Internship Opportunities Open At International Rescue Committee

Community Engagement Intern – Spring 2025

BACKGROUND 

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 26 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.  

SCOPE OF WORK 

The aim of community engagement is to establish strong, mutually-beneficial connections between the community and the IRC in Silver Spring order to garner monetary, in-kind and volunteer resources for refugee clients. The Community Engagement Intern will work closely with the Community Engagement Specialist towards these goals in order to enhance the IRC in Silver Spring’s ability to meet refugee client needs. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Conduct outreach to and coordinate meetings with community partners to recruit volunteer groups for the Refugee Welcome Home Project program.  
• Support overall volunteer programming by onboarding volunteers, researching volunteer best practices, and suggesting changes to programs based on volunteer feedback.  
• Assist in planning events to recognize community partners and volunteers and deepen engagement with the community.  
• Support in the creation of content for social media, the IRC website, monthly newsletter, and outreach materials. 
• Track community partnerships across IRC Silver Spring programs.  
• Coordinate in-kind donation opportunities

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

• Intern will acquire detailed knowledge of programs available for refugees and asylees during their resettlement period. 
• Intern will learn to communicate effectively with clients across cultures. 
• Intern will learn reporting requirements for resettlement agencies and how to capture data to improve services 

Qualifications

• Minimum commitment of three months and at least 22.5 hours per week. Availability for some weeknights and weekends preferred. 
• Ability to work in-person required. 
• Passionate about immigration, refugees and serving others.  
• Ability to work independently and under pressure in a fast-paced environment.  
• Creativity and initiative to follow through on projects.  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

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