Volunteering and Community Connections

Applying to become a volunteer and starting as a volunteer can take 3-5 weeks.

For the safety of our community members, many of whom are part of vulnerable groups, volunteers must be thoroughly screened and participate in training and orientation before a volunteer shift.   

We ask volunteers to do at least two hours per week for at least three months, allowing both the volunteer and placement team to benefit from the volunteer’s time. 

Although there is no guarantee, we will work with your schedule as much as possible. 

Some roles are for one-off events, some are short-term, and others might need a six-month commitment or longer.  

Selected ISSofBC programs require a particular commitment, while others are more flexible.

Specific roles like Settlement and Employment Mentoring require building trust with someone, which is why a certain amount of commitment is required. Think carefully about the time you can give before choosing any opportunity.

Most volunteering positions follow ISSofBC regular work hours, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, some volunteer roles and ISSofBC locations require you to be available evenings or weekends. 

While various ISSofBC volunteer opportunities are offered to potential volunteers, some exceptions exist. 

The IT, People, Culture, and Inclusion (PCI), and Finance departments have high security levels, so volunteers are not allowed to work in these areas.

You do not have to volunteer if you don’t like it. 

If you’re unhappy, it is always worth talking to your Volunteer Programs Coordinator to see if anything can be done to improve your time as a volunteer. 

Your Volunteer Programs Coordinator can also provide resources if you wish to pursue opportunities outside ISSofBC.

Volunteering is a great way to explore new career options. However, we do not create opportunities that fit volunteers’ career goals.

ISSofBC does not reimburse expenses such as travel or meals. Some programs will provide bus tickets, but this is the exception rather than the rule. 

Volunteering will only affect your benefits if you can still meet the conditions for receiving those benefits. You are required to tell your volunteer coordinator if you are receiving any Canadian benefits.

You are free to do so if you can manage your time. It is important to note that volunteering with ISSofBC requires you to commit to a specific amount of your free time. 

If your short-term goal is to find a job, it is better to prioritize job searching over volunteering.

Please speak with your Settlement Case Manager or future employer so they know you are volunteering.

After 35 hours of volunteering, ISSofBC Volunteer Program staff can provide you with a ‘Letter of Confirmation’ that you have volunteered with ISSofBC. 

The program does not usually give a ‘Letter of Reference’ or ‘Letter of Recommendation’ that assesses your qualities and capabilities.

Generally, no. Some volunteering opportunities require qualifications or particular skills and experience. However, we can provide training when necessary. 

Special requirements or experience will be stated in the volunteer role description on the ISSofBC website.  

In general, ISSofBC often looks for excellent personal skills — such as getting along with a wide variety of people, being reliable, and being enthusiastic about a particular interest or cause — rather than academic qualifications. 

We are also a values-driven organization seeking those who align with our values.  

By volunteering, you will gain valuable experience, develop your skills, and be able to ask the program for a letter of confirmation. 

ISSofBC presents ‘Certificates of Recognition’ to volunteers, and our CEO typically signs certificates.

Yes, all our volunteers must undergo a criminal record check to ensure our newcomer clients, staff, and other volunteers feel safe and secure accessing our services. 

Once you have registered your interest in volunteering, our Volunteer Coordinators will request a criminal record check.

We do not usually accept Criminal Records Checks without a valid Vulnerable Sector Check.

Please speak to your Volunteer Programs Coordinator on how they can help you obtain a Criminal Records Check (with a Vulnerable Sector component).

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee any volunteer role. Opportunities may arise later if your volunteering skills are not currently matched.

You can check our volunteer webpage any time for updated positions. ISSofBC reserves the right to place a volunteer who can fulfill the duties outlined in a placement agreement and is suitable for the specific opportunity, even if no better volunteer candidate is available.

Regardless of the nature of your volunteer position, the Volunteer Programs Coordinator or your Volunteer Supervisor will give you the training you need to succeed in your volunteer placement. 

The length and depth of the training will depend entirely on the volunteer opportunity you are placed in. For example, suppose you’re interested in helping out at a one-off special event; you can come early so we can explain the tasks for the day.

While we strive to offer placement for each individual who wants to volunteer, we don’t always have positions available — especially in specific programs in high demand. 

Other positions, such as Settlement or Employment Mentoring, can take longer to get into as they have stricter requirements. 

You must submit a separate inquiry for each position. Each location will review your inquiry once received. 

While volunteer experience opens the doors to many opportunities, volunteering with ISSofBC does not constitute a guarantee or promise of future paid employment within the organization. 

We encourage everyone to visit our website to see if they qualify to apply for our open paid positions.

Potential volunteers must attend and complete a Volunteer Information Session in person before becoming a volunteer. 

If your interests and skills fit the needs of a volunteer role, we will send you an invitation link to complete the registration process.