Rainbow Refugee

Commitment: At least 2 days per week (Mondays or Fridays)
Time: Between 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Minimum Commitment: 3 months
Type: In-person (some triage tasks may be hybrid)

Position Overview

This volunteer role combines front-line reception with administrative support related to our overseas triage process. Volunteers contribute to creating a welcoming, respectful, and organized environment for LGBTQI+ refugees and newcomers. You will greet visitors, assist with basic inquiries, and provide logistical support. During quieter office times, you will also assist in reviewing and organizing sponsorship applications from individuals located outside of Canada.

Front Desk Responsibilities

• Greet visitors in a warm and inclusive manner

• Respond to general inquiries and manage the guest sign-in process

• Refer individuals to appropriate staff or team members

• Maintain a clean and calm front desk environment

• Provide basic administrative support as needed

• Support triage tasks during slow office periods

Triage Support Responsibilities

As part of your role, you will also help process initial inquiries and applications from individuals seeking sponsorship from outside of Canada.

• Initial Case Assessment: Review and assess sponsorship applications for eligibility

• Documentation Review: Ensure all required materials are complete and accurate

• Applicant Communication: Request missing information or clarify unclear submissions in a respectful and compassionate manner

• Referrals: Refer applicants to appropriate staff, volunteers, or external agencies when necessary

• Follow-up: Provide updates to applicants regarding the status of their inquiries or cases

• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate notes and tracking in the organization’s system

• Collaboration: Coordinate with staff and other volunteers to ensure consistency and continuity of support

Qualifications

• Must be at least 19 years of age

• Reliable, detail-oriented, and organized

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Comfortable working in a multicultural, LGBTQI+-inclusive environment

• Able to use digital tools and manage online records

• Capable of maintaining confidentiality and appropriate boundaries

• Willingness to receive and apply feedback

• Proficient in spoken and written English

• Able to work independently while collaborating as part of a team

• Willing to participate in ongoing training and comply with Rainbow Refugee’s protocols and values

Work Environment and Emotional Readiness

This role is based in an office where staff may be responding to sensitive or high-stress situations, including calls involving trauma, grief, displacement, or urgent safety concerns. While volunteers are not expected to handle crisis situations directly, it is important to be aware that such conversations may occur within the shared office space.

Given the nature of the work, we ask that individuals who are currently navigating their own refugee claim process or who are experiencing active grief or recent personal loss consider applying at a later time. This is to ensure that volunteers are emotionally ready to engage in this role and are able to prioritize their own well-being.

Support and Training

Volunteers will receive training and orientation from the Volunteer Coordinator, along with ongoing support and supervision throughout their time in the role.

Commitment: Flexible; typically one-day events, unless assigned to planning or preparation
Type: In-person (some planning roles may include remote tasks)
Minimum Commitment: Participation in at least one major event per season

Position Overview

Rainbow Refugee hosts a variety of community events throughout the year to celebrate, connect, and support LGBTQI+ refugees and newcomers. Special Events Support Volunteers play a key role in making these events successful—from advance planning and outreach to set-up, coordination, and final tear-down. Most events are single-day commitments, with optional involvement in planning and prep depending on capacity and interest.

Key Annual Events Include:

• IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia) – May

• Pride Season Activities and Vancouver Pride Parade – August

• Annual Community Picnic – September

• End-of-Year Celebration – December

• Additional Events – Condom packing , cultural gatherings, and educational workshops

Sample Tasks and Roles

Planning and Coordination (optional)

• Participate in pre-event planning meetings (virtual or in-person)

• Help prepare guest lists, supplies, signage, and run-of-show documents

• Support outreach and coordination with vendors, performers, or community partners

Event Day Support

• Set-up: Arrive early to help arrange tables, banners, AV equipment, food stations, and seating

• Greeting and Registration: Welcome guests, check them in, and share event materials

• Activity Support: Assist with performances, workshops, info tables, or cultural activities

• Photography/Videography: Capture respectful, consent-based images and document the event

• Audio-Visual Support: Help set up and monitor microphones, speakers, or slideshows

• Accessibility Support: Support seating needs, ASL arrangements, and navigation assistance

• Tear-down: Clean up, organize materials, and return the venue to its original state

Qualifications

• Friendly, reliable, and able to work as part of a team

• Comfortable in public or fast-paced environments

• Willing to follow instructions and adapt as needed

• Respectful of all genders, cultures, and lived experiences

• Specialized skills (e.g., photography, sound, stage management) are an asset but not required

• No prior experience necessary—training and orientation are provided

Support and Training

Event-specific instructions are shared in advance, and briefings are held at the beginning of each event. Volunteers are supported on-site by staff and lead volunteers.

Days: Every Tuesday

Time: 12:30 to 3:30pm

Position Description:

Rainbow Fairy, you will play a crucial role in ensuring our office visitors have a positive experience. You will be responsible for greeting and assisting visitors during walk-ins, helping them connect with the appropriate staff members, and providing information such as staff email addresses for appointment bookings. Your role is pivotal in creating a warm and welcoming environment in our office.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Greet office visitors with a friendly and welcoming demeanor.

