Archway Community Services

Friendship-based Match 

Volunteers in the one-on-one matching program are connected with an immigrant or refugee who lives in Abbotsford and has reached out for support. The time commitment is approximately 2 hrs per week for a minimum of 6 months.

Job Description:

• Schedule meetings with “match” and plan activities
• Offer English language support to a new immigrant or refugee
• Share insights into Canadian culture
• Share knowledge of the local community, attractions, events, and activities
• Offer friendship and support

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the challenges facing new immigrants/refugees
• Knowledge of the community and the resources that are available
• Fluency in English
• Patience and empathy
• Sensitivity to cross-cultural differences

This volunteer position is best suited for someone who is:

• Outgoing and friendly
• Not judgmental or critical
• Patient
• Respectful
• A native or fluent English speaker

Volunteer Duties

• Assist participants with knitting projects
• Organize materials and ensure that participants have the equipment they need
• Offer friendship and support to participants while they knit 
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere amongst the group participants

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the challenges facing newcomers
• Ability to knit (you don't need to be an expert!)
• Patience and empathy
• Sensitivity to cross-cultural differences

This volunteer position is best suited for someone who is:

• Outgoing and friendly
• Not judgmental or critical
• Patient
• Respectful
• A team-player

PROGRAM NAME:    Community Connections              

POSITION TITLE:        Virtual English Conversation  Circle Volunteer

SCHEDULE: Weekly,  2 hours per session/ once a week

LOCATION: Virtual

REPORTS TO:            Lata Aggarwal 

English Virtual Conversation Circle volunteers assist immigrant and refugee newcomers with English practice at weekly online drop-in sessions. Volunteers lead small groups of participants organized according to their English level. Staff send an invite to clients and volunteer on a weekly basis (ensuring privacy by not sharing email information) In most cases, the time commitment is 2 hrs per week (min. 6 months).

Duties:

• Facilitate an online conversation group of English language learners (normally 3-5 participants)
•  Commit to a regular volunteer schedule (one class per week)
•  Have access to a laptop/computer and internet access
•  Encourage attendees to practice speaking English 
•  Manage dialogue and keep conversation flowing
•  Ensure that conversations remain respectful
•  Share insights into Canadian culture
•  Attend occasional training sessions 

Qualifications:

• Fluency in English
•  Knowledge of or willingness to learn about the challenges facing new immigrants/refugees
•  Willingness and ability to communicate with newcomers who are still learning English
•  Previous experience interacting with individuals whose first language is not English
•  Sensitivity to cross-cultural differences
•  Available to volunteer for 2 hours per week
•  Previous teaching and/or facilitation experience is an asset

This volunteer position is best suited for someone who is:

• Patient and friendly
•  An excellent communicator
•  Open-minded and non-judgmental
•  Comfortable using the computer 
•  A native or fluent English speaker
•  Reliable and committed