TR Volunteer Opportunities

Trans Rescue is an all volunteer organization that provides life-saving services directly to LGBTQ+ people in danger. Before selecting a volunteer opportunity, please know that this work can be extremely stressful and challenging, despite its great impact.

Many of our volunteers are recent immigrants and refugees who can provide direct lived-experience and knowledge of languages and cultures of those we serve. Much of our work is conducted in English; however there is a great need for Arabic speaking volunteers. Volunteers don’t need to be queer– allies are welcome and encouraged to support this life saving work.

Interested? Drop an email to our volunteer line with some indication what you’d like to do. If you have a description of yourself and your skills handy – a resume or a bio – please include it.

Research Volunteer – CONC (Countries of New Concerns) Team Member

Position Summary
The CONC Team Member supports monitoring and response efforts for countries identified as high-risk or emerging concern areas. This role involves tracking developments, documenting information, and contributing to coordinated humanitarian response efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Assist in becoming familiar with designated countries of concern (e.g., the U.S.)
Support general “office hours” operations and assist with monitoring communications
Track and document developments in real time, including political, legal, and safety-related changes
Contribute to structured humanitarian preparedness efforts through data collection and analysis

Training

3-hour onboarding session covering protocols, response templates, confidentiality standards, and escalation procedures
Ongoing guidance and optional deeper-dive training modules

Time Commitment

Flexible, depending on availability
Average of 2–4 hours per week (additional coordination time may be required)

Qualifications

Strong written communication skills with high attention to detail and organizational ability
Capacity to prioritize multiple tasks and respond to urgent issues
Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information

Benefits

Opportunity to track and analyze global developments in real time
Direct contribution to early warning systems and humanitarian response
Development of analytical, documentation, and coordination skills
Meaningful involvement in structured crisis-preparedness efforts

What Our Volunteers Say

“The email flow depends on the volume and can be shared among multiple volunteers and scheduling is flexible.”
“Strong written communication skills are needed and good judgement about when to escalate issues.”
“We support a global coordination effort and organize conversations that matter.”

Bursar – Operations

“You help funds get to where they are needed and directly support our passengers and get to know them.” ~ TR Volunteer

Position Summary
The Bursar supports financial operations by assisting with the movement and tracking of funds across international contexts. This role is essential to ensuring resources reach individuals in need efficiently and securely.

Key Responsibilities

Assist in processing and tracking financial transactions across multiple countries
Support systems for distributing aid to individuals globally
Maintain accurate and detailed records of financial activity
Collaborate with team members to ensure secure and timely fund transfers
Contribute to improving operational workflows related to financial distribution

Training

Guided introduction to financial processes and systems
Ongoing support from experienced team members

Time Commitment

Variable, depending on availability
Some weeks may require minimal time; others may require more active involvement

Qualifications

Strong attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to manage sensitive financial information with discretion
Organizational skills and reliability
Comfort working with systems, processes, and logistical coordination

Benefits

Direct impact on enabling individuals to access critical financial support
Contribution to life-saving and resource-distribution efforts
Experience with international financial coordination and nonprofit operations
Opportunity to support real-world aid delivery systems

What Our Volunteers Say

“We work all over the world and have to move money to all 192 countries, and then some!”
“It is often a several person effort and together the group spends 1-20 hours a week on the tasks.”
“This is perfect for somebody who likes puzzles and is always looking for that great coupon deal and who looks at 14 websites to compare before buying that vacuum cleaner, because getting 50 EUR to a young trans person on the run in Iraq is an interesting challenge.”

Clinical Volunteer – Mental Health Team (Position Available: Licensed Mental Health Professional)

Position Summary
The Clinical Volunteer provides trauma-informed mental health support to trans people impacted by violence, displacement, and crisis. This role involves gathering relevant information, supporting emotional stabilization, and contributing to safe, ethical care delivery within a global humanitarian context.

Key Responsibilities

Gather vital psychosocial and safety-related information
Provide brief, trauma-informed emotional support and stabilization for individuals experiencing exposure to violence, distress, and acute stress responses
Collaborate with team members to ensure continuity of care and appropriate referrals

Qualifications

Active clinical license in good standing
Living outside of the United States of America
Completion of all required clinical training hours
Demonstrated experience in trauma-informed care
Ability to remain calm and effective under high-stress conditions

Time Commitment

Minimum of 2 clinical hours per month
Participation in 1–2 hours of group supervision per month

Benefits

Direct impact supporting vulnerable LGBTQ+ communities globally
Opportunity to contribute to reducing intergenerational trauma
Ongoing clinical supervision and professional development
Experience working in international and crisis-response contexts

What Our Volunteers Say

“It is amazing how humans stay human at the boundaries of the human experience.”
“You help create the foundation for a better tomorrow.”
“Teaching new coping skills to handle exposure to violence and pain is so important for the rescue process.”

