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.) Please also be sure to complete the "My Details" and "Background Information" sections, beyond the basic contact information.
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 (click through each month in the Events calendar in the Volunteer Portal). Our final orientation date of 2023 will be December 5, 6-7:30pm over Zoom. We'll resume monthly orientations in January.). 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 give you access to submit your references and complete a background check through 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

Host Homes

Household/individual: Host Home volunteers offer temporary housing to newly-arrived refugees on a short-term basis, between their arrival and the preparation of permanent housing. Fill out the volunteer application at the link above, then email WRDVolunteer@wr.org to let us know you have applied to be a Host Home volunteer. Background check and volunteer training required for all adult members of household.

Good Neighbor Team

Groups only: Gather a group of 6-10 individuals to make a 6-month commitment to walk with a recently arrived refugee family. Assist with cultural adaptation and language skills, help orient them to the community, learn about their culture, and build a mutually transformative relationship. Follow onboarding steps, then email WRDVolunteer@wr.org to confirm that all team members have submitted applications.

Youth Mentor: 2023-24

Youth Tutor: spring 2024 semester / academic year 23-24

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. Follow onboarding steps, then email WRDVolunteer@wr.org to confirm that your team members have submitted applications.

Friendship Partner

Individual opportunity: Make a 6-month commitment to provide friendship to a newly-arrived refugee. Assist with cultural adaptation and English language skills, help orient them to the community, learn about their culture, and build a mutually transformative relationship. We seek to match volunteers and refugee program participants on the basis of demographic information, location, and interests when possible.

Apartment Set-up Volunteers

Groups: Assist with moving furniture, arranging household items, and setting up a family's long-term housing. We particularly need volunteer groups with weekday or weeknight availability.

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 interest in apartment set-ups in your application. Please email WRDVolunteer@wr.org to confirm that all members of your team have submitted applications and are progressing through the onboarding process.

Transportation Volunteers

Individual:

WRD has a current & 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 email WRDVolunteer@wr.org that you are interested in being a Transportation Volunteer.

Office Volunteer

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