Volunteers
Volunteer Program – What’s New?
CCI Ottawa has resumed volunteer activities in order to help newcomers. Although most COVID restrictions have been lifted, our first priority is the safety of everyone at CCI and in the greater Ottawa community. We will continue to follow the advice of public health officials.
We know this is a time when newcomers are feeling isolated. They need your support. We are looking for volunteers to support newcomers in our programs via online and also in several in-person programs.
We encourage current volunteers to contact their supervisor at CCI to discuss volunteer opportunities. We will make every effort to keep our valued team of volunteers up to date on any changes to the volunteer programs and services at CCI and will continue to post updates on this page.
If you want to volunteer with CCI, we need volunteers with many different skill sets. From interpreters and translators; tutors and employment coaches; or special events and projects volunteers, we hope we have a fit for you. Please read below the role descriptions carefully before completing our Online Volunteer Application. Our volunteer positions often open, close and/or change on a monthly basis, so check them out often.
Volunteering with Afghan Refugees
Afghan refugees started to arrive in Ottawa in August. Currently, we are helping some Afghans learn English and adjust to daily life in Ottawa. If you are interested in volunteering to help Afghan refugees, please reach out to Amena at [email protected]. Amena is our Afghan Refugee Support Volunteer Coordinator.
Currently we are seeking individuals for the following volunteer positions:
English Language Conversation Circle Volunteer
English Language Conversation Circle Volunteers help newcomers learn English through casual conversation. Volunteers will virtually engage in conversation with small groups of newcomers on a weekly basis.
French Language Conversation Circle Volunteer
French Language Conversation Circle Volunteers help newcomers practice their French. Volunteers will virtually engage in conversation with small groups of newcomers on a weekly basis.
Language Support Services Volunteer
Language Support Services Volunteers provide language-based services on an as-needed basis to CCI Staff and clients under the guidance of a Supervisor. This can include assistance with both text-based and oral support using a wide-range of languages.
She Unit Program Volunteer
She Unit Volunteers help CCI Staff host a program that focuses on lifeskills for young women. Volunteers will discuss a number of topics, from hygiene to health care, and explore some of the valuable services that are available across the city to young women.
Social Connections Volunteer
Social Connections Volunteers interact with newcomers virtually on a regular basis, keeping them engaged and connected with CCI and the local community especially during periods of isolation. Volunteers share information, experiences and support through conversations, and provide an ongoing social connection for newcomers.
Network Connections Volunteer
Network Connections Volunteers share their knowledge and experience with newcomers to help them learn more about their new community. Volunteers will connect newcomers to employment, education and social networks and opportunities; and, also share their understanding of local and Canadian customs, culture and trends to support integration and help newcomers achieve their goals.
Administrative Support Volunteer
Administrative Support Volunteers provide CCI Staff with clerical assistance, which may include filing, answering/making phone calls, data entry and various other administrative tasks. They may also support our reception desks as a first point of contact for visitors in various departments.