Intake Interviewer – Inbound Communications Team (Positions Available: Intake Interviewer and Messenger Client Manger)

“You are the first TR volunteer a desperate trans person seeking help talks to. You have to gather their information, assess their condition, and provide immediate emotional support.” ~TR Volunteer

Position Summary
The Intake Interviewer conducts structured interviews to assess client needs, risks, and eligibility for TR services. This role is critical in ensuring accurate, timely information gathering to support life-saving interventions.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct 2–3 structured interviews per week (approximately 90 minutes each)
Gather and document essential client information clearly and accurately
Maintain a calm, grounded presence during extremely high-stress or emotionally intense conversations
Identify risk factors and escalate urgent concerns appropriately
Collaborate with internal teams to support service coordination

Qualifications

Strong verbal communication and active listening skills
Ability to remain composed under pressure
Experience working with vulnerable populations preferred
Fluency in additional languages strongly preferred

Benefits

Direct contribution to life-saving services
Experience in crisis-response and humanitarian interviewing
Development of advanced assessment and communication skills

What Our Volunteers Say

“You need common sense, not be easily scammed, and have the ability to read people even when they’re in desperate circumstances.”
“Need the ability to maintain boundaries and take organized notes.”
“You get to meet lots of amazing trans people from all over the world. It also helps to have familiarity with Arab culture, but it’s not necessary.”

Communications & Media Volunteer – Social Media Team (Positions available: Social Media Manager and Graphic & Motion Arts Designer)

“Be the voice of Trans Rescue. Do some actual good with your doomscrolling time.” ~TR Volunteer

Position Summary
The Communications Volunteer develops creative content to raise awareness, tell community stories, and support outreach efforts. This role contributes to visibility, education, and resource access.

Key Responsibilities

Create content across multiple formats (art, media, written, digital)
Translate complex or sensitive topics into accessible public-facing materials
Use storytelling techniques to motivate and reflect LGBTQ+ community experiences
Collaborate with the team to maintain consistent messaging

Qualifications

Experience in writing, design, media, or related creative fields
Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively about complex issues
Strong attention to tone, audience, and cultural context

Benefits

Portfolio development with meaningful, real-world impact
Opportunity to contribute to awareness and advocacy efforts
Creative collaboration within a mission-driven team

What Our Volunteers Say

“You help motivate trans folks to move themselves to safety.”
“Making the decision to leave your home can be very difficult. We support people in making thoughtful decisions about whether to leave their home country– and support them in doing so.”
“We always have projects coming up– if you’re waiting for the next paid gig and have some time to volunteer– great!”

Fundraising & Development Volunteer – Executive Team (Positions Available: Fundraising Manager and General Fundraiser)

“We live with a simple, deadly equation. For every 2500 Euros we raise, a life is saved.” Trans Rescue Volunteer

Position Summary
The Fundraising Volunteer supports resource development efforts that sustain and expand organizational services. This role plays a key part in enabling direct aid and program growth.

Key Responsibilities

Assist with fundraising campaigns and donor outreach
Support development of messaging and materials for fundraising efforts
Track and report on fundraising activities
Collaborate with leadership on strategy and execution

Qualifications

Strong writing and organizational skills
Ability to communicate impact clearly and persuasively
Experience in fundraising, development, or communications preferred

Benefits

Direct impact on the organization’s ability to deliver life-saving services
Experience in nonprofit development and fundraising strategy
Opportunity to contribute to measurable community outcomes

What Our Volunteers Say

“If you have skills in fundraising and can devote the time, then you can play a central role in saving lives.”
“You directly impact TR’s ability to rescue. You can literally say, ‘I can rest easy, I’ve done my part for humanity.’”
“If you are a people person and if you think out of the box– this is for you. Think creatively like charity concerts or community events.”

