The International Rescue Committee (IRC)

By Kate | Permalink |

No Comments | February 21st, 2007 | Trackback

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) was founded in 1933 and today is a global network of people and organizations who serve “refugees and communities victimized by oppression or violent conflict worldwide…This commitment [to freedom, human dignity and self-reliance] is expressed in emergency relief, protection of human rights, post-conflict development, resettlement assistance, and advocacy.”

Today the IRC is “on the ground” in 25 countries. Most volunteer work is done at home – with local chapters in the US; volunteers can help refugees adjust to their life in the US by teaching or tutoring English, helping them prepare for job interviews; volunteers can also provide general office assistance or contribute to newsletters. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required and past experience with refugees or immigrants and fluency in a second language such as French, Arabic, Somali, Vietnamese, Bosnian or Russian is also helpful.

When volunteer posts abroad come up, they are listed with the job opportunities.

To get an idea of the different work the IRC is involved in, check out their blog – which includes a video interview with local paralegals working to improve awareness of human rights in the Sudan – and see just a few of the sections on their work in postconflict development and the anti-trafficking initiative.