Volunteer With Us
Starting over in a new country isn’t easy. That’s why we match volunteers with refugee families right here in Broward and Miami-Dade. Volunteers step in as mentors, teachers, and friends. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about showing up, listening, and being part of someone’s journey. At RAA, volunteers aren’t just helpers—they’re part of the family. Whether you’re meeting with a refugee family in person, teaching English online, or serving on a committee, your time matters more than you know.
RAA offers four volunteer opportunities:
Community support
English as a Second Language teaching
Events committee participation
Specialist assistants
Volunteer Opportunities
1. Community Support Volunteer
Be matched with a refugee or refugee family for 6-12 months
Community Support Volunteers are paired with newly arrived refugee families to help them navigate life in South Florida. Volunteers serve as friends and mentors. This could mean practicing English with a refugee, showing how to make doctor’s appointment, or simply introducing families to everyday places like schools, libraries, or local shops.
RAA sets you up for success with training, resources, monthly check-ins and ongoing support. The role is a real commitment, but also one of the most rewarding ways to make an impact.
What’s involved:
Spend 6–12 months supporting a refugee family in their adjustment process
Provide practical guidance, cultural orientation, and encouragement
Work closely with RAA staff, who offer ongoing coaching and support
Requirements:
Live in Broward or Miami-Dade County
Attend a specialized virtual training session
Complete background clearance
Access to What’s App and virtual meeting platforms
Your commitment:
6-12 months volunteer service
1-3 hours per week
Biweekly food bank delivery drop-off
2 activities with refugee household per month
Ready to get started? Fill out this form to learn more.
2. English as a Second Language Volunteer Teachers
In-Person or Virtual Instruction
Our ESL Volunteer Teachers volunteer virtually to help refugees build the language skills they need to connect with others, thrive at work or study, and move towards sufficiency. From practicing conversation to guiding a lesson, you’ll give learners the confidence to speak English in real situations, and integrate in their new community.
RAA provides training, an online ESL curriculum for virtual classes, and ongoing staff support to equip you to teach.
What’s involved:
Teach English to adult refugee students one-on-one or in small groups
Lead structured lessons using RAA’s curriculum and resources
Support learners with conversation, reading, and workplace vocabulary
Provide encouragement and practical communication skills for daily life and work
Work closely with RAA staff for guidance and resources
Requirements:
Background clearance required (for in-person teaching)
Teaching background, ESL certification, or experience with English instruction preferred
Reliable internet connectivity
Your commitment:
12 weeks of volunteer service
40–60 minute sessions, twice per week
Option to teach virtually or in person
Ready to get started? Fill out this form to learn more.
3. events Committee volunteers
Our committees support our in-person events in Miami and Broward
Our Events Volunteers bring our community together to warmly welcome refugees in South Florida. From setting up tables to welcoming guests, your efforts make each gathering meaningful, successful - and fun!
RAA hosts five major events each year—Spring Clearout (April), World Refugee Day party (June), and our Holiday Party (December) and refugee fundraisers in the spring and fall. Events volunteers help organize, promote and staff each event to ensure things run smoothly. This is RAA’s main volunteer opportunity for teenagers who wish to earn community service hours.
What’s involved:
You’ll assist with planning, promoting, and running RAA’s community events
You’ll support logistics on event days: set-up, guest support, and clean-up
You’ll help create welcoming, joyful community celebrations
Requirements:
Live in or near Broward or Miami-Dade counties as all events are in person
Teen volunteers welcome & community service hours are provided
Your commitment:
Flexible, depending on the event and your availability.
You can volunteer for one event per year or to assist with several
Most events are 1 day with several hours of participation ahead
Ready to get involved? Fill out this form to learn more.
4. SPECIALIZED VOLUNTEERs
Provide a specialized skill to refugee families in person or remotely
Specialized Volunteers bring their unique skills to support refugee families in practical, hands-on ways. Whether delivering food boxes, mentoring students through the college application process, or setting up home internet and laptops, these roles fill urgent gaps and make daily life easier for newly arrived families.
RAA matches volunteers based on their expertise and our families’ needs. If you have a professional skill or specialized experience - legal, financial, technical or practical - this is a chance to put it to meaningful use.
What’s involved (skill dependent):
Deliver food to refugee families facing food insecurity
Mentor refugee students through the college application process
Provide technical support with laptops, internet setup, or digital literacy
Other opportunities may include:
Helping families navigate school enrollment
Assisting with resumes, job applications, or interview prep
Offering interpretation or language support
Assisting with filing tax returns or legal documents
Requirements:
Skills and requirements vary by volunteer role
RAA will provide guidance and training to ensure you’re prepared
Your commitment:
Flexible—varies depending on the volunteer role and family’s needs
Ready to put your skills to work for refugee families? Fill out this form to learn more.
Why Volunteer with RAA?
RAA’s volunteers have told us that they gain as much from the experience as they give.
Cultural Exchange
Volunteers act as cultural ambassadors, introducing refugees to American culture and values while modeling independence and mutual respect, fostering a two-way exchange of understanding.
A Sense of Impact
Volunteers feel fulfilled by witnessing how their work has a meaningful effect on the lives of refugee families, empowering them to rebuild their lives with confidence and independence.
Building Relationships
Volunteering creates connections and friendships—not only with refugee families but also with like-minded peers.
Volunteering with RAA is about more than giving your time—it’s about changing lives. You’ll help refugees gain confidence and independence, and you’ll gain skills, networks and new perspectives.
As a volunteer, you’ll:
Make a lasting impact by walking alongside refugee families as they rebuild their lives
Grow your professional skills and experience in teaching, mentoring, and cross-cultural communication
Build new friendships and social connections with like-minded peers
Experience cultural exchange—learning as much from families as they learn from you
RAA values your commitment:
After 6 months of consistent volunteer work, we certify community service hours
After 12 months, we are happy to provide a reference for your professional or academic journey
The work can be challenging at times—teaching skills instead of simply doing tasks—but it is deeply rewarding. Refugee families often tell us how much it means to have someone by their side, encouraging them to succeed on their own.
Volunteer Shoutouts
Hear from our volunteers about their experiences
