Volunteer Opportunities in Austin

Volunteer Opportunities in Austin 

Texas Impact/Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy (texasimpact.org  Contact: Erica Nelson 801-389-4975)

Texas Impact and its sister organization, the Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy, form an interfaith network that brings faith to bear on social issues through grassroots education and policy advocacy. Together, we give people of faith the information and leadership skills they need to help policymakers improve conditions for families and communities throughout Texas. There are many volunteer opportunities. Please check the website.

RAICES (raicestexas.org Tel: 512-994-2199)

The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services

RAICES is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that promotes justice by providing free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees.

Some examples of volunteering:

  • General Office Help

  • Immigrant Activism

  • Immigrant accompaniment: Spend time with asylum seekers at intermediate stops at bus stations.

  • Providing asylum seekers with a ride to Immigration Court in San Antonio:

  • Translation services

Casa Marianella (volunteer@casamarianella.org)

Casa Marianella welcomes displaced immigrants and promotes self-sufficiency by providing shelter and support services. Casa Marianella is the only homeless shelter in Austin dedicated solely to immigrants. 65% of shelter residents, including children, are asylum seekers, many coming to Casa Marianella from immigration detention. Donations and volunteers are welcome.

Grassroots Leadership (grassrootsleadership.org)

Grassroots Leadership works for a more just society where prison profiteering, mass incarceration, deportation and criminalization are things of the past. The organization has several programs regarding immigration. One of those is the volunteer visitation program that matches women detained at the Hutto Detention Center and interpreter if necessary.

American Gateways (www.americangateways.org)

American Gateways is one of the largest immigration legal services providers in Texas. Clients receive culturally sensitive, trauma-informed legal representation from start to finish of a case. American Gateways is also the only nonprofit in the state to provide legal orientation, immigration workshops, and pro bono legal representation at four immigrant detention facilities. Donations are accepted. Call for possible volunteer opportunities. 

Manos de Cristo (http://www.manosdecristo.org/volunteers.html)

The mission of Manos de Cristo is to empower low-income individuals with a loving hand of assistance without regard to age, gender, race, or religious preference. Manos de Cristo promotes dignity and self-reliance by meeting basic needs with food and clothing, providing essential oral care, and furthering educational development.

Classes include English levels !-4, Computer Skills, US Citizenship, and Plaza Communitaria (Adult Education in Spanish, primary through secondary school.)

ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) Austin office (https://www.aclu.org/other/austin-tx-resolution)