Volunteer Oppportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

Family Support Program
Volunteers regularly visit refugee families to provide friendship and support.  Tasks could include providing information and support ie show them around Adelaide, take them to the local shops etc, assist people to practise English and help with children’s homework, promote other services through ARA or other organisations that may help them further.

Approximate time commitment: 2 hours per week

Homework Clubs
Volunteers work as tutors/mentors to high school students from refugee backgrounds to help and support them with their school work and learning of English.  Homework Clubs operate from 4 – 6pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Note: teaching qualifications/experience not necessary.

Approximate time commitment: one afternoon (2 hours) per week (Mon, Tues or Thurs)

Help Desk
Volunteers work in the open door centre which can provide financial and material assistance to some refugees, referrals to other services, information, basic advocacy, basic budgeting advice and general assistance to settle in Australia.  Volunteers act as a point of contact for people to ask questions and seek help.

Approximate time commitment: one day per week, 9.30am – 4.30pm (or a half day)

Donation Centre
Volunteers work in pairs to collect furniture donations from members of the community and deliver furniture to newly arrived refugees.  ARA has a van and trailer for use when collecting and delivering furniture.

Approximate time commitment: one day per week

Youth Projects
ARA often runs various youth projects which we need volunteers to assist with.  Projects include group work programs, Diverse Young Women’s Soccer Program, Speak Up, African Women’s Dance Program.  Volunteers help support the running of the programs.

Approximate time commitment: one session per week / varying

Admin / Reception
ARA office volunteers are often the first contact clients have with ARA as they assist in staffing the reception – their role is vital in the efficient operation of the organisation.  Office volunteers are also involved in a range of administration tasks.

Approximate time commitment: one day per week (generally 9am – 5pm)

Fundraising and Promotions
Fundraising and Promotions volunteers are required to assist with various  campaigns and events throughout the year. Special Events, Badge Days and Lotteries always require additional assistance. The tasks can be varied and volunteers are not usually required on a regular basis but for shorter, more intensive periods leading up to events and campaigns.

Approximate time commitment: to be advised

Emergency Response Team
The Emergency Response Team is a roster of people willing to be called on at minimal notice to assist with various “emergency” actions.  For example, a new family arriving at the airport need to be picked up and supported in first few weeks after arrival; someone in hospital needing support and care.  This is not a long term commitment with a particular family or project, but rather an on-call roster to be called on for assisting with emergency situations.

Approximate time commitment: short term, last minute notice (will be called to see if available)