Ukrainian & Afghan Community Engagement Volunteer

Key Responsibilities

• 1. Community Liaison: Build strong, trust-based relationships with key individuals, community leaders, and support organizations within Cambridge's Ukrainian and Afghan communities (e.g., Cambridge4Ukraine, Cambridge Refugee Resettlement Campaign, local mosques, cultural centers).
• 2. Outreach & Recruitment: Proactively introduce Woodcraft Folk to Ukrainian and Afghan families and potential adult volunteers, explaining our ethos of "education for social change" through fun, co-operative, and outdoor activities. This may involve attending community events, hosting information sessions, and sharing materials.
• 3. Cultural Sensitivity: Work with the Cambridge District team to ensure our communications, activities, and welcome processes are culturally sensitive and responsive to the specific needs and backgrounds of Ukrainian and Afghan families.
• 4. Translation/Interpretation (if applicable): If proficient, assist with translating Woodcraft Folk materials or interpreting during initial conversations with families who may have limited English proficiency.
• 5. Feedback Loop: Gather feedback from engaged families to help Woodcraft Folk continually improve its outreach and inclusion strategies for these communities.
• 6. Grant Fulfilment Support: Provide regular updates on engagement efforts and recruitment numbers to demonstrate progress against grant objectives.

Skills and Qualities

 - Empathy & Understanding: A genuine interest in and understanding of the experiences of Ukrainian and Afghan refugees and new arrivals in the UK.

• - Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to connect with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
• - Cultural Awareness: Sensitivity to cultural nuances and an appreciation for diversity.
• - Language Skills: Fluency in Ukrainian, Dari, or Pashto is highly desirable but not strictly essential if you demonstrate strong community connections and cultural understanding.
• - Proactive & Resourceful: Ability to identify and pursue outreach opportunities independently.
• - Commitment to Woodcraft Folk Values: Alignment with our principles of equality, cooperation, and building a more peaceful, fairer world.

Benefits

•  - Play a direct role in helping Woodcraft Folk meet its grant commitments and expand its impact.
• - Contribute to the successful integration and well-being of Ukrainian and Afghan families in Cambridge.
• - Gain valuable experience in community development, cross-cultural communication, and grant-funded projects.
• - Full induction into Woodcraft Folk’s values and safeguarding policies.
• - Travel expenses reimbursed as per district policy.

Commitment

Approximately 3–5 hours per week (flexible, often involving outreach at community events or meetings).

Safeguarding

This role requires an enhanced DBS check, as you will be working in environments involving children and vulnerable adults.