Become a volunteer!
There are many ways to contribute as a volunteer. Each role has its own purpose, activities and boundaries, and volunteers are informed in advance about the support available to them.
Language practice and communication supporter
This role is suitable for someone who enjoys conversation, listening and encouraging others to use Estonian.
A language practice supporter helps language learners practise spoken Estonian in a relaxed and supportive environment. Meetings may take place online, by phone or face-to-face, depending on the specific activity and agreement.
A volunteer is not a teacher and is not expected to correct mistakes. Their role is to create a space for conversation where language learners can speak, ask questions, experiment and build confidence.
Adaptation supporter
An adaptation mentor supports a person who wishes to manage everyday life in Estonia more confidently. They can help explain practical situations, share their own experience and be there while a person becomes familiar with a new environment.
A mentor does not make decisions on behalf of another person and does not take on the role of an official, counsellor or specialist. Their contribution is to encourage, guide and help people act more independently.
Culture and community companion
A culture and community companion helps people become more familiar with the community and local activities. They may invite people to events, introduce community opportunities or help establish first contacts.
At the heart of this role are shared activities, cultural understanding and a sense of belonging. The volunteer helps create a safe opportunity to meet people, places and activities that support integration into the community.
Events and information activities volunteer
An events and information activities volunteer helps organise events and activities in the field of integration. Their tasks may include welcoming participants, providing guidance, registration, distributing materials or sharing information.
This role is usually limited in duration and linked to a specific event or activity. The volunteer helps create a clearer and more positive experience for participants.
Volunteer community leader
This role is suitable for a more experienced volunteer who would like to support other volunteers as well.
A volunteer community leader supports connections, cooperation and motivation among volunteers. They help maintain communication, share information, identify questions and bring volunteers together around shared activities.
This role requires previous experience and a willingness to take on greater responsibility. The leader does not replace the coordinator but can serve as an important link within the volunteer network.
Learning and activities assistant
A learning and activities assistant supports the smooth delivery of training sessions, learning programmes, workshops and other activities. They may help with organisational tasks, support participants during activities and help create an environment in which people can participate more easily.
The exact responsibilities of this role depend on the activity. In some situations, tasks are primarily technical and organisational, while in others the volunteer may be in closer contact with participants.
What does a volunteer do and where are the boundaries?
A volunteer can support communication, language practice, participation and the sharing of experiences. They can act as an encourager, conversation partner, community engagement supporter or activities assistant.
A volunteer does not replace a teacher, counsellor, social worker, psychologist, lawyer, interpreter or employee of the Integration Foundation. They do not handle official matters on behalf of another person, provide legal or psychological advice, or take responsibility in situations that require professional intervention.
If a volunteer notices a situation that requires professional support, they can contact their designated contact person.