Volunteer with HMI

When you volunteer with HMI, you become part of a compassionate and dedicated team working to make a positive impact in the lives of refugees. By sharing your time, skills, and expertise, you can help us provide essential services and resources to those in need. Whether you have a background in education, healthcare, social work, or simply a passion for helping others, there are many ways you can contribute to our mission.

 

Learn more about our Volunteer Positions:

  • Are you passionate about supporting refugees and migrants in their journey towards language proficiency and integration? If you have experience in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), we have an exciting volunteer opportunity for you!

    When?

    Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 am

    Responsibilities:

    - Teach English language classes using our existing curriculum and materials to adult learners from refugee and migrant backgrounds.

    - Deliver engaging and interactive lessons that focus on language acquisition, speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.

    - Create a positive and inclusive learning environment that fosters cultural exchange and encourages active participation.

    - Assess and monitor the progress of learners, providing individualized support and feedback.

    - Collaborate with fellow volunteers and staff to coordinate class schedules and ensure a smooth learning experience.

    Requirements:

    - Fluent in English with excellent communication and teaching skills.

    - Previous experience teaching ESL, preferably to adult learners.

    - Sensitivity and cultural awareness when working with individuals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

    - Patience, empathy, and a passion for helping others learn and grow.

    - Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team and adapt to different learning needs.

    - Availability to commit to a regular schedule for volunteering sessions.

    Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of refugees and migrants by helping them enhance their English language skills and build confidence in their new community.

  • As a Childcare/Learning Volunteer at the After School Learning Center (ALC), you will play a vital role in providing a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for refugee children enrolled in our program. You will support our mission to promote academic growth, foster social connections, and spark creativity among participants.

    When?

    Friday evenings

    Responsibilities:

    • Provide attentive care and supervision to children during program hours, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.

    • Assist with facilitating a variety of educational and recreational activities, including English literacy sessions, storytelling, math activities, board games, arts and crafts, building activities, and mini projects.

    • Offer assistance to children who are learning English as a second language, helping them with language comprehension, vocabulary development, and communication skills.

    • Encourage positive social interactions among children, fostering friendships, empathy, and cooperation through structured play and group activities.

    • Participate in Friday Enrichment Sessions, assisting with building blocks/magnet tiles activities, mini projects, socio-emotional development exercises, problem-solving challenges, and relaxation time.

    • Maintain open communication with program coordinators, fellow volunteers, and parents/guardians to ensure alignment on program goals and participant needs.

    Qualifications:

    • Passion for working with children and promoting their educational and emotional development.

    • Patience, empathy, and the ability to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for children from diverse backgrounds.

    • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and engage positively with children and families.

    • Basic understanding of child development principles and a willingness to learn and implement best practices in childcare and education.

    • Proficiency in English; proficiency in other languages, especially those spoken by refugee populations, is a plus but not required.

  • As a Community Tutor with HMI's Community Tutoring Program, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of refugee students by providing academic support, mentorship, and encouragement. Through one-on-one or small group tutoring sessions, you will help empower students to achieve their educational goals and build confidence in their abilities.

    Responsibilities:

    • Conduct tutoring sessions with refugee students to provide assistance in various subjects, including English language learning, math, science, social studies, and other academic areas as needed.

    • Assess the learning needs and abilities of each student and tailor tutoring sessions to meet their unique academic goals and challenges.

    • Assist students in improving their English language skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension, to help them succeed in school and beyond.

    • Support students with homework assignments, projects, and test preparation, providing guidance, clarification, and reinforcement of concepts covered in class.

    • Serve as a positive role model and mentor to students, offering guidance, encouragement, and motivation to help them overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.

    • Foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation by engaging in meaningful interactions and conversations with students, sharing your own experiences and learning from theirs.

    • Keep track of students' progress and performance, documenting achievements, areas of improvement, and any challenges encountered during tutoring sessions.

    • Maintain open and regular communication with program coordinators, fellow volunteers, and students' families to ensure alignment on tutoring goals and strategies.

    Qualifications:

    • Passion for education, cross-cultural exchange, and making a positive impact in the lives of refugee students.

    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport, establish trust, and create a supportive learning environment.

    • Patience, empathy, and flexibility to adapt tutoring approaches to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of students from different backgrounds.

    • Proficiency in English; proficiency in other languages, especially those spoken by refugee populations, is a plus but not required.

    • Previous tutoring, teaching, or mentoring experience is preferred but not mandatory.

    Time Commitment:

    Volunteers are expected to commit to a minimum of 8 hours per month for tutoring sessions, with flexibility to accommodate students' schedules and program needs.

  • As a Transportation Support Volunteer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that refugee individuals and families have access to essential services, resources, and opportunities by providing transportation assistance. Your support will help bridge transportation barriers, enhance mobility, and promote independence among refugees as they navigate their new communities.

    Responsibilities:

    • Provide transportation support to refugee individuals and families, including transportation to and from essential appointments, such as medical appointments, job interviews, English classes, grocery shopping, and other necessary errands.

    • Safely operate a vehicle to transport refugees to their destinations, following all traffic laws, regulations, and safety protocols. Ensure the comfort and security of passengers throughout the journey.

    • Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and respect for refugees' backgrounds, preferences, and needs. Be mindful of cultural differences and adapt communication and interactions accordingly to ensure a positive and inclusive experience.

    • Offer support, encouragement, and empathy to refugees during transportation journeys, recognizing the challenges they may face in adjusting to a new environment. Foster a supportive and compassionate atmosphere to help alleviate stress and anxiety.

    • Maintain open and clear communication with program coordinators, refugee families, and other volunteers to coordinate transportation schedules, pick-up and drop-off locations, and any special requirements or accommodations needed.

    • Prioritize the safety and security of passengers at all times.

    Qualifications:

    • Valid driver's license and clean driving record.

    • Reliable and well-maintained vehicle with insurance coverage.

    • Respect for diversity and a commitment to cultural sensitivity.

    • Compassion, patience, and empathy towards individuals from diverse backgrounds.

    • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with refugees.

    Time Commitment:

    Volunteers are expected to commit to a flexible schedule based on the availability and needs of refugee individuals and families, including weekdays, evenings, and weekends as needed.

 

Ready to join the HMI Volunteer team? Fill out our volunteer form below or email us at info@hmir.org!