Acacia Center for Justice seeks to deliver and advocate for meaningful and effective access to justice and freedom for immigrants at risk of detention or deportation. Acacia Center for Justice is currently accepting applications for Witness For Justice, a volunteer-powered initiative that trains people across the country to observe immigration court proceedings and report on what they see. Learn more and apply here.
Volunteer and Service Opportunities
Want to get involved in (im)migration related service in the wider San Diego and Tijuana area? The following organizations support the rights and well-being of immigrants and refugees in San Diego County and/or Baja California. Please see information below for specifics.
Acacia Center for Justice
Alliance San Diego
Alliance San Diego is building community power to bring human rights home. Through collective power, Alliance San Diego strives to create an inclusive democracy that honors the inherent dignity of all people using legal policy, community education, and advocacy. Apply to volunteer here.
ACLU San Diego
The ACLU seeks to defend the rights and the voice of the people, upholding the values of democracy, justice, and liberty. Specifically, ACLU issues include voting access, racial justice, and immigrants rights, among others. Volunteer opportunities for grassroots action available. Learn more and apply here.
The Alliance for Boys and Men of Color
The Alliance for Boys and Men of Color (ABMoC) is a national network of hundreds of community and advocacy organizations who come together to advance race and gender justice by transforming policies that are failing boys and men of color and their families and building communities full of opportunity. Using direct experience with systemic injustices, ABMoC leaders are developing and implementing the policy solutions needed to ensure everyone in our community can flourish and lead self-determined lives. Apply for volunteer opportunities here.
Alma Migrante
A non-profit organization based in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, Alma Migrante shares legal defense to guarantee migrants have access to justice against the abuse of power by national authorities. Alma Migrante designs and implements community strategies to support the work of migrant rights defenders. Accepting volunteers on an occasional basis. To apply, send a CV and cover letter to contacto@almamigrante.org
Al Otro Lado
Holistic legal and humanitarian support to communities in both the U.S. and Mexico through a multidisciplinary, client-centered, harm reduction-based practice. Uses legal expertise and zealous advocacy to fight for a system of migration that is humane and human-centered. Onboarding for volunteers available year round. Apply here.
Border Angels
A non-profit organization, Border Angels advocate for human rights, humane immigration reform, and social justice. Border Angels seeks to reduce the number of fatalities along the US-Mexico border by educating and assisting the communities on both sides of the border. Opportunities for volunteers available for water drops, distribution of goods, and outreach programs. See details and application process here.
California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (CRLA)
Nonprofit law firm founded in 1966 to provide free civil legal services to low-income residents of California's rural counties. Volunteer opportunities may be available: contact organization directly here.
Casa Cornelia Law Center
Casa Cornelia Law Center, a public interest law firm, provides quality pro bono legal services to victims of human and civil rights violations. Our primary commitment is to indigent persons within the immigrant community in greater San Diego County. We also seek to educate others regarding the impact of immigration law and policy on the community and the public good. Casa Cornelia has an ever-growing need for volunteers who are fluent in two or more languages; see more information and application steps here.
Chicano Federation
A local nonprofit organization, the Chicano Federation provides opportunities for San Diegans in need. Programs include support in child development, housing, family care, and business and workplace development. For up to date information on volunteer opportunties, provide contact information here.
Detention Resistance
Detention Resistance envisions a world in which the humanity of all people to live freely is respected. This goal is approached by organizing and building self-determination. Detention Resistance champions an abolitionist, non-institutional, autonomous collective organizing in accompaniment with migrants, refugees, and those who have been criminalized by the state. Register for volunteer orientation here.
Espacio Migrante
Espacio Migrante is a transborder community organization based in Tijuana, which works with migrant communities to promote access to Human Rights, such as education and health; provide comprehensive care, and at the same time raise awareness in the community about the realities of migrants. Espacio Migrante has a shelter for migrant families, as well as a cultural and community center where migrants living in Tijuana can participate in community activities, educational programs, cultural events, and health and legal services. To express volunteer interest, contact recursoshumanos@espaciomigrante.org.
Haitian Bridge Alliance
A grassroots nonprofit community organization, Haitian Bridge Alliance advocates for fair and humane immigration policies and provides migrants and immigrants with humanitarian, legal, and social services. Haitian Bridge Alliance work leads with a particular focus on Black people, the Haitian community, women and girls, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and survivors of torture and other human rights abuses. Volunteer opportunities available for interpretation and translation positions for those fluent in Haitian Kreyol, French, Amharic, etc. If interested, email info@haitianbridge with “Volunteer Interpreter” in the subject line.
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Spanning more than 40 crisis-affected countries, the IRC provides resettlement, asylum, and integration services in communities across the United States and Europe. The IRC provides health care, learning, and empowerment to support communities in becoming self-reliant, always with a focus on the unique needs of women and girls. Onboarding for volunteers available year around. See diverse volunteer positions here.
Jewish Family Service
Jewish Family Service (JFS) is a people-centered, impact-driven organization working to create a stronger, healthier community where everyone can thrive. Among many supportive programs, JFS offers a vital humanitarian response—empowering refugees to rebuild their lives and welcoming immigrants with compassion. Apply to be a volunteer here.
Legal Aid Society of San Diego
Legal Aid Society of San Diego assists low-income and vulnerable individuals and families. Offering legal representation, information, and advice on a variety of subjects, Legal Aid Society of San Diego provides quality support and resources to support the community. Volunteer experiences can range from providing translation services, secretarial support, case file maintenance, and other administrative support needs. Register here.
Majdal: Arab Community Center of San Diego
The Majdal Community Center is dedicated to uplifting the Arab community in San Diego by addressing the unique social, economic, and political challenges our members face. The Majdal Community Center is a trusted space for advocacy, cultural programming, and community building. Volunteer opportunities available for various programs. Apply here.
Mutual Aid for Moms
Mutual Aid for Moms is a grassroots collective that supports immigrant mothers through mutual aid and activism. Community efforts include grocery runs, providing meals, educational workshops, childcare, and donation of essential goods. Spanish speaking volunteers wanted for program support. Apply here.
National Day Laborers Organizing Network (NDLON)
NDLON improves the lives of day laborers, migrants and low-wage workers, aspiring to live in a world of diverse communities where day laborers live with full rights and responsibilities in an environment of mutual respect, peace, harmony and justice. This vision is approached by building leadership and power among those facing injustice so they can challenge inequality and expand labor, civil and political rights for all. Apply to be a volunteer here.
United Women of East Africa Support Team (UWEAST)
UWEAST is a cultural hub providing services and advocacy to cultivate resilience, self-sufficiency and wellbeing in San Diego's East African community. UWEAST is accepting volunteers for youth tutoring and event support. Sign up here.
