Archway Community Services

Friendship-based Mentor for Newcomers

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:        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

LINC( Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)- Classroom Volunteer

LINC volunteers assist the class teacher in providing support to adults learning English settlement language.  In the role, you would be working on the supervision of the classroom teacher supporting learning activities. In addition, volunteers are a direct link to the local community for newcomer learners and are able to refer them to community resources. The groups meet mornings and evenings, Monday to Friday . Volunteers need to commit to one shift per week for a minimum of 6 months.                                    

Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious meals to people in Abbotsford. Meals are delivered Monday to Thursday each week, deliveries occur between 10 am  and 12 noon.