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 know 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 topics of discussion 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 Moderator.
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 a Digital Peer Community Moderator, you will help ensure our online community is a welcoming, engaging, supportive, and safe space for the 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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Establish 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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Engaging community members and creating opportunities for conversation by creating posts, questions, polls etc.
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Encouraging community members to share their own experiences, advice or tips within assigned spaces (i.e., groups, forums)
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Overseeing assigned community spaces to ensure members' content and posts meet community guidelines, including reporting and deleting content that violates guidelines.
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Assisting community members with basic technical questions involving the platform, e.g., joining spaces and using features like messaging or posting.
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Assist propgram evaluation by documenting topics of interest from assigned spaces.
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Notifying Digital Peer Community Mentors when you notice individuals seeking one-on-one support related to IBD experiences.
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Communicating regularly with staff partners to identify challenges and concerns.
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Checking into the community regularly (two to three times per week) to maintain engagement and respond to community member posts, especially in any spaces assigned to you.
Time Commitment:
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This role requires a six-month minimum commitment.
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Be active on the platform 2-3 hours a week, (over 2 or 3 days per week), posting at least two times, responding to community members, and reactive monitoring of content to escalate concerns.
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Availability between Mondays-Friday from 9am – 5pm Eastern Time is ideal for liaison with staff partners (phone calls, emails), but not required.
What you bring:
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Experience in navigating life with Crohn’s 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 those 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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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