Volunteer with us

Join us at Tiyya and make a tangible difference in the lives of newcomers! Whether it's lending a hand in event coordination, sharing culinary expertise through workshops, or guiding aspiring talents as a job coach, your involvement can transform lives. Embrace the chance to create meaningful connections, foster community bonds, and contribute to the success stories of refugees and immigrants who are starting anew in Los Angeles and Orange County.

Volunteer opportunities

  • At Tiyya Foundation, we're passionate about crafting meaningful experiences for our community, whether it's marking special occasions or hosting our regular Tea & Tots program designed for new mothers. We're actively seeking devoted individuals to join our Event Coordination Team, where you'll play an integral role in ensuring each participant leaves with indelible memories.

    Our commitment lies in nurturing community connections and commemorating significant life milestones, fostering an inviting and inclusive atmosphere for everyone. Our events encompass a spectrum, from the monthly Tea & Tots gatherings for new mothers to empowering family-oriented financial workshops, paving the way for a brighter future.

    The Tea and Tots role entails multifaceted responsibilities:

    • Diaper Distribution: Organize and distribute diapers, offering crucial support to every family in need.

    • Kid-Centric Activities: Plan engaging activities for children, creating an unforgettable experience for all involved.

    • Meal and Refreshment Management: Prepare and serve warm meals, snacks, and beverages, ensuring families depart with nourished spirits.

    • Logistics and Assistance: From setup to cleanup, ensure a seamless event experience for everyone involved.

    In addition to our monthly events, Tiyya Foundation is dedicated to empowering our community with financial literacy through quarterly workshops. Our volunteers play a pivotal role in making these workshops informative and accessible.

    Workshop Facilitators: These individuals lead sessions on credit-building, investing, and financial planning. They meticulously prepare materials and resources to empower attendees with invaluable knowledge, shaping a more financially empowered community.

  • Are you a skilled culinary professional eager to share your expertise? We're actively seeking volunteer chefs to lead workshops and mentor our enthusiastic group of refugees as they embark on their journey to establish careers in the culinary field. Your contribution, even leading a 30-minute workshop, can profoundly impact lives.

    As a workshop facilitator, you'll collaborate closely with our dedicated culinary program coordinator to provide educational workshop(s) that cover a wide array of essential topics. From hands-on technical training in the kitchen to practical aspects like effectively managing Farmer’s Market booths.

    These workshops serve as an opportunity to empower aspiring chefs with the practical skills and industry insights needed to navigate the culinary business landscape. Your guidance can make a lasting difference by equipping these individuals with the tools and knowledge necessary to gain employment in a commercial kitchen or to successfully launch their own food business.

    Volunteer Culinary Arts Instructor opportunities are flexible and will be matched to your availability, interests and expertise.

  • Join our team as a Job Coach specializing in supporting newly arrived refugees and immigrants, tapping into their valuable knowledge and degrees from their home countries. Tiyya's Economic Advancement Program, launched with the PIMCO Foundation in 2022, has already secured over $3 million in wages for the refugee/immigrant community. In this role, you'll provide personalized guidance, by connecting one on one with a participant interested in your field of workEmpower individuals by offering tailored career advice, assisting in skill mapping, and fostering connections with potential employers to help integrate their expertise into fulfilling career paths in their new community.

    Your mentorship will be pivotal in guiding newcomers toward envisioning meaningful careers, facilitating community integration, and fueling economic growth. Your efforts will impact the lives of individuals and the broader community.

  • Tiyya is seeking compassionate and dedicated volunteers to provide mentorship and support to undocumented transgender womxn asylum seekers currently residing in shelters across Los Angeles. As a mentorship volunteer, you'll play a crucial role in empowering and guiding these individuals toward self-sufficiency and integration into their new environment. Your commitment will contribute to creating a safe and nurturing space for these asylum seekers as they navigate through their unique challenges.

    Mentorship involves identifying employment opportunities tailored to their skills and aspirations, offering guidance to launch small formalized businesses that align with their interests, and providing a supportive friendship. You'll engage in regular one-on-one sessions, primarily conducted virtually through phone and FaceTime, to understand their career aspirations, assist in resume building, and explore entrepreneurial ventures. Moreover, your role extends beyond professional support – you'll be a friend, offering companionship and emotional support, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie essential for their well-being and successful integration into the community. Volunteers will also receive supervision and guidance from our Migrant & Asylum Seeker Coordinator, ensuring a supportive and enriching experience for both the volunteers and asylum seekers.

  • Do you enjoy music on vinyl records? As our social enterprise Flavors from Afar has shown success, we plan to introduce a new program “Sounds from Afar.” This immersive listening experience is our way to preserve global music while educating people about world affairs and displacement. Our intimate events are rooted in international cuisines and global music, a unique opportunity to reimagine belonging after displacement.

    As a volunteer, you'll play a crucial role in curating diverse musical traditions, sourcing international vinyl records, and crafting playlists that celebrate the rich tapestry of global sounds. Your involvement spans various aspects, from supporting event logistics and coordination to contributing to outreach efforts, ensuring that our immersive musical experiences resonate with a wide audience. Additionally, you'll have the chance to share your own musical interests while learning and embracing the international musical cultures represented within Tiyya.

    Your dedication as a volunteer will not only contribute to preserving global musical heritage but also create inclusive spaces for learning, celebration, and meaningful connections

Volunteer application

If you would like to volunteer at Tiyya, please fill out the Volunteer Application below and/or send your resume and short cover letter if available to info@tiyya.org. Please specify the job opportunity you’re applying for in the email subject line. Thank you!