Resource Mapping & Referral Support Volunteer

Resource Mapping & Referral Support Volunteer

About Rainbow Railroad

Rainbow Railroad is a global charitable organization that envisions a world where LGBTQI+ people are free to live with dignity and without fear of persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics. Our mission is to help at-risk LGBTQI+ individuals get to safety and to build lives free from violence and discrimination.

Since 2006, we have supported over 21,000 LGBTQI+ individuals through our services, including relocation, crisis support, and community sponsorship. Rainbow Railroad is a USA 501(c)(3) organization and a registered Canadian charity with offices in New York and Toronto.

The Volunteer Role

The Volunteer Researcher supports the Integrated Support Team (IST) by identifying and compiling critical resources across various countries. Research areas may include legal services, housing, healthcare, mental health supports, and other essential services, based on evolving program needs and request-for-help data. This role plays a key part in strengthening referral pathways, informing support strategies, and expanding access to reliable, up-to-date information for forcibly displaced LGBTQI+ individuals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct targeted research to identify relevant services and resources in assigned countries
• Gather and verify information related to legal aid, housing, healthcare, mental health, and other support services
• Maintain organized and accurate records of findings for internal databases
• Contribute to the development of Support Referral Networks and Information Packages
• Identify potential partner organizations and support relationship-building efforts
• Ensure information is current, accessible, and aligned with the needs identified by the IST

Current & Upcoming Projects

• Global Resource Directory Development
• Housing Access Navigator
• Volunteer Engagement Toolkit

Qualifications

Personal Skills

• Strong research and analytical skills
• Attention to detail and the ability to verify information from multiple sources
• Ability to organize and synthesize information clearly
• Strong written communication skills
• Interest in humanitarian work, migration, and/or LGBTQI+ issues
• Experience with data entry or database management is an asset

Requirements

• Commitment of 2 hours per week on an ongoing basis (1-3 month commitment preferred, with possibility to extend)
• Ability to work independently
• Willingness to participate in onboarding and training

Volunteer Benefits

• Support access to critical services for forcibly displaced LGBTQI+ individuals
• Gain an understanding of the intersecting forms of persecution and drives of displacement faced by LGBTQI+ individuals globally
• Develop research, data analysis, and resource mapping experience
• Join a global network of passionate, skilled volunteers
• Work on your own schedule, aligned with team needs
• Receive support, training, and recognition for your contributions

How to Apply

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer interpreter, please fill out our application form: https://share.vomevolunteer.com/GaXw59GK82b

Rainbow Railroad welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities. We are committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our organization, and we look forward to welcoming volunteers who share these values.