Learn about some of our volunteers creating a supportive environment for newcomers to Canada of all backgrounds.
A criminal record check is required due to the nature of our work with vulnerable populations. Applications may take time to complete and we thank you for your patience!
Check out current volunteer opportunities.
Thank you everyone for being a part of our team!
Langley/In Person
ISSofBC Volunteers play a key role in achieving the organization’s mission, “helping newcomers build a future in Canada.” Volunteers support newcomer immigrants to smoothly settle and integrate into Canadian society in many different aspects of the settlement process. One of the ways is to help newcomers learn more about Canadian culture and heritage and to help improve their communication skills and confidence in the English language.
Assignment Title: English Conversation Circle (ECC) Facilitator
Location of Assignment: ISSofBC Langley 20430 Fraser Hwy Langley, BC V3A 4G2 And/or 20399 Douglas Crescent Langley BC V3A 4B3 (Fraser Valley Regional Library Inside Timms Community Centre)
Delivery: In-Person
English Conversation Circle (ECC) is an informal, unstructured learning environment where newcomers to Canada can meet and interact with others (virtual/in-person); practice speaking and listening; improve conversation skills in various situations and settings. Volunteer facilitators for this program do not need to be qualified teachers—but enjoy connecting and talking with people from different backgrounds and support newcomers improve their communication skills and self-confidence.
Volunteer facilitators will provide a group of 5-10 participants and engage them to learn more about day-to-day conversation skills, Canadian values and heritage, and basic information on different themes and topics.
Knowledge
Skills, Abilities, and Attitudes
This volunteer position is medium risk. Volunteers at this position will require supervision at regular intervals. Support is always available whenever necessary.
Training
Volunteers for this position are required to complete the following:
Volunteers will have the opportunity to:
Quarterly.
For questions and clarifications, please contact:
Leo Cabasag |Coordinator, Volunteer Programs
Telephone Number: 604-351-4519
Email address: leo.cabasag@issbc.org
Langley/In-person
Immigrants Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) Langley
Settlement–Volunteer Programs
ISSofBC Volunteers play a key role in achieving the organization’s mission, “helping newcomers build a future in Canada.” Without volunteers, ISSofBC would simply not be able to function and deliver its program and services crucial to supporting newcomer clients.
Assignment Title: | Settlement Mentors |
Location of Assignment: | ISSofBC Langley 20430 Fraser Hwy, Langley, BC V3A 4G2 |
Delivery: | In-person |
We are looking for dedicated SETTLEMENT MENTORS who can journey with newcomer immigrants and provide support as they settle here in Canada.
As a volunteer Settlement Mentor, you will provide newcomers with friendship, cultural awareness and orientation, and tips on networking and accessing community resources. Aside from helping them set realistic goals and creating an environment for their successful integration in Canada, you will also enjoy many rewarding benefits, which include:
If you have CLB 5 or higher and you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has lived in Canada for more than 3 years, you can be qualified to become a Settlement Mentor. As a volunteer, you will be matched with a compatible newcomer based on various factors like interests, age and needs.
Surrey and Langley/Online or In-Person
Immigrants Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) Surrey and Langley Offices
Settlement–Volunteer Programs
Clients who are new to Canada who have limited or low language (English) proficiency would often require language interpreting accommodations so that they can better understand the services provided to them. Most clients would prefer receiving information in their own language and communicating using their first language somehow provides them with the fluidity to express themselves better. Without enough interpreting support, miscommunication and language barriers are likely to happen.
Assignment Title: Volunteer Language Interpreter
Location of Assignment:
Delivery: Online or In-Person
Whenever available, volunteer interpreter (paraprofessional) services may be arranged to assist the client with their interpreting needs.
The role of an interpreter is to provide ‘on the spot’ support to both clients and Settlement Workers/Case Managers/Service Providers to convey spoken words from one language to another. Volunteer Interpreters are responsible for listening, understanding and interpreting spoken language to another targeted language and vice-versa.
This volunteer position is medium risk. Volunteers at this position will require supervision at regular intervals. Support is always available whenever necessary.
Volunteers for this position are required to complete the following:
Volunteers will have the opportunity to:
Together with your message, please indicate the current opportunity you wish to apply for.
Location: ISSofBC – Burnaby
The Organization:The Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) is one of the largest immigrant-serving agencies in Canada, with a national and international reputation in the field of migrant issues and services for immigrants and refugees. Since 1972 we’ve been providing a variety of support services for immigrants and refugees to help them get settled, find careers and learn all they need to know about starting their new lives in Canada. Through our dedicated staff, volunteers and community partners, we provide settlement, education and employment services for over 20,000 clients every year.
The Role: Facilitation – Volunteer Mentor, Settlement
ISSofBC Volunteers play a key role in achieving the organization’s mission, “helping newcomers build a future in Canada.” Volunteers support newcomer immigrants to smoothly settle and integrate into Canadian society in many different aspects of the settlement process. One of the ways is to help newcomers learn more about Canadian culture and heritage and to help improve their communication skills and confidence in their settlement journey into Canadian society, living in BC and becoming an active member of their local community.
Location of Assignment: | ISSofBC Burnaby 207-7355 Canada Way Burnaby, BC V3N 4Z6 |
Delivery: | Online or In-Person |
COVID-19 Information: | Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ISSofBC is currently adapting the ‘hybrid (online/hybrid) volunteering model’. Volunteers will have the option to share their time and skills remotely, over the internet and in-person. |
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Qualifications
Knowledge
Skills, Abilities, and Attitudes
Other requirements
Boundaries and Expectations
Training
Volunteers for this position are required to complete the following:
Benefits
Volunteers will have the opportunity to:
Time Frame / Level of Commitment
Application Process and Screening Measures
Frequency of the recruitment for the position
Ongoing, quarterly.
Staff Contact
For questions and clarifications, please contact:
Fatoumata Niane
Coordinator, Volunteer Programs
Telephone Number: 604-395-8000 Ext. 1633
Email address: fatoumata.niane@issbc.org
Have questions, submit your questions and we’ll get back to you shortly.