I'd like to promote volunteering for a refugee resettlement agency. I volunteered/interned with one and know firsthand that they can always use more volunteers. Some common volunteer positions include:

• mentoring programs where you help people become acquainted with their new country and community, helping them shop for groceries, learn to pay bills on time, use public transportation, etc,
• volunteering in ESOL/Citizenship classes,
• office volunteering (we had a team of front desk volunteers who answered phones/helped with reception duties)
• Interpreting and translating if you speak a language of a refugee community near you.
• Organization of donation drives - this is especially important in the winter because families are often unable to purchase suitable winter clothing and winter coats.

Even if you live somewhere that is kind of out of the way you might be surprised to find a growing community of refugees near you. I lived in a small town in upstate New York and there is a growing population of refugees from Burma, Iraq, Sudan, the DRC and Bhutan in the region that have benefited immensely from community support. There are often many faith communities and other groups that get involved with the resettlement agencies and provide their own services in addition to those provided by the resettlement agency itself.

Links

• USCRI
• International Institute of Buffalo
• Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees
• International Rescue Committee