Thinking of Volunteering?

Volunteers play a very important role in helping newcomers adjust to living in Medicine Hat and in Canada. There are a variety of opportunities to become involved at SISA as a volunteer.

Learning English is one of the most important elements in the successful adaptation of newcomers to Canada. As a volunteer in any position, you could play a vital role in helping your newcomers learn English. Specific English skills will be addressed in English class, so your job would be to assist with day-to-day language development. Encouraging newcomers to practice their English skills and meet other English-speaking friends will help to raise their confidence and skills!
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The testimonials below show the appreciation of newcomers for their volunteers, and also the satisfaction volunteers receive from helping others.

The following section lists the ways a volunteer may help, and also provides details about each:

Choose an option:

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COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE
- share your knowledge of what Medicine Hat has to offer and show newcomers how to get there
- visit the library, help to get a membership, and inquire about ordering books in the newcomers' own language and interests
- make full use of public parks, walking trails, skating rinks, swimming pools, gymnasiums, picnic areas, beaches, historic sites, local festivals, and art shows

CANADIAN DAILY SURVIVAL COACH
- help a newcomer learn to prioritize and problem solve in Canadian Culture, where day-to-day life may be very different from their country of origin
- go to laundromats, grocery, and thrift stores together. Explain good deals, show where to find things. Explain words like discount, sale, free, flyers, and coupons
- review mail the newcomer receives and practice using public transportation

LOCAL CUSTOMS EDUCATOR
- every society does things a little differently, so it is important for our newcomers to understand what is available here in Medicine Hat, and how to take part -- or to politely refrain!
- Things We Have To Do: shovel snow, mow lawns, rake leaves, obey laws and bylaws
- Things We Want To Do: go to local events and festivals, find good stores and restaurants, attend sports and leisure activities
- Things We Should Know About: holidays - what they mean and what to expect in Canada. Recycling, weather alerts, mail delivery

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- introduce newcomers to a particular local interest/activity
- teach some local history and share stories about your own experiences
- share your skills in art, knitting, cooking, sports, dance, or any other special skill
- join SISA activities and events, and assist with educational childcare

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CONVERSATION CIRCLE LEADER
- facilitate group discussions about particular topics

SURVIVAL ENGLISH GUIDE
- teach and practice English used in daily life in Canada, including explanation of slang and regional varieties

CONVERSATION PRACTICE PARTNER
- practice conversational English in person or on the telephone

LINC CLASSROOM SUPPORT
- assist our language instructors within the classroom with one-on-one support for those who need it

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SISA has a language bank of about 150 volunteers capable of interpreting/translating in about 61 different languages and dialects. The language bank has an ongoing recruitment of volunteers who speak English and other language(s).

INTERPRETERS
- Interpreters assist SISA with communication between English and newcomer’s mother language
- Interpreters assist SISA and newcomers with a range of appointments, including medical, banking, and other essential services that are crucial when settling in a new country. These appointments include but not limited to: bank, doctor, Service Canada, Community Housing, courses and presentations facilitated by SISA, and other government and social services appointments

TRANSLATORS
- Translators convert a written document from one language to another, while ensuring the original meaning is retained
- Community interpreter/translator may or may not have formal training

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If you are uncertain which area(s) you would like to assist, Saamis will be happy to assess your strengths and help you decide.

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If you would like to volunteer with Saamis Immigration:

Call: 403-504-1188

Complete the form below, by choosing the area(s) of interest to you, enter your contact information, and click Submit.

Mentor: Family/IndividualGroup LeaderEnglish Language CoachLanguage Interpreters & TranslatorsUncertain

Your First Name: (Required)

Your Last Name: (Required)

Your Phone Number: (Required)

Your Email Address: (Required)

Comments: (Optional)


The volunteer application forms can be found here.