Volunteer with IJM

Thank you for your support of IJM and interest in partnering with us. One of the unique aspects of IJM's work is that we provide on-going professional investigation, legal and social work services for our clients. Due to the nature of our work, it is rare for us to have short-term opportunities for those who desire direct contact with our clients.

Current short-term volunteer opportunities are only available at our Washington, D.C. Headquarters office. If you are interested in volunteering at IJM's Headquarters, please review the opportunities posted below. You may apply online or download an application and mail it to IJM. 

Washington, DC Headquarters Opportunities

Hands-On Justice Team

(Applications will be kept on file and applicants will be contacted when help is needed.)

IJM seeks volunteers who will assist with mailings, binder assembly, meeting preparations, database entry and other one-time clerical projects. Volunteers will serve on a small team of people on an occasional basis.

Upcoming Opportunities:

Dates: Please check our IJM Events Calendar for upcoming dates.
Time: 5:30-8:30pm
Number of volunteers needed: Up to 20 each evening
Task: Main projects include entering contact cards from speaking engagements into a database, mailing followup letters, and other one-time projects. Training will be provided by IJM staff, along with a pizza dinner.

Administrative Volunteer

(Applications are always accepted and kept on file if a position is not currently available.)

IJM seeks volunteers to assist with clerical and administrative projects. Schedule is flexible.

• Minimum 6 hours per week;
• Minimum 1 month commitment;
• Must be able to come during IJM office hours of 9:00 am to 5:30 pm;

Shipping Volunteer

IJM seeks a responsible and energetic volunteer to assist with shipping IJM resources to constituents. Shipping materials includes IJM informational brochures and fliers, books, DVD's and shirts. The Shipping Volunteer will also help prepare and fulfill requests for materials for large speaking engagements around the country. The volunteer will be responsible for receiving and confirming orders, and processing order shipments. Please be aware that the shipping volunteer role will involve heavy lifting. Candidates should be able to lift boxes that weigh up to 45 pounds.

• Minimum 4 hours per week;
• Minimum 3 month commitment;
• Must be able to come during IJM office hours of 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.

» Apply for Washington, DC Headquarters Opportunities Online

US Regional Opportunities

Benefit Dinner Volunteers

IJM hosts benefits in several U.S. cities annually to raise awareness and funds for our work. You can help IJM put on a benefit dinner in your city. On the afternoon and evening of the event, volunteers contribute their time and energy to make the event possible. Review the schedule of benefit dinners and fill out an application to apply.

Please note that because these are regional events, they require a benefit volunteer application form.

Field Offices Opportunities

Aftercare Associate

IJM is seeking highly dedicated, seasoned Aftercare professionals with expertise in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or Microenterprise who are prepared to respond to human rights abuses in a volunteer capacity as Aftercare Associates. An Aftercare Associate (AA) will serve on short-term international trips ranging from 7-14 days and provide ongoing support to an IJM field office Aftercare team through mentorship and case consultation for a minimum of one year. AAs will provide necessary resources, expertise and support to the efforts of rehabilitating victims of oppression within IJM's Minimum Standards of Care. For more information on the AA Program and instructions on how to apply, please contact Ann Steffen at asteffen@ijm.org.  

For other short term volunteer opportunities, please review the Internship and Fellowship page on our website for more information about 9 to 12 month opportunities at IJM's field offices in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. 

Pro Bono Opportunities for Attorneys

Due to the nature and location of our casework, it is rare that we can offer pro-bono opportunities for lawyers who hope to assist us while remaining within the United States. Our biggest volunteer need is for lawyers to participate in our Legal Fellowship program, which requires a commitment of 9 to 12 months. The long term commitment is needed so people can learn an entirely new legal system and adapt to a new culture in the developing world.