Staff Profile: Liz Bean
Volunteers are one of the incredibly valuable ways that this community supports our work at ICA and for the past twelve years, Liz Bean has been stewarding the volunteer program to great success. She has recruited and supported a team of volunteers that collectively contribute more than nine-thousand hours annually to ICA programs. Liz has brought her warmth, knowledge, and skill to helping shape one of the most robust volunteer programs in Greater Victoria and we are so grateful for her work, dedication, and friendship along the way.
We bid a bitter-seet farwell to Liz as she moves on to new adventures, and we wish her all the very best and want to express our gratitude for all she has accomplished at ICA in her twelve years here.
We also want to welcome Jennifer Lei King into the role as Coordinator of Volunteer Services at ICA. Jennifer is well known to clients from our Settlement Training program and brings the same depth of knowledge and capacity for community building to her new role.
Become an ICA Volunteer
As an ICA volunteer, you’ll have an opportunity to connect with people from around the world, support their learning and be a vital part of them achieving their goals.
ICA volunteers provide essential support to help welcome newcomers and build a respectful and inclusive community. We are very grateful to our nearly 200 dedicated volunteers who make a difference in the lives of refugees, immigrants and newcomers each and every day!
As a volunteer, you will be able to
- Engage in cross-cultural interaction and make cross-cultural connections
- Gain valuable skills, and make a positive difference
- Understand the challenges and needs of newcomer immigrants
- Be part of a culturally welcoming environment that celebrates diversity
- Be part of a talented and supportive team of volunteers and ICA staff
- Make a difference in the lives of newcomers in the Greater Victoria community
Ways To Give
Your tax-deductible donation helps ICA welcome, support and provide much-needed services for immigrants and refugees as they settle into the community. There are many ways to give a gift that has a direct, positive impact on the lives of newcomers. Donate or volunteer today!
Contact Us
Jennifer King, Coordinator of Volunteer Services
Email: jking@icavictoria.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I find out what positions are currently available?
A: Contact the Coordinator of Volunteer Services, jking@icavictoria.org for information about what positions are currently available.
Q: How do I apply for a volunteer position?
A: There are 4 main steps:
- Complete an online application – the Coordinator of Volunteer Services provides the link to the online application. The link is not on the webpage.
- Attend an interview.
- Complete a Criminal Record Check – the process is facilitated through our office.
- Attend a Volunteer Orientation.
Q: How long does the application process take?
A: The application process from start to finish takes approximately 6 – 8 weeks.
Q: How soon can I start in a position once the application process is complete?
A: It depends on what positions are available at the time your application is complete. If there are no positions available, we will hold your application for 6 months and will contact you if a position arises within this timeframe.
Q: If the position I want to apply for is not available, can I be considered for other roles?
A: Yes. On the application form, indicate all of the positions you are interested in. At the interview the Coordinator will explore various position options with you. Our aim is finding the right role and the right fit for you.
Q: Is training provided for volunteer roles?
A: We do our best to match your skills and interests with volunteer positions. While we do not often provide training, we do offer orientation, which provides an overview of ICA programs and services, information about what to expect in your role, and important policies and procedures.
Q: What type of references are required?
A: Professional references are preferred. These include employment, volunteer, academic, and professional associations.
Immigrant Welcome Centre
From housing and education to employment services, ICA’s Settlement Services team can help newcomers navigate and connect with important resources and support.
Learn English (LINC)
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) provides English language training from beginner to advanced levels for adult newcomers to Canada. LINC is funded by the Government of Canada and is FREE for eligible students.
About ICA
The purpose of the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) is to support the full integration of newcomer immigrants and refugees into the social, economic and civic life of the Capital Region of British Columbia.