Department: Education

Supervisor: Education Workshop Coordinator

Commitment: 4 hrs per week for one year

Objective

Funded by the M.A.C. AIDS Fund, The Educate to Empower Program has been designed to move beyond “knowledge” or “information” by promoting discussion around the social dynamics of HIV and what this means in people’s lives. Workshop participants are encouraged to bring this information back into their schools, organizations or communities for further discussion. Both our workshops and training sessions have been designed to accomplish the following:

• Educate participants on social justice issues related to HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C.
• Empower participants to facilitate HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C related workshops.
• Enable participants to modify workshops to suit the specific needs of their schools, organizations or communities.

Volunteers for the Educate to Empower Program first learn basics of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C. and then, with that knowledge, learn to facilitate various workshops at Schools, Colleges and Universities, AIDS Service Organisations, non-profit and community partners. Volunteers are required to commit a minimum of 4 hours per week over a period of at least 1 year. This position is an excellent forum to learn how to speak publicly and engage with others.

Duties

• Facilitate workshops with at least two volunteers to community organizations, businesses and schools.
• Assist with workshops prep and completion in community
• Provides up to date information on HIV and related issues
• Organizing paperwork, tutoring, and acting a resource during facilitations
• Assists the program in developing and improving the workshops
• Acts as a liaison between workshop groups and the programme coordinator to identify strengths of the workshops
• Attends meetings as needed

Skills & Attributes

• Ability to speak publicly and confidently in front of others and in small groups
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Well organized and able to manage commitment to the programme
• Ability to adjust your schedule to match workshop schedules within reason
• To be clear about personal and professional boundaries
• Willingness and ability to participate as part of a team
• Willingness to stay in regular contact with coordinator and update on workshops
• Must attend as needed team and supervisory meetings
• Must complete and submit evaluation of workshops and facilitators for reporting purposes
• Commitment to ongoing learning/training to keep skills and knowledge up to date
• Ability to have compassion, sensitivity, maturity and a sincere desire to assist people who living with HIV and educate people on HIV related issues.
• Ideal position for future teachers, leaders and facilitators.

Training & Support

• AIDS Vancouver Agency Orientation & Education
• Specialized Team training
• On the job orientation
• On-going support and supervision from assigned Supervisor
• Evaluations, exit interviews, and letters of reference are available upon a
• volunteer’s request
• Benefits To gain valuable knowledge, skills and experience within a support role.
• To be part of a larger team or movement that is working towards social change.
• To learn new and transferable skills, knowledge and experience.
• To engage in opportunities for leadership, community service and
• personal/professional development.
• To be recognized and appreciated for valuable contributions
• Non Violent Crisis Intervention training
• To meet new people and have fun!