Volunteering and Joining Community Life

Why community involvement matters

Building connections in your new country takes time, but it makes an enormous difference. Getting involved in community life — through volunteering, local groups, cultural events, or diaspora networks — can help you:

• Practice Lithuanian in relaxed, real-life settings
• Build friendships and a support network
• Feel more at home and less isolated
• Develop your CV with local experience
• Contribute meaningfully to your community

You do not need perfect Lithuanian to get started. Many organisations actively welcome newcomers, and participation itself is one of the best ways to improve your language skills.

Organisations that welcome volunteers

Contact these directly — they regularly take volunteers, and Russian- and English-speakers are especially useful:

• Lithuanian Red Cross — one of the largest volunteer networks (aid, refugee support): https://www.redcross.lt/
• Caritas Lietuva — charity for vulnerable people, including migrants: https://www.caritas.lt/
• Maisto bankas (Food Bank) — food collection and distribution: https://www.maistobankas.lt/
• IOM Lithuania — works directly with migrants and refugees: https://lithuania.iom.int/
• Order of Malta Relief Service (Maltiečiai) — social help and volunteering: https://www.maltieciai.lt/
• Save the Children (Gelbėkit vaikus) — programmes for children and families: https://www.gelbekitvaikus.lt/
• Diversity Development Group — migration and integration projects: https://www.diversitygroup.lt/

Write a short message (in English or Russian) saying which languages you speak and how you'd like to help.

Finding opportunities near you

The Red Cross, Caritas and Maisto bankas have branches in cities across Lithuania — Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai, Panevėžys and more. Tell us which city you are in and we can point you to the nearest one. Local libraries and cultural centres (kultūros centrai) also run events where volunteers are welcome.

Practical things to know

• In general, volunteering does not require any specific permit for migrants who already hold a valid residence document.
• If you are unsure about the rules that apply to your situation, the Migration Department website has guidance, or you can ask a support organisation.
• Even attending community events as a participant — not just as a volunteer — is a valuable step. Festivals, open days, and neighbourhood gatherings are all part of community life.

A gentle first step

If you are not sure where to begin, contacting IOM Lithuania or Caritas Lietuva is a good starting point. Both organisations work with migrants and can help connect you with activities and people in your area.