Westman Immigrant Services

What services does your organization provide?

• Settlement Assistance
• Employment Assistance
• Interpretation Services
• English as an Additional Language Classes
• Volunteer Services

Do you have any age requirements?

• Application
• Interview
• 2 Reference Checks
• Current Police Check
• Some mulitcultural experience
• Educational background for EAL Classroom Volunteers

Do you require language proficiency other than in English?
18 years of age
It is not necessary to know another language.

What time commitment(s) are you expecting from a volunteer?
1- 2 hour commitment once per week for three months.
2-3 hours once per week in for a classroom volunteer for 9 months.

Are there any other requirements for being a volunteer?

• Two references
• Current Police Check
• Interview
• Attend Orientation and related Workshops

Are there any specific skills and experience required?

• Cross cultural sensitivity
• Educational background or students
• Good interpersonal communiction skills
• Friendly
• Enjoys meeting new people

What type of volunteer positions are typically available?

• One on one Language Partners
• EAL Classroom Volunteers
• Conversation Group leaders and helpers

Is there any training provided for volunteers?

• Initial Orientation
• EAL Volunteer training
• Cross Cultureal Awareness Workshops

What are the typical volunteer activities occurring at your organization?

• One on one language partners to help immigrants practice English speaking and listening skills.
• English Conversation Groups to practice English skills an a group
• Classroom volunteers assist the English teachers in a classroom setting

How will a person benefit from volunteering with Westman Immigrant Services?

• Orientation to a new culture
• Increased cross-cultural awareness and understanding
• Help to reduce isolation for a newcomer
• Our lives are enriched by the contributions on newcomers
• Improved communication, interpersonal and problem solving skills
• On going friendship
• Two way experience learning from one another
• Satifaction of supporting an immigrant adapting to life in Canada

Do you accept high school students?
We have occasionally had high school students assist us..but mostly adults as we deal with Adult Eal Classes