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Online Library Volunteers Needed

Posted on: May 6, 2020

Volunteer and Connect With Newcomers Today Through Our Library Champions Project

Expand Your Network and Connect With Newcomers Today Through Our Library Champions Project

The Library Champions Project is a three-month volunteer opportunity for newcomers to Canada. This program connects new immigrants to their local public libraries, helps them meet other newcomers, and teaches them about programs and services available to help immigrants settle in Canada. Champions then share this information with other newcomers through their networks and communities.

In response to the pandemic and current social distancing measures, new Library Champions will meet and train virtually with an experienced facilitator and library staff member.  Groups will meet via Zoom twice a week for four weeks. During training, Library Champions will have the chance to connect with other new immigrants and will:

  • Learn about online classes, virtual resources, and services available at libraries, settlements, and community agencies
  • Learn about different tools for connecting virtually
  • Improve digital literacy and confidence using digital and social media tools
  • Connect and make friends with other newcomers in their group
  • Build English communication and presentation skills
  • Learn about different cultures
  • Gain a fuller understanding of the settlement experience of other new immigrants

Virtually Connect With Others and Expand Your Network

For two months after the training, Library Champions will share the valuable insight they gained with their networks through outreach activities. By using a variety of virtual communication tools, Library Champions will share information that is important to newcomers, especially during this time of social isolation. These outreach activities will also provide Champions with the opportunity to practice new skills such as their digital communication and presentation skills as well as improved English fluency, all while building confidence, connections to the community, and strengthening their friend circles. During this time, volunteers will get support and share their experiences in one-on-one meetings with their facilitator and with their group.

The outreach conducted by Library Champions is recognized as valid volunteer work experience. After outreach is completed, Champions will receive a certificate signed by the Chief Librarian of their home library system and a written or verbal reference from the project facilitator may be requested during work search.

To become a Library Champion, you must:

  • Want to volunteer
  • Love libraries and helping other people
  • Feel comfortable using technology to connect with others online
  • Be 19 years or older
  • Be a permanent resident, but not yet a Canadian Citizen.

To learn more about the Library Champions Project, please sign up for a virtual information session. The following libraries are currently seeking Library Champions:

Visit our registration page to learn about more groups starting soon!