At AIDS Vancouver we value learning and opportunities to share resources and knowledge. We provide a dynamic and informative Agency Orientation and Education Session to all new volunteers, Board of Directors and staff. This session gives you a good introduction to the agency, HIV and related issues as well as offering you relevant skills and knowledge to help you meet and enhance your volunteer commitment.

At our training session, participants will:

1. Have a better understanding of AIDS Vancouver's history, values, mission, and partnerships.
2. Have a better understanding of AIDS Vancouver's structure, programs and services.
3. Have a better understanding of volunteerism at AIDS Vancouver.
4. Have a better understanding of the principles and issues of confidentiality, ethics, values, boundaries, diversity, conflict, communication, grief and loss.
5. Have a better understanding of sex, sexuality and sexual health.
6. Have a better understanding of AIDS Vancouver's theoretical frameworks, issues of stigma and vulnerabilities to HIV infection.
7. Have increased knowledge about the basics of HIV/AIDS and related issues.
8. Have a better understanding of local and global HIV/AIDS statistics.
9. Learn from front-line staff the realities, complexities and issues for persons living with HIV/AIDS (PWA's) within Vancouver.
10. Have a better understanding of how social justice and community development guides the mission and work of AIDS Vancouver
11. Have an opportunity to strengthen and build new relationships, skills and knowledge in a respectful, interactive and informative learning environment.
12. Have an opportunity to meet new people and have fun.

Other Training Opportunities

• Specialized program and project training
• On the job skills and orientation
• Topic based in-services and workshops
• Community based conferences and forums
• Job shadowing
• Mentoring

Volunteer handbook

After completing the agency orientation and education session, volunteers receive a copy of the AIDS Vancouver Volunteer Handbook. This handbook contains a brief history of the agency, an overview of how volunteers fit into the Agency, and practical information outlining philosophies, values, and procedures for volunteering at AV.
Publication or incorporation of these documents in full or part requires the permission of AIDS Vancouver; photocopies in full or part must acknowledge AIDS Vancouver copyright.