Center for Civil Society and Democracy in Syria seeks Volunteer Conversation Partners (in English or French)
About Center for Civil Society and Democracy in Syria (CCSD)
The Center for Civil Society and Democracy in Syria (CCSDS) is a U.S. based 501(c)(3) registered in Rhode Island since February 2015. CCSDS and its coalition partners in the Netherlands (CCSDE) and in Turkey (CCSDT) were founded by Syrian civil society activists committed to building a long-term movement for peace, democracy, and human rights in Syria to remove the legacy of tyranny, which burdened Syrians for decades. Our vision is that all Syrians live in and participate in a democratic society, enjoy their full rights and freedoms, and experience sustainable peace.
As part of our Women and Civil Society Empowerment programs, we connect Syrian women and Civil Society Activists inside and outside Syria with Volunteer Conversation English and French Partners, creating a supportive space to build confidence, practice, and improve English or French language skills while strengthening their ability to engage in national and international advocacy work and supporting their continued contribution to civil society and peacebuilding initiatives.
Volunteer Conversation English/French Partner Role Overview
Help empower Syrian women and Civil Society Activists by supporting them to build confidence in conversational English or French. As a Volunteer Conversation English or French Partner, you will provide a welcoming, encouraging, and supportive environment where Syrians can practice speaking English or French through informal conversations about everyday life, current affairs, civic engagement, and issues that matter to them.
We are working with Syrian civil society activists, especially women, community leaders, researchers, and advocates working to advance peace, human rights, women’s rights, and democratic participation inside Syria and outside. Volunteers help participants develop confidence and fluency through conversation, enabling them to communicate more effectively in both their personal and professional lives.
Key Responsibilities
- Meet with one participant or a small group for weekly or bi-weekly conversation sessions.
- Facilitate engaging conversations on everyday topics such as healthcare, education, employment, parenting, and community life, as well as broader discussions on civic participation, leadership, social issues, women’s rights, peacebuilding, and current events, depending on participants’ interests and English or French proficiency.
- Support participants in developing confidence communicating in English or French for everyday interactions, networking, meetings, presentations, advocacy, and engagement with international organizations and partners.
- Encourage participants to express their ideas, opinions, and experiences in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
- Help improve conversational fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, listening skills, and confidence.
- Adapt conversations to participants’ English or French level, interests, and personal or professional goals.
- Nurture an atmosphere of trust, respect, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity.
- Celebrate participants’ progress and encourage continued learning.
- Communicate with the program coordinator regarding attendance or any safeguarding concerns.
Ideal Volunteer
We are looking for volunteers who:
- Are native English or French speakers. Knowledge of Arabic is not required.
- Enjoy meaningful conversations and learning from people with diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Are patient, empathetic, and encouraging.
- Have strong listening and communication skills.
- Respect confidentiality and cultural diversity.
- Can commit to regular sessions for at least three to six months (min. 12 sessions).
Experience in teaching, mentoring, coaching, international development, peacebuilding, human rights, communications, or community engagement is welcomed but not essential. Training and ongoing support will be provided.
Time Commitment
- Approximately 1–2 hours per week.
- Flexible scheduling, with all sessions offered online.
Safeguarding, Confidentiality and Professional Conduct
The safety, dignity, and wellbeing of our participants are central to this program. Volunteers are required to:
- Read, understand, and comply with CCSD’s Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and respect participants’ privacy and confidentiality.
- Complete any required safeguarding training before beginning the role.
- Promptly report any safeguarding concerns to the designated program coordinator in accordance with CCSD procedures.
- Treat all participants with respect, dignity, and cultural sensitivity to contribute to a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for everyone.
Impact
Your time can make a lasting difference. By helping Syrian women and civil society actors improve their spoken English or French, you will support civil society activists and community leaders to participate more effectively in international dialogue, advocacy, training, conferences, and partnerships. This training is intended to help them expand their professional networks, strengthen their ability to share their experiences, influence policy, advocate for human rights, and contribute to peacebuilding and democratic change in Syria.
Interested in Volunteering?
You are invited to complete <this form>