minnesota, cross-cultural friendship building, practical ways to help, volunteer opportunities and much more. We offer individual training and group training. For more information, contact Marley at marley@mnevangelicals.org or call 612-798-4332.

Refugee Sponsor Team Training

World Relief provides orientation and cultural information to congregations to help them assist arriving refugee families. Team training will be scheduled as needed. Contact Emily at egreving@wr.org or (612) 243-2968 for more information.

Employment Opportunities

No open positions at this time.

© 2007, World Relief Minnesota