Volunteer with Kandelia!

2024 Gala Volunteers: Sign up to volunteer at our annual fundraising gala, A Celebration of Cultures, here! Learn more about the event on our events page.

Volunteering is an integral part of the work that we do at Kandelia, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who donates their time and skills.

We bring people from across the Seattle area together to connect with immigrant and refugee youth and their families.

Volunteering with Kandelia is an opportunity to serve the community in a meaningful and impactful way. Volunteers can learn about the needs of immigrants and refugees while strengthening their compassion for others. Volunteers also have access to free trainings through the school district and Seattle Public Library.

We seek to engage volunteers from all communities, including but not limited to:

• Universities and colleges
• Community centers
• High school students
• Retirement communities
• Families and support networks of students
• Religious communities
• Local businesses
• All individuals that have a passion for the community that we serve
• We currently have a high need for Spanish-speaking volunteers

Current Volunteer Opportunities

In-Class Supports
Kandelia works closely with Seattle World School, a Seattle Public School designed for newly arrived refugee and immigrant youth, to provide in-class supports for teachers, instructional assistants, and administrators. Volunteers are needed to assist teachers in a variety of subjects such as English, Lit Support, Geometry, Algebra, US History, and World History.

Food Bag Prep
Each week Kandelia packs food bags for 60-80 families at Seattle World School. Volunteers are needed to help pack food into grocery bags, distribute to students, and clean up.

After-School Activities
Kandelia is looking for volunteers who are able to assist with after-school programs facilitated by Kandelia for students of Seattle World School.

In-Person Tutoring
Twice a month Kandelia hosts a pop-up workshop in community classrooms. Volunteers are needed to help with homework and tutoring for elementary-aged youth. Students are primarily newly arrived Afghan refugees.

Virtual Tutoring
Kandelia offers virtual tutoring for elementary- and middle school-aged youth in King County. Volunteers are needed for one-on-one virtual homework help.