Volunteer

Make an Impact that Lasts

We all want to make a difference in the world. It’s part of how we are designed. At World Relief, we believe making a difference is a two-way street. Over the past 40+ years, we’ve been guiding people like you to volunteering in ways that make a lasting impact. You can bring your gifts, abilities and interests, and World Relief Durham will help you connect and walk alongside families and individuals as they rebuild their lives in the Triangle.

We are so excited to partner with you as you grow, learn, and make a difference through volunteering. Learn more about World Relief, our mission and volunteer expectations and guidelines in our Volunteer Handbook here.

Volunteer Onboarding

Learn more about current volunteer opportunities below, and follow our onboarding steps to get started:

Follow the link to our Volunteer Portal, click "Sign In" to create your account, and follow instructions to submit your volunteer application. Please note that we only consider one-time applicants for specific projects, so please submit the "Short-Term/Long-Term" application unless World Relief Durham staff have instructed otherwise. (Please use your legal first and last name. Each applicant must have a unique email address. Please be sure to include your phone number and church affiliation if applicable.)
Follow subsequent instructions through the Volunteer Portal to complete the Durham E-Learning Volunteer Orientation Module and register for an upcoming World Relief Durham local volunteer orientation. If you do not see an upcoming orientation date that works for you, please email WRDVolunteer@wr.org to be added to the waitlist for a subsequent orientation.
As you progress through the onboarding steps, the system will auto-send you a background check request from Sterling Volunteers. Please fill out and submit this secure form. If you have any questions or concerns about the background check process, please review the Sterling Volunteers FAQ page before submitting your volunteer application. Annual background checks are mandatory for all World Relief employees, interns, volunteers, and contractors.

Download our Volunteer Handbook to review our mission, vision, and values, along with important policies and procedures.

Volunteer Opportunities

Urgent need: Transportation Volunteers

Individual:

WRD has a current urgent & ongoing need for volunteers (age 18+) to drive refugee clients to daytime classes & appointments at the WRD offices and in the community.
Weekday availability during business hours is required.
Volunteers will be able to drive the WRD vans in many cases, but may be asked to use personal vehicles as well.
Volunteer drivers will pass a Motor Vehicle Records check and receive training with WRD vehicles prior to first assignment.
Complete the WRD onboarding process and fill out this interest form to get started.

Welcome Team

Groups only: Welcome new refugees to the community by meeting them at the airport and helping them get to their new home. Team members purchase a week's worth of groceries (from a shopping list our staff provide), purchase a culturally-appropriate ready-to-heat-and-eat meal, deliver the food and essential hygiene products to the family's temporary housing, meet the family at the airport, and take them/their luggage to their new home.

Apartment Set-up Volunteers

Groups or Individual: Assist with moving furniture, arranging household items, and setting up a family's long-term housing.

Teams: Gather 4-6 individuals who would like to be scheduled as a group approximately once per month for an apartment set-up. Go through onboarding steps and indicate your team on the interest form.

Individuals: After going through World Relief Durham's volunteer onboarding, please complete the interest form.

Office Volunteer

Good Neighbor Team

Friendship Partner

Host Homes

Youth Tutor (waitlist for fall 2023 semester)

Youth Mentor (waitlist for next year, starting in fall 2023)

We are not currently scheduling volunteers for the Youth Mentorship Program, but please check back for updates later in the fall.

Individual: Year-long commitment. Assist young refugees and immigrants (15-24 years old) by helping them to identify and achieve their short-term and long-term goals. Monthly commitment on a Monday evening, plus an additional mentoring activity once per month. Complete WRD volunteer onboarding and email WRDVolunteer@wr.org if you would like to be a Youth Mentor.

Volunteer Application

Volunteer Resources

US Volunteer Handbook - Durham

The Workshop -E-Learning courses

Enroll for free with your WRD volunteer coupon code!

"Serving in the ESL program has helped me love my diverse city even more, and the students inspire and remind me to love my neighbor each week by their joy, enthusiasm, tenacity, and gratefulness."

- Sarah, World Relief Volunteer

“Pat and I feel very much appreciated, and cherish each family we have helped. We remain friends with several and are enriched by having them in our lives.”

- Pat and Harriett, World Relief Volunteers

"I’ve learned about the needs of refugees and immigrants, immigration law and policy, and teaching English. Mostly, I’ve learned about the world by getting to know immigrants, their lives, and their stories.”

- Paul, World Relief Volunteer