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 Lead Community Education Volunteer (Ontario).
This role involves virtual and 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 well-being 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?
As the Lead Community Education Volunteer (Ontario), you will support the planning and delivery of 4 to 6 virtual and hybrid Gutsy Learning Series (GLS) education events for people impacted by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) over 8 months in Ontario including:
- Adhering to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada policies and procedures, including the Volunteer Code of Conduct
- Collaborate with the Regional Patient Programs Specialist through frequent email or text message exchanges and biweekly virtual meetings. Frequency of meeting will increase closer to any planned events.
- Use templates to draft event promotional copy (e.g. event descriptions, speaker bios) for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s digital platforms (website, mobile app, community platform, and social media), and share with the Regional Patient Program Specialist for review and posting.
- Collect speakers’ bios and headshots using email templates
- Create the YouTube description (i.e., key messages, speaker bios, call to action) for the full education event and clipping recordings.
- Action live GLS virtual and hybrid events through activating recording and transcription functions, launching polls, and managing participants' technical questions.
- Record events using OBS Studio and share full HD event recordings as MP4 files with the Regional Patient Program Specialist
- Review event recordings to recommend and create time stamps for recording clips of key information (clips of less than 5 minutes)
- For hybrid events, identify technical requirements (e.g., internet access, recording devices) and communicate atypical needs to the Regional Patient Programs Specialist
- For hybrid events, collaborate with the Regional Patient Programs Specialist to identify necessary event day resources (e.g., screens, handouts)
- At hybrid events, support the Regional Patient Programs Specialist with venue setup and tear down, liaisoning AV, videographer/tech support on-site
- Welcome GLS event participants through Zoom chat and group conversations.
- Greet and support GLS event participants on event day
(Volunteers will not provide medical advice and instead will receive training and resources on directing event participants to medical advice.)
Time Commitment:
- Regular commitment is 1-2 hours a week,closer to event days and on event days, commitment will increase to 4-6 hours per week
- Time commitment fluctuates and will include:
- Live attendance at in-person local GLS events, typically scheduled monthly between Monday to Thursday from 7 PM to 8:30 PM Eastern.
- Participation in 30-minute biweekly meetings (held virtually), typically scheduled via Teams or ZOOM. Volunteers will be consulted on scheduling of these meetings.
- A commitment from October 2023 to December 2024. Candidates who are available to support in this volunteer role beyond December 2024 are encouraged to communicate their availability with the Regional Patient Programs Specialist.
What you bring:
- Experience in event planning, health promotion, communications, education, and/or other related fields
- Strong understanding of information technology and willingness to troubleshoot web applications including Zoom, SharePoint, Video Viewing/Editing Software, and MS Office Online.
- A strong interest in health education and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Access to a reliable computer and internet connection as well as text messaging capabilities.
- Flexibility to meet the needs and deadlines of the GLS program.
- Ability to share volunteer time in the Eastern Time Zone.
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.
Apply here!
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