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.
Our Digital IBD Peer Community is an online platform for people affected by Crohn’s or colitis to connect with one another, feel a sense of community, and get support from their peers and trained professionals. This online community provides access to live interactive virtual events, groups, forums or discussion boards, and educational resources. Community members have a personalized newsfeed that delivers information, news, upcoming events online or in the community, resources, and posts from other community members. Members can comment, chat, and ask questions to an individual or group. Members can also get matched with a trained peer mentor that provides ongoing advice and emotional support with the day-to-day aspects of living with Crohn’s or colitis.
Community members may join because they’ve been recently diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, are experiencing challenges or changes with managing their disease (e.g., flare up, changes in treatment, upcoming surgery), and/or are interested in knowing who is in their community and meeting with others that understand what it is like to be living with, or caring for someone with IBD. Members can connect with others across Canada or within their region. Popular discussion topics within the community include everyday living with Crohn’s and colitis (work, school, relationships, stress), mental health and wellness, diet and nutrition, treatment, symptom management, living with an ostomy, and more.
We are seeking individuals passionate about making a difference in their community to join a team of dedicated volunteers in the role of Digital Peer Community Mentor.
This is a virtual volunteering opportunity.
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?
As the Digital Peer Community Mentor, you will provide peer support to others affected by IBD in our online community, including:
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Adhering to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada policies and procedures, including the Volunteer Code of Conduct
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Be a guide and role model for community members assigned to you as their mentor.
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Onboarding new community members to the platform.
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Supporting and answering questions from individuals reaching out about navigating life with IBD within 48 hours.
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Establishing a welcoming and friendly online community in collaboration with other volunteers.
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Ensuring that discussions stay on-topic and follow community guidelines.
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Responding to community member posts and direct messages via online chat within 48 hours and helping to identify when members violate community guidelines.
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Being an active and responsive member of our online community.
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Communicating regularly with staff partners to identify challenges and concerns.
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Tracking inquiries and communication from community members and matches to support Crohn’s and Colitis Canada program evaluation.
Time Commitment:
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This role requires a one-year minimum commitment.
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2-3 hours per week on a flexible schedule. Volunteer mentors will respond to matches and community member posts/ questions within 48 hours.
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Staff partners will work with volunteer mentors to arrange coverage during vacations and personal time away from volunteer work (e.g. academic, professional, or personal conflicts)
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Availability between Mondays-Friday from 9 am – 5 pm Eastern Time for liaison with staff partners (phone calls, emails).
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Some evening and weekend activities (e.g., online events) may be required.
What you bring:
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Experience navigating life with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis for at least one year as a person living with or caring for someone with IBD.
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A strong interest in empowering other people affected by IBD.
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A willingness to share your own experiences, advice, and tips.
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A passion for reducing feelings of isolation among members of the IBD community.
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Responsive and flexible online presence.
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Previous peer support experience (an asset only- full training will be provided)
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Comfort navigating online social media platforms or online communities (training provided).
What we offer:
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A community of support, a dedicated staff partner, a team of peers, and role-specific training
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An opportunity to use and grow professional skills, expand your network
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A hands-on chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis in your community
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