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The opportunity to create positive change in a young person’s life.


Our volunteers are at the heart of what we do, and we cannot thank them enough for the passion and commitment they bring to supporting young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds.

More than 800 volunteers are currently involved in a range of CMY programs including mentoring young jobseekers, sharing insights with newly-arrived young people on their settlement journey, supporting young people in police custody, or contributing to our youth leadership programs.

Please take a look through the following opportunities to see which one would be the most suitable for you.


Volunteer opportunities

Employment Empowers

Employment Empowers is looking for experienced professionals – people with a diverse range of work experience in Australia (ideally at least 3 years), who can offer their time, skills, and experience to help prepare newly-arrived young migrants and refugees to find work in Australia.

Mentors act as role models to the young people in the program; helping to expand their social and professional networks and inspire their career aspirations.

Find out more & apply

Ucan2

Ucan2 engages a community of passionate volunteers who support newly-arrived young people, aged 16 – 25, through group activities in an educational setting.

Volunteers share their work, study and life experiences in Australia; act as positive role models, help young people practice English; and help foster young people’s confidence to make social connections and develop their skills.

Find out more & apply

Youth Referral and Independent Person’s Program (YRIPP)

YRIPP Independent Persons are volunteers who attend police interviews with a young person at a police station, when a parent or guardian is not available. The role provides an important opportunity to support young people at a critical time and to help divert those at risk of future offending.

Find out more & apply

Learning Support Programs (Homework Clubs)

CMY’s Education team supports schools and other organisations to run Out-of-School-Hours Learning Support Programs or Homework Clubs for students from migrant and refugee backgrounds. Volunteers support students with literacy, numeracy and study skills, help build confidence, self-esteem and feelings of connection to school and the wider community.

Find a program or club near you

Positive Changemakers

Positive Change Makers (PCM) uses experiential strengths-based learning to develop the next generation of socially aware young leaders. We’re looking for young people to become Volunteer Youth Facilitators with Positive Change Makers in 2024.

Find out more and apply. 

Youth Advisory Groups

Our Youth Advisory Groups (YAGs) provide an opportunity for young people to build their advisory and advocacy skills and influence the work of CMY; including program development and speaking on issues that should be at the forefront. We’re looking for young people to be part of our Metro Youth Advisory Group in 2024.

Find out more and apply. 

Speak Out

Shout Out speakers are trained and nurtured to deliver fresh, engaging and thought-provoking perspectives as keynote speakers, panel members and emcees in a range of settings across Victoria. We’re looking for young people to be part of Shout Out in 2024.

Find out more and apply. 

PLEASE NOTE: All CMY volunteers are required to complete a Police Check and a Working with Children Check. This is considered a minimum standard for child safety in the sector. You are also likely to go through a recruitment process that includes interviews and reference checks.

Employment Empowers volunteer

Breaking down barriers to employment

Read about how volunteer mentor Katherine supported Ngot on his employment journey.


Ucan2 volunteer

“It’s the best two hours of my week.”

As an ex-teacher, Gerry missed the enthusiastic energy young people brought to her everyday life and was keen to work with them again.