How to VolunteerIn a Conversation Circle

Introductions What CCSYR is all aboutGetting to know you

Learning ObjectivesWhat is Conversation Circle?Expectations of your volunteer roleImpact of your role

Defining knowledge, skills, attitudes for being a Volunteer

Role play Discussion (Questions)

Agenda

CCSYR is a not for profit, social service agency working since 1980; delivering a comprehensive array of services to address the social needs of the rapidly expanding communities of York Region

Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors

Inclusive, multicultural organization embracing many faiths and languages

WHO WE ARE…..

We envision that Catholic Community Services of York Region will be recognized as the leading community-based agency in York Region

OUR VISION……

To serve, within the Catholic social justice tradition, the diverse needs of individuals, families and communities, by providing a broad array of programs and services to help them to reach their potential

OUR MISSION

RESPECT COMPASSION

ACCOUNTABILITY COLLABORATION

OUR VALUES

NEW IMMIGRANTS

SETTLEMENT SERVICES

JOB SEARCH

WORKSHOPS

SEPYR

LSP

IN Program

COMMUNITY

SupportGroups

Focus onFathers

Parenting Groups

CounselingServices

CCSYR SERVICES

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE?

CHALLENGING

INSPIRING

MOTIVATING

“fa·cil·i·ta·tion/fəˌsiliˈtāSHən/ Noun: The action of facilitating something.

To asssist in making a process easier.The enhancement of the response of a neuron to a stimulus following prior stimulation.

Your relationship with the participant is a two way process that is –MotivatingInspiringChallenging Your role is powerful for personal developmentand an empowerment tool for the participant

Have time to commit to the conversation sessions

Be open and approachable Be able to encourage independence in the

participants

EXPECTATIONS OF YOUR ROLE

Creates a culture of acceptance and inclusion

Reinforces cultural norms and values

Allows new comers to have a smother transition into Canadian society

IMPACTS OF YOUR ROLE

To create networking/ information supports among the mentees

To assist and direct professionals obtain valuable volunteer experience, that will create opportunities for pathways towards meeting requirements or their educational/ career development needs

To help mentees identify alternative choices in the areas of their expertise or study to compliment or broaden their current set of skills

To create connections for future relevant work based references

To become a future mentor to other professionals

The Mentorship Program

1. As this is an ongoing program assisting newcomers through the process of integration and adaptation, both mentors and mentees can remain with the program as long as they both feel there is clear need and benefit

2. This program does not commit or imply that there will be an opportunity for the professional to find employment , rather this program is based on the bringing individuals together for support and learning

3. The Mentor agrees to be honest and provide constructive feedback to the Mentee. The Mentee agrees to be open to the feedback

Terms of Reference

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ATTITUDE

DEFINE...

Use English as much as possible, learn to appreciate and understand accents – as many LINC and ESL teachers have accents too!

enforce basic ground rules so everyone has a chance to speak

To know what to talk about, and how to relate it to the topic when the group won’t follow the suggested topic

Know how to talk to newcomers with very little English abilities(partner and use volunteers with second language skills as a bridge)

KNOWLEDGE

Have good/great listening skills Have good/ great communication skills –

pronunciation Have good/great reading skills Maintain patience Not to be judgmental Include all members of the group in the

conversation

SKILLS

Have mutual respect for all within the group (newcomers, your fellow volunteers and staff)

Have a positive attitude Be intuitive – pick up on comfort levels of our

participants Have leadership skills Be a good listener Be sensitive Be patient Be kind Have fun!

ATTITUDES

ENSURE FULL PARTICIPATION

How do we handle such situations?

Quiet person? Talkative person?

ROLE PLAY

Share three things you learned from this training.

Any questions ?????

DISCUSSION