If you have ever heard of the nonprofit Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), you may already be familiar with the extensive humanitarian work they do around the globe—work that relies heavily on their volunteers. It has been said that volunteering brings many personal rewards. In helping others, we enjoy a sense of community, develop new skills, and grow as individuals. However, the most satisfying aspect of volunteering is knowing that we’ve served people in need as responsible global citizens. Read on to learn how you can make a difference by volunteering with IRUSA.
What IRUSA does
The positive influence that IRUSA has in the lives of so many people is extensive and impactful. The organization has been around for three decades and has been recognized by awards and accreditations from trusted charity watchdogs like Charity Navigator, Guidestar Exchange, and Better Business Bureau. IRUSA is also an independent member of the international Islamic Relief agency.
Look at the following types of causes and campaigns IRUSA is involved with, and you will find inspiration to get involved with this amazing organization:
- Education
- Emergency response
- Food aid
- Health programs
- Islamic giving and microloans
- Livelihood improvement
- Help for orphans and children in need
- Ramadan food program
- Refugee aid
- Qurbani
- Water wells
- Women’s programs
The IRaise campaign
There are a number of ways to get involved with IRUSA—and some of them don’t even involve leaving your home! For example, the IRaise campaign is a virtual campaign that is focused on mobilizing fundraising from all corners of the United States. Your fundraising through IRaise could help provide vital food boxes, address starvation crises, fund mobile clinics for refugees, build water wells, provide earthquake assistance, and support other lifesaving work around the world.
After learning where you can contribute and be part of bringing about much-needed change, you are invited to become a volunteer fundraiser. Use the IRaise online resources to select a specific IRUSA cause to support and launch a fundraising page that can be shared with friends and family to encourage them to get on board and donate. Then, as your hard work begins to pay off in the form of donations, get ready for the good feeling that comes with being part of these essential efforts. Alternatively, you can join an existing IRaise campaign to support a variety of excellent causes.
Responding to disasters on the front lines
To give you a clearer picture of some of the invaluable work of IRUSA, there’s no better example than the Disaster Response Team (DRT). The organization is an important member of VOAD, the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. The purpose of VOAD is to facilitate and promote communication between organizations and governments that respond to disasters. Furthermore, their role is to foster collaborative relationships between all parties with the aim of coordinating supportive efforts.
IRUSA takes its place alongside other member organizations in traveling to the sites of disasters around the globe and providing relief to local populations. In this capacity, the DRT is the first Muslim group to work in partnership with the American Red Cross. DRT members are often called the Blueshirts because they’re easily recognizable by their distinctive blue shirts. They help perform the difficult job of responding to the immediate needs of survivors of disasters with food, water, clothing, shelter, and medical attention.
How to become an IRUSA volunteer
Beginning your volunteer journey with IRUSA is as simple as going to the website and signing up. Start by logging into the volunteer portal and reviewing the choices on the volunteer opportunities page. Next, click on the one that most interests you and sign up.
Take note of the specific age requirements for the projects posted. You should see that for most you must be age 16 or older. Having said that, younger people can find opportunities where they can participate with parental permission or supervision. Youth who are seeking to fulfill the service hours they need for school can readily find opportunities with IRUSA. Hours spent on each project are updated in the volunteer portal and students can request a letter to confirm the hours they’ve completed.
In closing
When the world sometimes seems to be spinning too quickly and daily news is mostly bad, it can be discouraging. It’s also hard to see how your efforts change things. The good news is that, as individuals, we really do have the power to make an impact. Even if we’re only acting in our own neighborhood to raise funds, the effect can be felt in distant communities, and we will be part of a groundswell of support.
As one IRUSA volunteer said, “One of my favorite quotes is, ‘And that is how change happens. One gesture. One person. One moment at a time.’” IR volunteers and donors are already making an extraordinary impact on the world and every day that impact increases to something even more monumental.”