Sometimes it’s difficult to channel volunteer energy into employment services. Greeting new arrivals and preparing apartments are often more easily understood roles. Volunteers interested in employment often have availability after working hours, which is often a mismatch for employer, client and agency schedules.
Here are four great ideas from Cafe Clarkston (GA) at Friends of Refugees. Note the specific time commitments and use of lead volunteers to channel other volunteer energy and expertise. Click this link to learn more about this very effective volunteer program and how volunteers can apply and connect.
1. Job Class
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursday, and Fridays
9:00am – 12:00pm | 2:00pm – 5:00pm
This class is taught by a lead volunteer, with some assistance by other volunteers. Students learn how to conduct an online job search and how to complete an online application. Volunteers can review the course material ahead of time and assist teaching in small groups or one-on-one.
A few guest speakers participate in the first portion of class talking about their testimony with students and “what not to do” in the job search. Real stories are shared and mentor/disciple opportunities are opened.
Saturdays
In FY2013 at Friends of Refugees, more than 50,000 volunteer hours served over 2,000 individuals across 10 program areas, including hundreds of job placements, 7,000 meals served in kids’ summer camp, hundreds of moms and kids learning English together, dozens of babies born to healthy moms and over 70 family kitchen tables filled with fresh produce from their plots in the Jolly Avenue community gardens!
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