Freedom for Immigrants (FFI) is devoted to abolishing immigration detention, while ending the isolation of people currently suffering in this profit-driven system.

Because of the nature of our work, we provide services to people who speak a multitude of different languages. Immigrants and refugees are often already disempowered in the immigration system because of the language barrier, we want to reduce this by ensuring that we are able to provide program information to all our clients in their preferred language.

The Translation and Interpretation Team

The Translation and Interpretation Team will be a new team within FFI who will help ensure all our materials are translated to meet the diverse language needs of our clients. In some cases, volunteers may also help with interpretation for support sessions.

What Does the Translation and Interpretation Volunteer Do?

Volunteers can take on written translation tasks or spoken interpretation tasks, as they prefer. While we do not expect Translation and Interpretation Volunteers to necessarily have qualifications relating to translation or interpretation, they should have a demonstrated strong ability in the languages they wish to translate. Ideally, volunteers will only translate from a second language into their native language, although with time pressures it is possible this will not always be the case. The translation system is a two step process, so weaker translators can work on something first before handing it over to a more experienced translator to correct any minor mistakes. In this way, we hope to be able to support translation and interpretation volunteers to improve their skills.

Expectations with regard to time commitment are flexible because we recognize that people will have changing schedules. Tasks will be posted on a first come first served basis so volunteers are able to dip in and out as convenient. For a guide, we hope that volunteers will be able to offer at least 4-6 hours of their time per month.

Responsibilities include:

Participation in bi-monthly team meetings
Translation of written materials including: FFI procedures and policies, training materials, client worksheets
Interpretation (by phone or in person) for case management sessions, training sessions etc.
Log all volunteer hours

This role is perfect for someone who wants to do something proactive to help immigrants and refugees. We are looking for energetic people who are self-motivated, and excited to be a part of ending the immigrant detention system.

Volunteer Profile

Required:

Fluency in English
Minimum commitment of 12 months at 4 hours per week
Intermediate computing skills: Database, Word, Excel, and others
Passionate about justice for refugees, asylum seekers and other immigrants
Flexibility
Reliability
Maturity
Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds

Desired:

Fluency in a second language (or more...)
Degree in Education, International Development, Social Sciences, Communications, ESL, Translation, Interpretation or work experience in these fields.
Previous experience of volunteering

This is a flexible activity that can be completed whenever you have enough free time.

This is a remote action that can be done anywhere as long as you have the necessary time, skills, instructions and resources.