VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
MDA is currently recruiting volunteers and has scheduled an INDUCTION PROGRAM comprising 4 workshops held over 4 evenings.
§ Dates of Induction Program: 16th, 18th, 23rd, 25th September 2008
§ Time: 5.30pm – 8:30pm each evening.
§ Venue: MDA: 289 Vulture Street, South Brisbane
§ Access to meeting area is via 289 Vulture St., (NOT 512 Stanley St.)
To learn about work of MDA, the Volunteer Program, and the role of volunteers,
PLEASE ATTEND THE FIRST WORKSHOP on the 16th September: 5:30pm – 8:30pm.
TO REGISTER YOUR ATTENDANCE: Contact Lorraine Angeli: 33375 428;
lorrainea@mdabne.org.au
If you then with to proceed with your registration as a volunteer, you are welcome to attend the remaining workshops on 18th, 23rd and 25th September.
MDA volunteers must attend all 4 workshops to register with the Program. If volunteers cannot attend all 4 workshops, other arrangements can be made.
AN EXCITING INITIATIVE in addition to the MDA Induction Program which volunteers can choose to participate in, is a FREE ESL SHORT COURSE for volunteer’s assisting with English language tutoring. This course has been designed by the Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE and offers valuable learning and teaching strategies for volunteers seeking to better communicate with refugees who do not speak English or want to improve their English skills.
Some preliminary information about the MDA Volunteer Program has been included for your perusal on the following page.
About the Refugee Settlement Service
The Multicultural Development Association Inc. (MDA) provides a range of services which includes settlement support for newly arrived refugees. Part of this support is a Volunteer Service which extends and enriches the services provided by staff in helping clients understand their new home and community.
Volunteer Roles
MDA has identified a number of roles for volunteers:
· Social support / companionship
· Orientation to their home, garden, the local neighbourhood
· Shopping assistance
· Accompany to medical & other appointments
· Social / Recreational activities / Community Involvement
· Conversation and language skills / helping with homework
· Project work / administrative activities.
For volunteers who have other specific skills, we are happy to discuss other ways in which
they can contribute to the work of MDA.
· Volunteers can choose preferred roles.
· Minimum commitment for volunteers is 3 hours per week or fortnight assisting MDA and its clients for a period of 6 months after completion of the Volunteer Induction Program.
· A Driver’s Licence is recommended.
Becoming an MDA Volunteer
· Attend the Induction Program which comprises 4 workshops held over 4 evenings
· Bring 2 forms of ID to the first workshop so that Blue Cards can be processed
· Provide the names and contact details of 2 referees
· Volunteer roles are negotiated with the Volunteer Coordinator
· Placement with a refugee family depends on the needs, requirements and geographic location of clients and volunteers, and are made at the discretion of the MDA Volunteer Service.
VOLUNTEER INDUCTION PROGRAM: (4 WORKSHOPS)
(Free for MDA volunteers)
Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm Venue: 289 Vulture Street, South Brisbane:
Refreshments provided:
Workshop 1. The Refugee Settlement Service & Volunteer Activities
Workshop 2. Cross Cultural Awareness
Workshop 3. Supporting survivors of torture and trauma
Workshop 4. Practical volunteering with MDA.
Volunteers can withdraw from the Program at any time.
