Community Outreach

The Newcomer Match Program pairs volunteers with immigrants to Canada to help them adjust to life in Newfoundland and Labrador. Each immigrant will have unique goals they would like to accomplish with a volunteer. Based on these goals, volunteers may assist with:

• Practicing conversational English
• Practicing reading and writing
• Visiting organizations or groups that are of interest to the participant
• Visiting local attractions together

Time Commitment

Minimum 2 hours per week for 6 months

The Academic Tutor Program pairs volunteers with English as a Second Language (ESL) students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 to help them with their school work. Tutoring activities may include:

• Assisting with learning English
• Providing homework support
• Helping with exam preparation

Time Commitment

N/A – sign-up when available

The English as a Second Language (ESL) Volunteer Tutor Program matches volunteers with an immigrant adult, child, or youth to assist with basic ESL instruction. Younger students may also require assistance with homework and/or school assignments.

Time Commitment

Minimum 2 hours per week for 6 months

Through a partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District, the ANC delivers its After-School Homework Club in a number of elementary and junior high schools in the St. John’s Census Metropolitan Area (CMA). These clubs provide a structured environment for immigrant students who are studying English as a Second Language or who require assistance completing homework. The program includes English language lessons, creative writing exercises, group projects, guest speakers/presentations, and extracurricular activities. Volunteers assist by:

• Helping participants with homework, assignments, and projects
• Participating in group activities
• Assisting with event set-up and clean-up

Time Commitment

Minimum 1.5 hours per week for 6 months

The English as a Second Language (ESL) Conversation Circle Program is delivered at the ANC’s ESL Training Centre on Mondays from 1-2 PM. The program provides adult ESL learners with the opportunity to converse with native English speakers on a variety of topics in a friendly, relaxed environment. Volunteers contribute by:

• Facilitating a conversation with 1-3 students
• Asking questions and sharing information
• Assisting students with vocabulary and pronunciation

Time Commitment

N/A – sign-up when available

These groups meet monthly and are open to all eligible immigrants who wish to participate. These groups provide participants with the opportunity to improve their English language skills while participating in a variety of educational, recreational, and social activities with their peers. Volunteers assist by:

• Participating in group activities
• Engaging participants in conversation
• Helping with event set-up and clean-up
• Assisting with child-minding

Time Commitment

N/A – sign-up when available (typically 2-3 hours per month)

Throughout the year, the ANC requires volunteer assistance for special events and activities. Events and activities include:

• Multicultural Family Sports Day
• Holiday Events
• Annual Health Fair
• Volunteer Recruitment Events
• Various Special Occasions/Days of Recognition (e.g., Canada Day, World Refugee Day, etc.)

Time Commitment

N/A – sign-up when available (typically 2-3 hours per event)

Step 1: Apply

Fill out this online application form.

Step 2: Participate in an informal interview

Once the application has been reviewed, the Community Connections Coordinator will contact the applicant for an informal interview (to discuss an applicant’s interests and the volunteer needs of the ANC).

Step 3: Provide references

After the interview, the ANC will request:

• Three character references (the Community Connections Coordinator will provide a web-link to a survey or hard-copy form for references to fill out).
• Clean Certificate of Conduct and Vulnerable Sector checks from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) (or the RCMP if not located in St. John’s, Corner Brook, or Labrador West). If you do not have valid checks within the last six months, the ANC can request that applicable fees be waived. The Community Connections Coordinator will provide the RNC with forms to fill out.

Step 4: Participate in a Volunteer Orientation Session

Once an applicant has completed the screening process, they must attend a Volunteer Orientation Session. Depending on timing, this step may be completed before Step 3. The Community Connections Coordinator will provide an overview of ANC services and volunteer opportunities either one-on-one or in a group setting, depending on volunteer needs.

Step 5: Volunteer!

Once all steps have been successfully completed, an applicant can begin volunteering after being contacted by the Community Connections Coordinator. The Coordinator will then set up a meeting between the volunteer and immigrant to make the initial introductions.