Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the International Rescue Committee is the oldest and largest private nonsectarian voluntary agency dedicated to assistance to refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. The IRC’s commitment to freedom, human dignity and self-reliance is reflected in well-planned global emergency relief, rehabilitation, protection, resettlement assistance and advocacy for refugees, asylees and displaced persons.

The IRC opened its San Diego office in 1975 and has served over 20,000 volunteers since. The IRC provides comprehensive resettlement services that include: employment assistance, housing, acculturation, education/literacy projects for youth and adults, immigration assistance, MicroEnterprise and small business development, financial literacy classes, free tax assistance and mentor placement. We offer volunteer opportunities in all of these areas.