Volunteer Opportunities
Ready to Make a Difference?
When you volunteer with the International Institute of Minnesota, your time, skills and compassion make a meaningful difference in the lives of immigrants and refugees. Learn about our volunteer opportunities and find what works for you.
Volunteers who speak another language or those who have experience working with English language learners are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Individual Opportunities
Share your skills and talents in a way that works best for your schedule, whether one time or ongoing.
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Internships
Gain professional experience while supporting refugees and immigrants.
We are now accepting applications for Spring 2025.
Learn More -
Organize a Housing Donation Drive
Get your community together for a housing drive. The supplies you collect will make a welcoming home for refugee families.
Learn More -
Group opportunities
Contact us to schedule a one-time or ongoing volunteer experience. We are happy to discuss opportunities for your community group or coworkers.
Contact Us -
Side by Side Co-Sponsorship
Groups of five to eight people can now apply to co-sponsor a newly arrived family through our new program!
Learn More
Did You Know?
We are proud to have a long history of welcoming and serving the needs of refugees in Minnesota. Thank you to all our volunteers for the time and talents they’ve contributed to International Institute of Minnesota clients so far this year.
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Volunteers
Every volunteer makes a difference.
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Hours
Our volunteers have given lots of classroom support this year.
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Hours
Our volunteers are proud to help New Americans with their citizenship applications.
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Impact
Every volunteer makes a difference in the lives of New Americans.
Other Ways to Help
There are many ways to get involved at the International Institute of Minnesota. With your support, New Americans can rebuild their lives, enroll in English classes and job training, and work toward self-sufficiency.
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Donate Through Amazon Wish List
In a few clicks, you can purchase the most-needed items for newly arriving refugees and have them shipped directly to our office.
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Hire Our Clients
Partner with IIMN to employ qualified, pre-screened applicants who are highly motivated to succeed in the American workforce.
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Make a Gift
Your financial support is essential to our clients’ success as they train for new jobs, learn English and work toward self-sufficiency.
Give Today
What Our Volunteers Are Saying
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![A husband and wife smile outside]()
I hope that the immigrants and refugees that I work with feel welcome and valued as human beings.
Mark, citizenship volunteer
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It’s amazing and so very rewarding to see their success after witnessing their hard work in overcoming a language barrier and being in a different culture.
Mary, volunteer nursing tutor
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When my friend mentioned the Institute, that sounded perfect! I can be around people from all over and hopefully have helpful exchanges for both of us.
Kelsey
English classroom volunteer
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It just feels very gratifying to know that as American citizens, we are trying to make their lives comfortable, and for them to feel welcomed.
Kathy
Housing volunteer
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I have found (volunteering) to be a challenging and rewarding experience. I find it interesting to meet and greet new Americans, immigrants and refugees from all over the world.
Mike
Front Desk Volunteer
Frequently Asked Questions
First, complete an online application form on the Institute’s website. Then, attend a volunteer orientation and training session. After that, you’re ready to sign up for volunteer opportunities that match your interests and availability!
First, complete an online application form on the Institute’s website. Then, attend a volunteer orientation and training session. After that, you’re ready to sign up for volunteer opportunities that match your interests and availability!
Rally your friends, family and colleagues, and organize a Housing Supply Donation Drive! This is a fun activity for volunteers of all ages to make happen whenever it works best for you.
The majority of our volunteer opportunities occur during our regular office hours of Monday – Friday, 8:45 a.m. – 5 p.m. Please check the volunteer position descriptions for more information, or plan a Housing Supply Donation Drive whenever it works best for your schedule!
Yes, we have plenty of free parking.
Yes, we are close to several bus stops. Use the Metro Transit Trip Planner to map your way to 1694 Como Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108.
The closest bus stops are Stop #870 or Stop #929 on Como Ave. Other nearby bus stops are on Snelling Ave. and include Stop Numbers 18523, 931, 866, or 56119. From these bus stops, you will have a 5–10 minute walk to the International Institute of Minnesota.
Some positions may require specific qualifications or experience, while others do not. Check the individual volunteer position descriptions for more information.
The length of the commitment varies by position. For more information, check the individual volunteer position description that you’re interested in.
Yes, there are some volunteer opportunities that do not require fluency in English, such as administrative support and event assistance. However, many volunteer positions do require proficiency in English, especially those involving teaching or tutoring.
The minimum age requirement for most volunteer positions is 18. However, there are some opportunities for younger volunteers, such as assisting with Housing Drives, Winter Coat Drives and one-time opportunities. Contact us if you have questions about a specific position.
Volunteering at the Institute is a great way to give back to the community, meet new people, and gain valuable skills and experience. Additionally, volunteers receive free training and ongoing support from Institute staff.
Contact Us
Please call or email us if you have questions about volunteering at the International Institute of Minnesota.
Kaela Schweisthal
Volunteer and Community Partnerships Manager
(651) 377-8663