As an English Learning Project (ELP) Volunteer you will have an opportunity to invest in the lives of children and families in the Fort Richmond community. At ELP we run a lesson for children at the same time as the adult lesson to allow families to participate without finding separte childcare. Participants are looking to improve their English and connect with people in the community. As an ELP volunteer, you will have the opportunity to learn practical skills such as lesson and event planning. You will also grow in "soft skills" employers are looking for such as adaptability, teamwork, starting conversations, relationship building, emotional intelligence and work ethic. We are so excited you're interested in volunteering with us!
Before you fill out this form we want you know what you're signing up for as an ELP volunteer. Like an employee at a job, as a volunteer you will have responsibilities to help our program run smoothly. We want to communicate our expectations so we can create the best experience possible for our participants and volunteers. You can also view these expectations as goals for personal and professional growth, as well as best practices for participating in any community you are part of.
Our expectations are:
- Volunteers will show up on time. This means showing up at 9 am to help set up and prep for the program.
- Volunteers will not leave until after the program is completed, cleaned up from and debrief is completed. This may mean staying as late as 12 pm.
- Volunteers must attend a minimum of 50% of the season's classes. This is important for creating consistency in relationships for participants and volunteers.
- Volunteers will complete by scheduled volunteer training date:
- Background Check - You will be sent an invitation to complete the background check with Vulnerable Sector Verification, to the email that you provide on the volunteer application form. There is no cost to you.
- Child Abuse Registry Check. Complete and return attached application form to CAR@gov.mb.ca to submit and englishlearningproject@convergewinnipeg.ca to confirm application completion. Ensure you check off "fee exempt". Returning volunteers are required to re-submit every 3 years.
- Plan to Protect training. This online training and quiz is required annually by new and returning volunteers. Please complete prior to group volunteer training.
- Volunteers will attend the ELP sessions they are scheduled for. If they are unable to attend unexpectedly due to personal reasons they must contact an ELP coordinator at least 48 hours in advance and attempt to find someone to cover for them. In the event of illness let a coordinator know as soon as possible.
- Volunteers will conduct themselves in a professional manner, engage with participants and treat all participants and volunteers with respect.
We understand volunteering is a commitment and may not be for everyone. If after viewing our expectations you realize being an ELP volunteer is not for you we totally understand. If you do not agree with or have any questions about our expectations please talk with an ELP coordinator about your concerns. Failure to comply with any ELP expectations may result in dismissal from your role as a volunteer.