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Volunteer Opportunities

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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.
  • Individual Opportunities

    Share your skills and talents in a way that works best for your schedule, whether one time or ongoing.

    View Openings

    Apply Now
  • 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
  • Internships

    Gain professional experience while supporting refugees and immigrants.

    Learn More

    Apply Now

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.

  • 300+

    Volunteers

    Every volunteer makes a difference.

  • 1,612

    Hours

    Our volunteers have given lots of classroom support this year.

  • 300+

    Hours

    Our volunteers are proud to help New Americans with their citizenship applications.

  • 100%

    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.

  • Organize a Housing Donation Drive

    Get your community together for a housing drive. The supplies you collect will create a welcoming home after a long journey to safety for refugee families.

    Learn More
  • 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.

    Shop Now
  • Hire Our Clients

    Partner with IIMN to employ qualified, pre-screened applicants who are highly motivated to succeed in the American workforce.

    Learn More

What Our Volunteers are Saying

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.

Housing Drive

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.

Contact Us

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.

Rachel Kennedy
Volunteer and Community Partnerships Manager
(651) 377-8663