Support Your New American Neighbors

If you’re looking for volunteer opportunities in Western New York, the International Institute of Buffalo wants to hear from you. Your extra time can make someone’s American dream become a reality! We hope you’ll consider joining us in welcoming new neighbors and helping them become a part of our community. See how individuals or groups can help support our New American initiatives. For more information, email volunteers@iibuff.org.

Volunteer Opportunities

Start a Donation Drive

When you donate new or used goods through your school, employer, church or other social group, our New American families can stretch their budgets and transform their living spaces. Coordinating a drive with us will be more efficient because you will help us meet our clients’ immediate needs. Sample donation items include backpacks with school supplies, toiletries and kitchen items.

Set Up Family Apartments

We are always looking for generous community members  to join our resettlement team to help prepare apartments for newly arrived families. While our movers handle all the heavy lifting, we need you to assist our case manager in turning these new apartments into comfortable, safe homes for our clients.

Provide Professional Expertise

Do you have a particular set of professional skills? We could use your help! Over your career, you’ve garnered knowledge and experience in your field. It may seem like second nature to you, but it can make a monumental difference to our clients. We are looking for pro bono lawyers, accountants, architects, teachers, builders, interior designers, human resources professionals and other professionals. If you’re unsure if your skills will be helpful, just ask our team!

Assist With Administrative Projects

Are you known for your organizational skills? We could use your keen attention to detail and organizational abilities. Please consider putting your talents to work by helping us with events, organizing our donations closet or researching something that we’re working on. Long-term and short-term projects are regularly available.

Make Our Special Events Really Special

We always have something going on at the International Institute of Buffalo. Sometimes we need an extra pair of hands or someone to greet our guests. Best of all, you don’t need to make a full-time commitment; you only need the desire to help when you have a few hours to spare. Some events we could use help with include Model UN, Community World Trivia or any of our fundraisers.

Welcome International Visitors

The International Institute of Buffalo regularly welcomes delegations from around the world. They come to study American ways of solving problems and bring best practices back to their home countries. You can help us by hosting international visitors at your home while they are in town or by having them over for supper one night. Either way, by providing Western New York hospitality, you’ll be the face of the City of Good Neighbors, make great memories and might even make a few new friends along the way!