Volunteer Opportunities

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

PROGRAM NAME: Community Connections              

POSITION TITLE: English Conversation Circle Volunteer

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

LOCATION: Online via Zoom

REPORTS TO: Lata Aggarwal 

DESCRIPTION: English Virtual Conversation Circle volunteers assist immigrant and refugee newcomers with informal English practice at weekly online drop-in sessions. Volunteers lead small groups of participants organized according to their English level. This volunteer position involves leading a small group (3-4 people) of newcomers with various topics that support learning about Canadian culture; practicing listening and speaking with others; learning new vocabulary; and understanding idioms and expressions.  Archway staff provide materials and resources to assist with discussions.

Conversation Circles give newcomers an opportunity to connect with each other and practice speaking English, while learning about Canadian culture and their new community from a volunteer.

TIME COMMITMENT: In most cases, the time commitment is 2 hrs per week (min. 6 months.)  Volunteers can choose either the morning or evening session: Tuesdays from 10-11:30am or Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30pm. 

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 reliable 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

Community Van Driver 

The Community Van Program is a multi-agency initiative that strives to fill in the gap for transportation in Abbotsford for older adults. The volunteer driver for this program will drive clients to various destinations in Abbotsford.

Mon-Fri 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM (scheduled in these hours)

REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check
• Driver maintains a valid Class 5 driver’s license and a safe driving record (drivers abstract required)
• Must have Emergency First Aid