|
Over 130 volunteers log over 1,000 hours a month, boosting the presence on the street and gaining valuable work experience—not to mention a shot at full-time employment, as paid ambassadors are hired from volunteers. Volunteers include students from Winnipeg High Schools and Red River College.
The Downtown Watch is a diverse group of people, many of whom share a common career goal. Currently, the BIZ has 24 visible minorities—13 of whom are aboriginal—on the Watch team.
Interested in joining this dynamic team?
For application details and requirements, e-mail Craig Strike or phone 958-4644.
Volunteers partner up with trained and experienced Downtown Watch ambassadors to create an increased physical presence throughout the zone and at special events.
They receive the same training as all Downtown Watch ambassadors and when a position becomes available on the Watch, it can be readily filled by someone who’s better prepared to step in.
The Downtown Watch Volunteer Program began in 1999 and has been successful in providing a mentorship program for individuals who are looking for work in law enforcement, the justice system, tourism or the customer service industry. Volunteers gain career-related work experience, with benefits extending to the downtown community.
Watch Volunteers contribute a lot to downtown
- Increased on-street presence
- Expansion of various Watch services
- Reduced crime opportunities
- Enhanced downtown community
- Opportunity for the Watch program to evaluate the volunteers and consider them for a full time position with the Downtown Watch
Are you interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, tourism or customer service?
The Downtown Watch Volunteer Program offers a chance to get valuable hands-on experience in a positive work environment.
Benefits of Volunteering with the Watch
- Valuable work experience
- Opportunity to give something back to the community
- Training in conflict resolution, leadership, and much more
- Being part of a great team
- Post-secondary youth bursary available
- Regular social events to thank volunteers, including a golf tournament, going to the beach, hockey and more!
- Support from others with similar career goals
- Good exercise!
Send resume to craig@downtownwinnipegbiz.com or 426 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0C9. Include cover letter agreeing to commit four to eight hours a week to the program, or call Craig 958-4644.
 Download Volunteer Requirements
Download Downtown Watch Job Description
For further information Contact Craig Strike @ 204-958-4644 or email craig@downtownwinnipegbiz.com
Red River College internship program
The Downtown BIZ has partnered with Red River College since 2005, hosting two three-week work placements a year, in January and June.
In January 2008, the BIZ had six English as a Second/Additional Language students with us for a three-week work placement. Several are recent immigrants from countries including China, the Ukraine, the Sudan, Burma, Ethiopia and South America. They are enrolled with Red River College’s Language Training Centre.
Prior to patrolling on the streets, the students were trained and provided with Watch uniforms. Paired with a full-time Watch member, they learned communication skills, practiced their English, gained exposure to Canadian culture, and got to know downtown Winnipeg. Some are interested in pursuing law enforcement careers. They volunteered Monday to Friday, 6 hours a day.
Goals:
1. To develop the student’s English skills:
a. To understand instructions when they are given
b. To ask for clarification and direction
c. To learn the vocabulary in the professional/occupational field
d. To provide a context for the students to practice and self-assess their English outside the classroom
2. To provide Canadian work experience and future employment references
3. To obtain Canadian exposure to a profession, or introduce the student to a profession he/she may be interested in
4. To provide students with the opportunity to make a contribution to Canadian society
|
|
