What It Looks Like to Volunteer at Jumpstart 

Volunteering with Jumpstart is a valuable experiential learning opportunity, and this blog will break down why. For those who are passionate about promoting inclusivity in Canadian workplaces and strengthening resilience in refugees experiencing employment challenges (such as underemployment and unemployment), volunteering could be the perfect opportunity for you. 

Development of Skills 

Communication 

Volunteering allows individuals to advance their communication skills through writing, listening, and discussing. Jumpstart volunteers, identical to staff, will engage in open, respectful dialoguewith each other and with refugee clients, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed.  

Leadership 

Volunteers are encouraged to take initiative and demonstrate their motivation to make a difference in the lives of refugees. This can entail reaching out to mentees as a Welcome Talent Canada (WTC) mentor for organizing time to meet or promptly answering interview-related questions posed by refugees. While the first steps of leadership can seem daunting, volunteering provides a relaxed yet professional environment to do so.  

Teamwork 

Jumpstart has a supportive team, united by the goal to empower refugees and diversify Canadian workplaces. Volunteers will strengthen their collaborative skills working alongside refugees and Jumpstart staff, gaining insights into how a professional culture with a strong community feel is maintained. 

Accountability 

Individuals learn to depend on each other and build trust through volunteering. They are expected to uphold responsibilities and deliver support. Equally important, volunteers will also learn to be comfortable with reaching out for help. 

Empathy 

Divergent perspectives are common in society. However, it is important to approach these differences with empathy and open-mindedness. Through volunteering, individuals can push themselves and broaden their outlook. 

Career Readiness 

Volunteering strengthens career profiles by showing your commitment, willingness to grow, and versatile skills. These are important aspects of your identity that are valued by employers. Volunteering is also an opportunity to explore different employment pathways and discover or rediscover what you are passionate about. It also builds self-confidence and professional networkswith colleagues who share similar interests and work towards collective success. 

Final Thoughts 

Volunteer experiences themselves may not be everlasting, but the same cannot be said for their impact. Volunteering with Jumpstart allows individuals to discover and advance their passion, build perspective and skills, as well as open the gate for professional yet meaningful networks. 

Our volunteer opportunities all work towards equipping refugees with the resources needed to build a future in Canada and helping break discriminatory stereotypes about refugees.  

Explore the variety of opportunities here, and make an impact today.