Operations Volunteer – Operations Team

“Do you live in a place that is dangerous to be trans in? Are you willing to help trans people escape? Then work closely with our operations team to help trans people leave.” ~TR Volunteer

Position Summary
The Operations Volunteer supports internal coordination of rescue logistics. This key role ensures smooth day-to-day functioning and effective team collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Assist with safety and rescue when needed
Support communication across teams
Participate in coordination meetings

Qualifications

Strong organizational and administrative skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a confidential manner
Attention to detail and reliability

Time Commitment

Approximately 1 hour per month (minimum)
Participation in onboarding and periodic meetings

Benefits

Insight into global program operations
Opportunity to support scalable systems that expand impact
Professional experience in nonprofit and rescue operations

What Our Volunteers Say

“We offer very thorough support for any action you take on the ground– we educate you and then give you ongoing training on the job.”
“Sometimes you may do nothing for months… then do a few hours.”
“I think you must be willing to be at risk. Need the ability to maintain secrecy and have common sense and be street savvy. And it helps to live on your own or independently so if you go run an errand for several hours there aren’t many questions.”

Language Support Volunteer – Operations

Position Summary
The Language Volunteer provides translation and cultural interpretation to support communication with diverse populations. This role is essential for accessibility and accurate service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Provide language translation during interviews or communications
Support culturally appropriate interpretation of information
Assist with multilingual documentation where needed

Qualifications

Fluency in one or more additional languages with strong cross-cultural communication skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality and accuracy

Time Commitment

Approximately 2-3 hours per week for Arabic; 1 hour per month for other languages
Participation in onboarding and periodic meetings

Benefits

Direct impact improving access to services
Opportunity to support global and multilingual communities
Experience in cross-cultural humanitarian work

What Our Volunteers Say

“We always have a need for translators fluent in any dialect of Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Dari and Urdu.”
“We often work with Arabic regions, from Syria/Gulf to Egypt to North Africa.”
“There’s a need for any and all language support. Even speakers of Armenian, Georgian, Ukrainian and Russian.”

Reception Committee – Operations

“Help create a reception community in your community.” TR Volunteer

Position Summary
The Reception Committee Volunteer supports individuals relocating from high-risk environments by helping them safely integrate into a new community. This role focuses on creating a welcoming, stable, and resource-connected environment for individuals adjusting to a new country and culture.

Key Responsibilities

Assist with welcoming and orienting individuals arriving from high-risk regions
Provide informal guidance to help individuals navigate a new cultural and social environment
Help connect individuals to local resources, services, and community networks
Collaborate with other volunteers to build and maintain a supportive reception network
Contribute to fostering a safe, inclusive, and affirming local community

Training

Ongoing training and support provided by the organization; access to guidance, resources, and consultation as needed

Time Commitment

Initially minimal, with increased involvement as individuals arrive and require support; also based on availability

Qualifications

Resides in a location that is relatively accessible and safe for individuals relocating
Willingness to support individuals navigating cultural transition and emotional recovery
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to collaborate and coordinate with others
Demonstrates resourcefulness, reliability, and sound judgment

Benefits

Direct impact supporting individuals during a critical life transition
Opportunity to build meaningful community connections
Experience working in grassroots, humanitarian, and relocation support efforts
Contribution to creating safer, more inclusive communities

What Our Volunteers Say

“If you live in a place that’s not ridiculously dangerous to be trans in– then help trans people from places that are ridiculously dangerous get settled in your community.”
“This is actually fun. You suddenly have a bunch of trans people in your life.”
“It is you who becomes part of a community.”

Grant Writer – Grants Team

“Grants power many of our operations. We depend on them and you’d be a critical part of making change happen.” TR Volunteer

Position Summary
The Grant Writer supports the organization’s fundraising efforts by researching, developing, and writing grant proposals that sustain and expand critical programs. This role plays a key part in securing funding that directly enables life-saving services.

Key Responsibilities

Research grant opportunities aligned with organizational priorities
Draft, edit, and submit compelling grant proposals and supporting materials
Collaborate with team members to gather program data, outcomes, and narratives
Track deadlines and maintain organized records of submissions and reporting requirements
Contribute to continuous improvement of grant strategy and materials

Training

On-the-job training and ongoing guidance and support from experienced team members

Time Commitment

Approximately 5 hours per week (additional time may be contributed based on availability and project needs)

Qualifications

Strong writing and editing skills in English
Ability to synthesize research and communicate complex information clearly
Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines
Experience in nonprofit work, research, or social impact fields is helpful but not required

Benefits

Direct impact on securing funding that supports life-saving programs
Opportunity to develop professional grant writing and research skills
Collaborative and mission-driven team environment
Meaningful contribution to expanding organizational reach and capacity

What Our Volunteers Say

“You don’t need to be a professional grant writer to do this work. Just determination.”
“There are frequent wins, a collaborative team and creative work.”
“Grant writing is 60% research, 40% writing and 100% grit.”

Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Executive Team

“We started because we believed this work needed doing. We are now large enough that this work needs even more expertise.” TR Volunteer

Position Summary
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides strategic and operational leadership to support the organization’s continued growth and effectiveness. This role focuses on strengthening internal systems, coordinating cross-functional efforts, and ensuring that programs are executed efficiently and sustainably.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day operations and ensure alignment with organizational goals
Develop and refine internal systems, processes, and workflows to support scale
Coordinate across teams to ensure effective communication and execution
Support leadership in strategic planning and organizational development
Monitor operational performance and identify areas for improvement

Training

Orientation to organizational structure, systems, and priorities
Ongoing collaboration with executive leadership

Time Commitment

High and ongoing commitment, depending on organizational needs

Qualifications

Experience in operations, administration, or organizational leadership
Ability to manage complex systems and coordinate across multiple teams
Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills
Comfort working in a fast-paced, evolving environment
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and lead independently

Benefits

Direct impact on the effectiveness and scalability of life-saving programs
Opportunity to shape organizational infrastructure and long-term strategy
Leadership experience in a mission-driven, global context
Meaningful contribution to building sustainable systems that support vulnerable communities

What Our Volunteers Say

“The environment can be challenging and dramatically different than a for-profit.”
“If you believe in what we’re doing and have experience operating a rapidly expanding organization with a headcount of 50, then we’d love for you to contribute your hard work and expertise.”
“We are not here because of the large salaries– this is all volunteer work– but it’s work that needs to be done.”

Relationship Manager – Fundraising and Social Media Teams

Position Summary
The Relationship Manager supports the growth and sustainability of the organization by building and maintaining strong relationships with donors and supporters. This role focuses on engagement, retention, and making meaningful experiences that encourage long-term involvement and support.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and manage relationships with donors and supporters (thus supporting the growth of the organization’s membership)
Design and implement structured communication strategies, including email outreach and engagement campaigns
Create personalized touchpoints that strengthen donor connection and retention
Collaborate with the fundraising team to support donor journey development and stewardship strategies

Training

Mentorship from the fundraising lead
Access to guidance and professional insight on donor engagement and relationship-building strategies

Time Commitment

Minimum of 5 hours per week

Qualifications

Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to build trust and maintain professional relationships
Experience with fundraising, communications, or community engagement is helpful but not required
Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage ongoing outreach efforts

Benefits

Direct impact on sustaining and expanding life-saving programs
Opportunity to develop skills in donor engagement and nonprofit fundraising
Experience working within a mission-driven, community-centered organization
Meaningful role in strengthening a network of supporters committed to trans communities globally

What Our Volunteers Say

“You are the heart of our donor community.”
“The job is about building real relationships with people who care deeply about our cause.”
“It is about turning peoples’ passions into lasting support.”

People & Culture Manager / Specialist

Position Summary

People&Culture Manager will oversee the full volunteer lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, engagement, and offboarding with HR policies. This role involves supporting team leaders best practices, fostering an inclusive and positive culture, and helping ensure volunteer wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

Manage the full volunteer lifecycle: recruitment, onboarding, engagement, and offboarding
Support team leaders with HR policies, guidance, and best practices
Foster an inclusive, positive, and supportive organizational culture
Promote volunteer wellbeing and regular check-ins.
Develop and improve HR processes and policies

Training

Orientation to organizational structure, systems, and priorities
Ongoing collaboration with executive leadership

Time Commitment

Minimum 5 hours per week
Flexible schedule, fully remote

Qualifications

Experience or strong interest in Human Resources or people operations
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Organized, proactive, and solution-oriented mindset
Passion for inclusive communities

Benefits

Hands-on HR experience in a growing international organization
Collaboration with a passionate and mission-driven team
It enhances empathy, active listening, and communication skills through interactions with people from various backgrounds.

What Our Volunteers Say

“Volunteering here feels deeply meaningful. You know your work is helping people find safety and a new beginning.”
“In a remote work environment, it’s a completely different experience to find fulfillment in serving a greater purpose while working alongside all the volunteers to take the foundation to the next level and save more lives.”

Would you like to support us in another area not listed above?

Please contact us via email: volunteer@transrescue.org

Grant Writer – Grants Team

Sign up today