2. Assist visitors in assessing their needs and reasons for their visit.

3. Guide visitors to the appropriate staff members or programs based on their needs.

4. Provide information on staff members' email addresses and contact details for appointment scheduling.

5. Maintain a clean and organized reception area.

6. Answer basic inquiries about our organization and its services.

7. Ensure a positive and memorable experience for all visitors.

Qualifications:

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

- Friendly and approachable demeanor.

- Basic computer skills for accessing staff contact information.

- Ability to maintain professionalism in a busy office environment.

- Reliability and punctuality.

Benefits:

- Gain valuable experience in customer service and office administration.

- Develop your communication and interpersonal skills.

- Make a positive impact on the community by helping visitors connect with our organization.

- Networking opportunities within the organization and the local community.

Day: Every Wednesday
Time: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Type: In-person, with occasional support for online walk-ins

Minimum Commitment: 3 months

About the Rainbow Refugee Support Open House

Every Wednesday afternoon, Rainbow Refugee opens its doors to LGBTQ+ refugees, asylum seekers, and newcomers seeking support. This drop-in program offers assistance with referrals, community resources, and guidance on topics such as mental health, housing, employment, and legal services. Visitors may join in person or connect with staff and volunteers through our online walk-in option.

Position Overview

As a Greeter Volunteer, you will play a key role in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone who walks through our doors—or joins us virtually. You will be the first point of contact for visitors, helping them feel seen, safe, and supported while ensuring they are connected with the appropriate staff or services.

Key Responsibilities

• Greet and welcome all visitors to the office in a respectful and inclusive manner

• Assist both in-person and online walk-in visitors in identifying the purpose of their visit

• Guide guests to the appropriate staff, volunteer, or resource based on their needs

• Share contact details or email addresses for staff if appointments are needed

• Answer general questions about Rainbow Refugee’s programs and services

• Maintain a tidy and organized reception space

• Help manage the flow of visitors to ensure a calm and supportive environment

• Report any concerns or follow-up needs to staff in a timely manner

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Friendly, patient, and approachable demeanor

• Comfort engaging with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds

• Basic computer literacy (to access contact lists or Zoom/online platforms)

• Ability to remain calm and professional in a dynamic office setting

• Punctual, dependable, and able to work independently with guidance

Date: To Be Determined

Time: To Be Determined

Location: Hybrid

Commitment:  3 months

Position Overview

As a Triage Volunteer, you will be the first point of contact for individuals seeking sponsorship. Your role will involve assessing applications, ensuring documentation is complete, and maintaining clear communication with applicants. You will also collaborate with other volunteers and staff to provide a cohesive support system for our clients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Initial Case Assessment: Review and evaluate applications from individuals seeking sponsorship, ensuring they meet the organization's criteria.

• Documentation: Ensure all necessary documents are submitted and correctly filled out.

• Communication: Maintain clear and compassionate communication with applicants to gather additional information or clarify details as needed.

• Record Keeping: Accurately document all assessments and communications in our database.

• Referral: Refer cases to appropriate team members or external agencies if further support or information is required.

• Follow-up: Conduct follow-up communications with applicants to update them on their case status.

• Collaboration: Work closely with other volunteers and staff members to ensure a cohesive and supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Must be 19 years of age at the time the training group starts.

• Ability to convey respect and care to people in crisis.

• Willingness to receive and apply constructive feedback.

• Comfortable and competent in using computers.

• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking skills.

• Ability to work independently within a team.

• Proficiency in verbal and written English.

• Ability to multi-task.

• Willingness to engage in ongoing training for the tenure of your volunteer work with Rainbow Refugee.

• Willingness to align with Rainbow Refugee policies and protocols.

Readiness for the Triage Volunteer role

Our work can be challenging and impactful to our service providers. Topics such as suicide, violence and abuse, mental illness, substance use, homicide, and relationship issues are regularly raised or discussed. Lived experience with suicide or mental health concerns can be an asset to this work and to our community. Throughout our intake process and training, we will actively explore your readiness while keeping in mind that current mental wellness is a requirement to take on this role.

We ask that you consider if you have recently experienced any major life event such as death, divorce, addiction, or mental illness, and whether now is the right time to take on this work. Some may find a 1-year recovery since experiencing a situational or transitional crisis event to be beneficial.

We ask that you consider if you have recently had a personal suicide attempt or the suicide death of a significant individual, and whether now is the right time to take on this work. Some may find a 2-year recovery since experiencing a suicide crisis event to be beneficial.

We ask you to consider if you have used the services of Rainbow Refugee for your own support or have gone through the refugee process yourself. In some cases, this might impact your comfort and ability to perform in this role and could be retraumatizing or triggering.

If you are unsure or have questions about your readiness for this work, we would be happy to explore this with you during the intake process.

Commitment: Once a month
Type: In-person group volunteer role

Role Summary:
Help promote safer sex and community health by volunteering at our monthly Condom Packing Party! These events are easy, social, and meaningful. You’ll be part of a team assembling safer sex kits that are distributed free of charge across the province.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Folding boxes

• Adding condoms and lube to each kit

• Sealing and preparing them for distribution

• Having fun while helping others!

Why It Matters:
These kits are a key part of our harm reduction and public health outreach. Your help ensures that LGBTQI+ communities—and anyone in need—can access safer sex supplies with dignity.

Who Can Join:
Everyone! No previous experience is required. We’ll show you how it’s done and support you throughout.