International Rescue Committee in Oakland

06/20/2026

Closing the distance takes action, and there are steps every one of us can take to step forward and show up. Volunteer with the IRC in Oakland at Rescue.org/Oakland, and donate at Rescue.org/OaklandStrong.

06/19/2026

Today, IRC Oakland joins our community in celebrating Juneteenth and honoring Freedom Day. As an organization dedicated to helping those affected by systemic crises to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives, we recognize that true liberation requires an unyielding commitment to equality, dignity, and anti-racism. Today, we celebrate the profound resilience, history, and contributions of Black communities, including the Black refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants who enrich the vibrant fabric of the Bay Area.

06/17/2026

Happy Pride Month from IRC Oakland! 💛

We believe that investing in the belonging and safety of every newcomer strengthens the entire community we share. This Pride Month, we proudly stand alongside LGBTQIA+ refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants as they courageously plant new roots in the Bay Area.

From arrival to independence, our team is dedicated to connecting individuals with the resources, legal safety, and trauma-informed wellness care they deserve to live freely and thrive. Thank you to our Bay Area community partners, volunteers, and supporters who invest in our mission and help us build a visible, regional sanctuary of welcome.

05/22/2026

Do you need help applying for U.S. citizenship or a green card?

Our Immigration Services team has openings in the coming weeks for a free private consultation in our Oakland Lake Merritt office.

Sign up for an appointment today before they're fully booked!

Schedule your appointment online International Rescue Committee (IRC)

05/10/2026

This Mother’s Day, IRC Oakland celebrates the incredible fortitude of the mothers we walk alongside as they rebuild their lives in the Bay Area.

Behind every family we welcome is a mother who has shown immense courage — navigating new systems, learning a new language, and ensuring her children have a place to belong.

05/04/2026

This Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and rich cultural contributions of AAPI communities around the world. 🌏💛

At the IRC Oakland, we stand with AAPI refugees and families who are rebuilding their lives with courage and hope. Their stories remind us of the power of community, compassion, and belonging.

Join us in honoring their voices, uplifting their experiences, and working toward a future where everyone is welcomed and supported.

04/23/2026

In cities across the US, IRC staff, volunteers, and interns stand ready to welcome refugees seeking safety and protection.

Our spotlight today is on Amy Villela, who interns with our Immigration Services department. Thanks for all your consistent support, Amy!

Follow along this week to learn about our volunteers, and consider joining our team of dedicated community members supporting our newest neighbors. ✨

Our Oakland office has immediate openings for:

- Youth Program Tutor Volunteer
https://www.rescue.org/volunteer/youth-program-tutor-volunteer

- Afghan Program Volunteer
https://www.rescue.org/volunteer/afghan-program-support-volunteer-intern

After reading the descriptions and if you feel you're a strong fit, submit an application using the link in the description. Please don't respond here as we may not see it.

04/22/2026

This week, we celebrate our IRC Oakland volunteers, who join us seeking to support and serve new arrivals, only to find that the impact they have is equal to the impact they experience.

This work of welcome is beautifully mutual, collaborative, and grounded in our shared humanity. Join us – be medicine for others, and let them be medicine for you.