Volunteer Needs

last updated: JANUARY 2020

Current VOLUNTEER needs...

Scroll down to read about becoming a Generations volunteer; Wellness group leader; Administrative volunteer; or an illustrator/graphic artist at the YD.

Generations Program

We are able to provide services to almost 300 seniors living in downtown because of the help of over 250 dedicated volunteers. This program aims to reduce social isolation of both generations involved.

Volunteers can sign up to do one or more service, including:

Friendly Visiting: meeting a senior you are matched with, once per week, in their home to share a cup of tea & a friendly conversation
Accompaniments: offering support to a senior getting to & from appointments or obligations
Running Friendly Errands: running errands for a senior who is not able to leave their home (such as grocery pick up & delivery)
Helping with Technology: understanding the seniors questions & teaching them how to be technological proficient
Making Friendly Calls *New in 2020*: making calls from YD office to isolated seniors for a chat, once per week

Commitment:

2+ hours per week over at least a 4-month period
Initial 1-hour meeting with program coordinator to assess your interests/skills & to prepare you for your role
Ongoing training as offered
Be at least 18 years of age & pass a SPVM background check (for Friendly Visits service only)

Questions: outreach@yellowdoor.org

wellness groups

Our wellness groups serve the community each week, throughout the year because of dedicated and engaged volunteers! Responsibilities include planning sessions with the coordinator, setting up any supplies, welcoming new/existing participants, facilitating discussion, offering guidance/skills/lessons, cleaning up at the end of the activity.

Activities Assistant

Weekdays (flexible time) at YD Office
A supportive & well-organized volunteer to support the Activities Coordinator
Assist with social media, outreach, data collection, planning, research, etc.

Art Hive Leader

Thursdays, 5-7 pm
Opportunity for emerging artists, students, or anyone who is passionate about art
Certain knowledge of arts and or art therapy, an asset

Knitting Circle Leader

Monday 3-4 pm
Knitting, crocheting, or other such skills/experience needed

Hive Leader
The Hive is a space for volunteers who you have an idea for a workshop, event or community project that they would like to facilitate. Volunteers should be passionate about sharing their skills, interests and enthusiasm for a particular activity. Have an idea? Send us an email to discuss- we are always looking forward to hearing more proposals!

Commitment:

2+ hours per week over at least a 4-month period
Initial 1-hour meeting with program coordinator to assess your interests/skills & to prepare you for your role
2 group meetings per year

Questions: activities@yellowdoor.org

Phone Call Volunteer

As many of our senior members do not use social media, we contact them via the phone to let them know about our weekly activities, upcoming special events, and even to reach out for a friendly chat.

Weekdays at YD Office (some flexibility on day/time)
Provide information on upcoming activities to seniors OR to have a short friendly conversation
All information/training provided
Bilingual (English and French) appreciated

Commitment:

1-2 hours per week
Must be available during the week (9:30 to 5pm) to come into the YD office

Questions: outreach@yellowdoor.org

illustrators

A small team of volunteer graphic designers are working on slighting adjusting the YDs brand (defining fonts, our colors, style, etc). As a grass-roots community organization that works with vulnerable populations, drawings / illustrations are an important tool in helping to tell our story.

All types of illustrators are welcome! Some guidelines will be provided, but this is a chance for your creativity to shine. (All artists will be given credit when their work is used in print / social media).

Commitment:

Hours are flexible; work can be done remotely
Available to correspond regularly via email
Occasional in-person meetings with graphic design team

Questions: director@yellowdoor.org

OUTREACH / COMMUNICATIONS

The YD does not have a communications person to keep up with social media. We do the best we can, while also serving our mission to promote a holistic well-being and to reduce urban social isolation amongst all ages- which we do through face-to-face interactions. It is important that we continue to reach out through social media, however, in order to connect with isolated community members and to fundraise for our programs.

Responsibilities will include working closely with the Executive Director to fully understand the mission, voice, and goals of the organization in order to produce thoughtful and meaningful social media content.
Bilingual (English and French) appreciated.

Commitment:

2+ hours per week
Initial 1-hour meeting with director to discuss a strategy; ongoing meetings as needed
Some availability during the week (9:30 to 5pm)
Available to correspond regularly via email

Questions: director@yellowdoor.org

Go back to the GET INVOLVED page to view/complete the volunteer application!