Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers play an integral role in delivering our promise of finding cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and improving the lives of Canadians living with these chronic diseases. As a volunteer with Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, the impact of your efforts will be felt by the millions of Canadians affected by Crohn's or colitis today and for years to come. 

We are seeking individuals passionate about making a difference in their community to join a team of dedicated volunteers in the role of Advocacy Ambassador. 

This role involves in-person interactions. Crohn’s and Colitis Canada encourages volunteers and community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as defined by their local or provincial Public Health authorities. We take the health, safety, and wellbeing of volunteers seriously, especially in light of the fact that people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis may have compromised immune systems, which is why we continue to follow the guidance of local Public Health authorities.

All volunteer positions at Crohn’s and Colitis Canada require a conversation to discuss the role and your goals for volunteering.

Are you the right fit for the team? 

Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s Advocacy Ambassadors support work to advance key public policy priorities (e.g. no forced switch) federally, provincially, and municipally. As an Advocacy Ambassador you will connect with local elected officials and policy stakeholders through meetings, email communication, and phone calls, to increase support for programs, services and policies that will benefit everyone impacted by inflammatory bowel 
disease (IBD) in Canada. You will support Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s advocacy priorities
in a variety of ways, including: 

• Adhering to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada policies and procedures, including the Volunteer Code of Conduct
• Sharing your personal stories with local elected officials and policy stakeholders to illustrate the positive or negative impact that government policies have on people impacted by inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)
• Clearly and pursuasively articulating to elected officials and policy stakeholders why you are for or against a specific policy on behalf of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada
• Reaching out to key elected and non-elected officials about Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s advocacy priorities at least twice per year to build and maintain relationships
• Contacting and followingup with staff in your elected officials’ offices to schedule meetings about Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s advocacy priorities
• Attending Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s advocacy events relevant to your region (e.g. town hall meetings, committee hearings). The Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs will collaborate with volunteers on scheduling availabilities
• Partnering with the Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs to enhance organizational advocacy capacity by sharing advocacy campaign news and online actions with personal and professional networks and referring potential Advocacy Ambassadors to the program
• Reporting progresstowards securing meetings, as well as any barriers encountered and support required, to the Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs via email or phone call
• Sharing IBD-related news and issues in your region or province with the Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs via email
• Participating in virtual advocacy meetings (2-4 times per year) with other Advocacy Ambassadors to learn about campaigns, policies, and successess, and to network.
• Reportingon outcomes of any meetings with local elected officials or policy stakeholders by completing and submitting the report back form within three days of the meeting

Location:

This role can be completed remotely from a volunteer’s home or office that is equipped with strong internet access.

Volunteers are expected to attend meetings with officials and stakeholders in-person (e.g. 
an MP’s constituency office) or virtually. Volunteers will be reimbursed for travel costs. 

Time Commitment: 

• 1-5 hours per month, with an average of one hour monthly. In months where advocacy campaigns are active or when volunteers are meeting with elected officials and policy stakeholders, the time commitment will be greater. 
• Volunteers are asked to commit to this role for a minimum of one year. 

What you bring:

• Willingness to share your personal story and speak to how living with IBD or caregiving with someone for IBD (e.g. as a parent) has impacted your life, your work, and your family
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English or French; second language is an asset but not required
• Strong public speaking skills
• Prior experience in building relationships and partnerships, gained through professional or volunteer work
• Comfort with and willingness to communicate by email and via online platforms including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and online forms created by Crohn’s and Colitis Canada or policy stakeholder offices
• Interest in politics andpublic policy an asset

What we offer:

• A community of support, a dedicated staff partner, a team of peers, and rolespecific training 
• An opportunity to use and grow professional skills, expand your network 
• A chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in your community
• Travel expenses for in-person meetings

Crohn’s and Colitis Canada commits to supporting you in your role and to providing an engaging volunteer experience. Your feedback is appreciated - volunteer...crohnsandcolitis...ca