Volunteer with HIAS

Volunteers play an integral role in HIAS’ efforts to help refugees and asylum seekers in the U.S. and abroad. Whether you are an experienced educator or attorney, have language skills, or are interested in sharing what you love about your community with newcomers, we invite you to learn more about volunteer opportunities near you.

This video about a HIAS volunteer working with asylum seekers in New York City, was produced by volunteers Adrian Carey and Sybile Penhirin.

As we continue to monitor and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our volunteer opportunities are fully online and some remain unavailable. Please continue to check back for new opportunities.

Current Opportunities

HIAS’ global headquarters are located in Silver Spring, MD. HIAS assists over 150 asylum seekers in the Greater Washington, D.C. area with free legal representation. Volunteer opportunities may include various types of mentorship, cultural orientation support, ESL tutoring and English conversation, and interpretation and translation.

Fill out an application to learn more about D.C. area opportunities

The HIAS NY Legal and Asylum Volunteer Program aims to provide HIAS clients with holistic, wraparound services by facilitating one-on-one partnerships between our clients and volunteer mentors in the New York tristate area. Volunteer opportunities include various types of mentorship, cultural orientation programming, ESL and English conversation support, interpretation and translation services, and accompaniment opportunities.

Learn more and apply to be a volunteer

HIAS works with organizational partners who provide on-the-ground resettlement and other services to refugees across the country.

Volunteer opportunities with the HIAS Network may include various types of mentorship, cultural orientation support, ESL tutoring and English conversation, interpretation and translation, serving after school programs, and assisting with special events and projects.

Fill out an application to be connected to a local refugee service agency

HIAS’ Pro Bono & Partnerships team engages volunteer attorneys from across the United States to help refugees, asylum seekers, and other forcibly displaced people access vital immigration legal services. In addition to providing pro bono legal support to clients through our offices in the NYC and DC metropolitan areas, the Pro Bono & Partnerships team also works with organizations across the country, including HIAS’ Refugee Resettlement Partners, to identify and meet emerging needs.

Sign up to learn more about our program
An Afghan man and his son after arrival at the baggage claim of John Wanye Airport in Orange County, Feb 19, 2022. They were greeted by a group of Welcome Circle volunteers. (Eric Thayer for HIAS)

Give Now

An Afghan man and his son after arrival at the baggage claim of John Wanye Airport in Orange County, Feb 19, 2022. They were greeted by a group of Welcome Circle volunteers. (Eric Thayer for HIAS)

Help HIAS provide vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world