Volunteer opportunities

Volunteering with UNRWA USA

Volunteering with UNRWA USA is the perfect opportunity to turn your support for Palestine refugees into action.

The Gaza 5K is our signature event and comes to cities around the US. This is the program for you if you are located in or near Washington DC, NYC, San Francisco, Houston, or Chicago and want to go above and beyond showing up on race day. Volunteers are an integral part of the 5Ks, providing logistical and outreach support.  

Apply to be a Gaza 5K Volunteer

We’re looking for folks aged 18 and older who can serve the following roles on-site at our NYC Gaza 5K on Saturday, March 2, 2024:

  • Crowd control: Help direct attendee arrival, and ensure morning lines are orderly.

  • Food: Breakfast set-up, coffee/tea station; replenish supplies, keep the area tidy, waste/recycling collection.

  • Fundraising prizes: Distribute awards and prizes to fundraisers.

  • Packet pick-up: (Detail-oriented folks, this is you!) distribute race bibs and bags.

  • Photo booth: Set up and engage early arrivals to take photos and post to social media; Keep excitement up!

  • Water halfway point: Prep water station; hand out water at the halfway point along the race.

  • Education/awareness: Support activities that raise awareness about Palestine refugees + UNRWA programs.

Fill out this form and tell us about yourself so we can match your skills with our volunteer needs!

In addition to the satisfaction of knowing you did something awesome for kids in Gaza, volunteers get:

  • An UNRWA USA shirt

  • Breakfast

  • Free access to the event

  • Our endless gratitude!


meet mariama, new york

β€œI volunteered with UNRWA USA at the Gaza 5K as a way to support the Palestinian people.

What is beautiful about the 5K is that people of all backgrounds unite in solidarity with Palestine refugees by engaging in community and running for a cause.

The event evokes the resilience and hope embedded in Palestinian culture, and it's crucial that we as a global community support the Gaza 5K and the UNRWA mental health program as a form of allyship, showing Palestinians that we care.”

Gaza 5K volunteer spotlight