Membership in IRC at UCSD
The IRC at UCSD is open to all students who express an interest in serving the large refugee population in San Diego. There are many ways to get involved and make a tangible impact in the many refugee communities, and we are here to facilitate that both on and off-campus depending on each student's availability.
Off-Campus Volunteering. The main focus of the club is to help students gain valuable, life-changing experience volunteering with refugees from all over the world on a weekly basis. We bring the volunteer orientation to campus, help set up carpools to volunteer locations, and fundraise to help offset the weekly cost of gas.
Off-Campus Work Days. The IRC at UCSD actively promotes engaging and partnering with our local refugee community. In pursuit of this, we hold numerous farm days and service projects throughout the quarter which often include construction, agriculture, cleaning/organizing, irrigation development, and general assistance.
On-Campus Events. Join the IRC at UCSD as we raise awareness about international and domestic refugee struggles! Watch our event calendar and facebook page for upcoming events and ways you can help.
Volunteer Process with IRC
1. Volunteer Orientation.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or intern for the IRC, the first step is to attend a volunteer orientation at the IRC headquarters in City Heights. At the hour long orientation, you will learn more about the IRC and available volunteer/intern positions. Immediately following the orientation, you will have the opportunity to be interviewed. The minimum commitment for IRC volunteer and intern positions range from three to six months.
The IRC at UCSD holds a volunteer orientation on campus each quarter! If you miss the on-campus orientation, visit the IRC website to reserve a spot at an upcoming orientation.
2. Choose a position.
The IRC in San Diego has volunteer positions in every department, meaning everyone can find an area they're interested in! It doesn't matter what your major or past experience is, though some positions benefit from various skill sets. Each position is listed with the minimum time commitment required and days/hours from which each student can create a schedule that works for them. The IRC recognizes many volunteers are also students and offer very flexible hours, but ask that you respect the time commitments you establish. See current volunteer/intern openings here.
2. Background check.
Volunteers must complete a background check before they begin and the IRC asks that you contribute $20 towards its cost. If this is a financial hardship, contact IRC at UCSD to discuss possible financial aid.