Dialogue

French volunteer induction dialogue: choose a role that suits you

Discuss skills, availability, training and responsibilities at a repair workshop. A B1 French volunteer dialogue with translations, cues and picture vocabulary.

In short

Start with your skills and limits: Je sais réparer des vêtements, mais je n’ai jamais encadré de groupe. Ask Quelles seraient mes responsabilités ? before choosing a role. Être disponible le samedi means being available on Saturdays; it says nothing yet about how often you can attend.

A volunteer and coordinator in a French community sewing workshop, folded clothes, plain sewing machine and fabric on a worktable.
A volunteer offers to réparer des vêtements. Illustration: Atelier
Your lines are hidden in practice mode. Say them aloud, then reveal to compare.
  1. Coordinatrice

    Bienvenue à l’atelier solidaire. Qu’est-ce qui vous donne envie de devenir bénévole ?

    English

    Welcome to the community workshop. What makes you want to volunteer?

  2. Bénévole

    J’aimerais aider les habitants à réparer leurs vêtements. Je fais de la couture depuis cinq ans.

    Describe your motivation and relevant experience.

    English

    I would like to help local residents repair their clothes. I have been sewing for five years.

  3. Coordinatrice

    Avez-vous déjà animé un atelier ?

    English

    Have you led a workshop before?

  4. Bénévole

    Non, j’ai surtout aidé des proches. Je préférerais commencer avec une personne expérimentée.

    State your limit and the support you would like.

    English

    No, I have mainly helped people I know. I would prefer to start alongside someone experienced.

  5. Coordinatrice

    Nous cherchons aussi quelqu’un pour accueillir le public. Ce rôle vous intéresserait ?

    English

    We are also looking for someone to welcome visitors. Would that role interest you?

  6. Bénévole

    Peut-être. Quelles seraient mes responsabilités à l’accueil ?

    Ask about duties before accepting.

    English

    Possibly. What would my responsibilities be on reception?

  7. Coordinatrice

    Vous expliqueriez le fonctionnement de l’atelier et noteriez les demandes de réparation.

    English

    You would explain how the workshop works and record repair requests.

  8. Bénévole

    Qui déciderait si une réparation est possible ? Je ne saurais pas toujours répondre.

    Check where your responsibility ends.

    English

    Who would decide whether a repair is possible? I would not always know the answer.

  9. Coordinatrice

    La responsable technique. Vous pourriez lui transmettre les demandes.

    English

    The technical lead. You could pass requests on to her.

  10. Bénévole

    D’accord. Je suis disponible deux samedis par mois, de 9 heures à midi. Est-ce compatible avec vos besoins ?

    Give precise availability and check the fit.

    English

    All right. I am available two Saturdays a month, from nine until noon. Does that fit your needs?

  11. Coordinatrice

    Oui. Nous établissons le planning un mois à l’avance.

    English

    Yes. We draw up the rota a month in advance.

  12. Bénévole

    Y a-t-il une formation avant de commencer ?

    Ask about induction.

    English

    Is there training before I start?

  13. Coordinatrice

    Oui, une matinée sur l’accueil et les consignes de l’atelier, puis une séance en binôme.

    English

    Yes, a morning on reception and workshop instructions, followed by a session working in a pair.

  14. Bénévole

    Pourrais-je essayer l’accueil pendant un mois, puis faire le point avec vous ?

    Propose a limited trial with a review.

    English

    Could I try reception for a month, then review things with you?

  15. Coordinatrice

    Bien sûr. Ensuite, nous pourrons envisager un rôle en couture si cela vous convient mieux.

    English

    Of course. Afterwards, we can consider a sewing role if that suits you better.

  16. Bénévole

    Cela me va. Envoyez-moi les dates de formation et le nom de la personne qui m’accompagnera.

    Accept the arrangement and request the next details.

    English

    That suits me. Send me the training dates and the name of the person who will support me.

Objects at the repair workshop

Before you commit
PurposeFrenchEnglish
Name an abilityJe sais recoudre un bouton.I can sew a button back on.
Name a limitJe n’ai jamais animé de groupe.I have never led a group.
Ask for supportQui pourra m’aider en cas de difficulté ?Who can help me if I have a difficulty?
Agree a reviewFaisons le point après un mois.Let’s review things after a month.
Question 1No account needed
Who decides whether a repair is possible?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

La responsable technique.. Reception records requests and passes technical decisions to the technical lead.

Question 2No account needed
How often is the volunteer available?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

Deux samedis par mois.. The volunteer gives two Saturdays each month, with a specific morning time slot.

Question 3No account needed
What is agreed initially?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

A month trying reception, then a review.. The trial is limited to a month and includes a review with the coordinator.