CultureLink's NEAT Mentorship Program is recruiting Newcomers (immigrants and refugees with PR status) to volunteer as Newcomer Event Planners

This program is ONLY available in Toronto and runs all year around. NEAT teams work all around Toronto and not specific to organization's addresss.

Newcomer Volunteers will be matched in a group with a NEAT volunteer mentor; and together as a team, they will explore Toronto, and organize guided tours, or outdoor events/activities. (Due to covid, activities can be organized virtually. For in-person activities, covid protocols will be followed.)

The time commitment is 4-6 months, approx. 35 hours which includes NEAT orientation session and one or two speed-matching sessions.

NEAT program helps newcomers to gain hands on Canadian work experience through event planning, learning about FREE places in Toronto; as well as opportunity to have fun, socialize, and establish long-term connections.

Newcomers are expected to meet regularly as a group, for weekly or bi-weekly meetings, in-person or virtual and work towards organizing events in a period of four to six months. Their group leader (the volunteer mentor) will keep track of their participation and  hours and based on which certificate of completion may be provided after two successful events.

Events organized by NEAT teams are open to public. Newcomer volunteers are responsible to do the work from exploring to planning and promoting on social media to managing the events.

Criteria:

Must haves:

·        19 years or older, LINC level 4 or above

·        Less than three years in Canada

·        Attend NEAT orientation and speed-matching sessions

·        Flexible to travel within Toronto to explore different neighbourhoods and hidden gems!

·        As per the criteria set up by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees Citizenship Canada) must provide immigration status information (i.e. copy of PR card or convention refugee letter)

Interests (optional):

·        Meeting new people

·        Making new friends

·        Learning about new places

·        History, art, nature, winter activities, etc.

·        Organizing events

At the NEAT orientation, you will get a chance to learn more about the program, your role as a newcomer event planner (mentee); and during  the speed-matching, you will be able to meet with volunteer mentors.

Due to covid-19, currently all sessions and meetings will be held virtually via zoom. We will be using zoom breakout rooms for speed-matching purpose.

Any in-person work will be under covid-19 guidelines and with advance notice.

If you are interested, please fill out a registration form at this link: https://forms.gle/TU75PWujREiPHJV59 and provide immigration status information to Rubeen via email at rchauhan@culturelink.ca or at 437-249-7103.