Current volunteers, you can update your availability here.
Volunteers are an essential part of our efforts to ensure the successful integration of newcomer immigrants and refugees. Volunteers make a valuable contribution toward the successful integration and well-being of newcomers by sharing unique talents, knowledge, and time.
Join over 400 of our dedicated and experienced volunteers and make a difference in the lives of newcomers.
Our Volunteer Opportunities
We provide various volunteer involvement opportunities at EISA to allow you to choose flexible or scheduled volunteer assignments and choose a long-term or short-term commitment.
Administration Volunteer
Commit your superior organizational skills, interpersonal skills on the phone or in person, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and high-level proficiency in Microsoft Office to this on-call position. You will enjoy working in our multicultural, fast-paced yet supportive office environment. Speaking other languages than English is an asset.
Event Organization Volunteer
We always need volunteers to help with our program and organization events, from field trips to fundraisers. If you are organized, detail-oriented, and determined to make a difference in the community, you are a perfect fit for this on-call volunteer position.
New Neighbours Program Volunteer
Having been living in Edmonton for a few years, you are knowledgeable and resourceful about life in this city; you are passionate about sharing your knowledge with someone who recently moved to our city. If that describes you well, you must be interested in the following one or both volunteer positions available in the New Neighbours Program.
Matching Service
As a Mentor, you provide social support to help newcomers in their settlement process to life in Edmonton through one-on-one matching. This position requires a long-term commitment, so you must commit 20 hours in three months. Once you become a Mentor, you share your knowledge to assist newcomers to:
- Make new friends
- Learn about various amenities and resources within the community
- Practise and enhance English conversational skills
- Familiarize themselves with Edmonton and what it offers
- Build social networks and engage in cultural exchange
- Share information on Canadian culture, customs, etc.
English Conversation Circle Facilitator
English Conversation Circle is a series of scheduled sessions where a group of adult newcomers practise conversational English in an informal setting. The sessions usually take place at the EISA’s main office weekly from September to June.
We expect the Facilitator to commit to a regular volunteer schedule within a three-month term to facilitate these English learner conversation groups. During the sessions, you will:
- Encourage participants to practise speaking English
- Manage dialogues and keep the conversation flowing
- Ensure an environment which is safe and organized for sharing and communicating
- Share insights into Canadian culture.
Community Translator
Document translation is one of the first steps in a new immigrant’s settlement and a refugee’s resettlement. By translating a document, you are making the start of the settlement or resettlement journey smoother. The volunteer schedule for this position is very flexible, and you can work from home. As a translator, you must be fluent in source and target languages, have excellent writing and editing skills, be proficient at Microsoft Word, and deliver translation upon the agreed deadline. We provide you with free training to help you start, and we support you when you are translating a document. Professional experience as a translator is an asset.
Afterschool Program Tutor and Mentor
A Tutor and Mentor supports young newcomers to:
- Engage program participants in a wide range of appropriate activities including sports, recreational and creative arts for newcomer youth
- Improve their literacy skills, especially English and numeracy skills
- Acquire knowledge about Canadian society, citizenship, and cultures
- Explore and develop new skills
- Recognize and celebrate their cultural identities and customs.
We are looking for enthusiastic, patient, flexible, and compassionate Edmontonians who would like to share a few hours a week supporting youth in a culturally diverse setting. Most of the time, you will meet and help these students at their schools. To be a reliable and supportive Tutor and Mentor, you will commit the time necessary, weekly or during a scheduled camp, to foster a consistent and positive environment for our newcomer students. Teaching or tutoring experience is an asset.
Board Member
EISA is looking for Board Members who are driven by the belief that newcomers, with their rich and diverse backgrounds, are critical to the economic growth of Canada. The Board of Directors works with the Executive Director to ensure the effective governance of the organization and meets 9 times a year. Occasionally, Board Members represent EISA by attending various functions or events in the general public.
The Board, being responsible for governance, helps set the organization’s goals, direction, limitations, and accountability. Other key areas of responsibility include: overseeing and monitoring organizational operations and financial operations and management; risk assessment; and management development. Board Members may also participate in committee work and can expect to volunteer 2 to 3 hours a month.
Length of Term: 2 years
We are looking for board volunteers with experience in one of more of the following main areas:
- Accounting
- Business and banking
- Community leadership
- Marketing, communications, or public relations
- Fundraising and philanthropy
- Law(preferably in non-profit, business, or immigration law)
- Human resources
- Other categories that meet programmatic and strategic planning goals
Overall, EISA is looking for a diverse group of committed individuals who want to make a difference in their community. The volunteer board position is an excellent opportunity to leverage your experience, add value, make a contribution, and give back to the community.
Applicable Interests:
Immigrant settlement issues, multiculturalism, diversity, human resources, finance, marketing, not for profit, and board governance.
Qualifications:
No previous board experience is required however, it would be considered an asset.
How to apply to be a Board member:
Email your resume and cover letter to RBlacklock@eisa-edmonton.org
Please include in your cover letter: two professional references and how your experience and/or interests will help EISA in its commitment to facilitating the integration of immigrants, refugees, and their families into Canadian society.
How to Start Volunteering with Us and What to Expect
Complete this easy-to-fill Volunteering Intention Form and let us know what volunteer positions interest you. We will conduct a security check on all volunteer position applicants and interview the applicants in person. For more information, please call 780-474-8445 or click here to send us a message.