Volunteer at BIC
Our volunteers at the Berkshire Immigrant Center play a vital role, serving as connectors and bringing compassion to help the communities we serve.
Whether you're supporting language development, representing us at events, assisting at the front desk, or working on special projects, your commitment plays a crucial role in supporting our mission.
Learn about the volunteer opportunities listed below and complete an interest form today!
Volunteer Opportunities
ESOL Conversing
To pass the US Citizenship test and interview, applicants must show that they are able to speak, read, and write basic English. In addition to enrolling in BIC's citizenship classes, it is important for our clients to engage with volunteers facilitating conversational English practice to support their language development outside regular classes.
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Assist learners in articulating responses effectively for interview and communication portions of the test
Actively listen to learners to facilitate absorption of vocabulary and sentence structures
Provide gentle correction and constructive feedback for language refinement
Collaborate with the BIC Education Director to understand specific focus areas that may be beneficial for the learners
Report progress made by learners to the BIC Education Director
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Previous experience in teaching, tutoring, or facilitating language learning sessions, particularly in an ESOL context, is preferred
Patience for working with learners at various language proficiency levels
Empathy to create a supportive and encouraging environment for language practice
Ability to connect with individuals from different backgrounds respectfully
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3-4 times per month
Flexible hours
Event Assistance
BIC participates in and organizes various events, ranging from cultural celebrations to clinics, to share information about our organization's services and provide valuable information to immigrants.
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Set up and dismantle table, chairs, and canopy
Engage with event attendees to disseminate information and answer questions about our organization's mission, services, and upcoming events
Maintain a well-organized and visually appealing display of promotional materials and resources
Collect contact information from individuals requesting our services, donors or prospective volunteers
Provide feedback and insights from interactions at events to the BIC Intake Coordinator
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Strong interpersonal skills
Ability to connect with individuals from different backgrounds respectfully
Dedication to providing a positive and welcoming experience for event attendees
Ability to work outside (occasionally) for prolonged periods of time
Fluency in another language a plus
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5-10 times per year, with more frequency during the Summer and Fall
Typically weekends with occasional weekdays
Approximately 2-hour shifts
Front Desk Assistance
At BIC, our Intake Coordinator is key in welcoming, informing, and empowering individuals every day. When they take paid time off, our volunteers step in to ensure we continue to operate smoothly. Your support helps us maintain our standards of service and keeps things running as usual. Front desk assistants will be provided training before officially becoming a volunteer in this capacity.
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Greet clients warmly and answer phone calls, and respond to email inquiries, providing information about BIC’s services and local resources
Call and email clients to confirm consultations or appointments
Collect client information and process payments
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Bilingual or fluent in English and Spanish
Comfort with using technology
Comfort with working with Microsoft Office and Google Suite
Ability to manage confidential information with impeccable discretion
Ability to sit at a desk for prolonged periods of time
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Based on need
Monday-Friday, between 9am-3pm (flexible scheduling available)
Special Projects
Our small team occasionally needs support with remote, short-term administrative projects that enhance our services and operations. These projects typically focus on research, information gathering, and resource development to ensure the smooth execution of our work.
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Gather and analyze data
Collect and organize information to support various services
Create and update materials to assist with outreach efforts and other organizational needs
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Comfort with using technology
Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Google Suite
Skill in organizing and summarizing information effectively
Ability to work collaboratively and independently
Past administrative experience a plus
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Based on need
Flexible hours
For more information, please contact us at volunteer@berkshireic.org.
Interested in becoming Board Member? Visit our Board of Directors page to learn more.
For information about employment opportunities, visit our Employment page.