ACT Volunteer Role Description

Harm Reduction Volunteer

(Recruiting)




Programme


Gay Youth and Gay Men's Harm Reduction

Supervisor


Gay Youth and Gay Men's Harm Recution Coordinator

ACT's
Mission Statement


The AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) develops and delivers innovative programs and services that promote the dignity, health and well-being of individuals and communities living with, affected by and at risk for HIV/AIDS..




Purpose


- To participate in harm reduction outreach activities in targeted venues where gay and bisexual youth and men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) congregate and engage in substance use (specifically "party drug" use).
- To educate gay/bi/MSM youth and men and their communities on harm reduction activities and strategies related to party drugs.
- To maintain healthy boundaries while connecting with others in a fun environment.

Benefits


Opportunities:
- Personal empowerment through opportunities to affect personal, social and community change.
- To use your knowledge and experiences to impact others in positive ways.
- To provide direct support and referrals.
- To engage in an ongoing educational process on relevant community issues, current trends and concerns.
- To connect with other volunteers, service providers, community groups, organizations and businesses.
- To get out to community events.
- To provide feedback to ACT staff and amongst volunteers that will assist in the development of on-going programming.
- Professional and skill development.

Time Commitment


2 hours per week
for 12 months

Duties


The Volunteer will:
- Attend all required trainings and professional development opportunities..
- Distribution of harm reduction and campaign materials to bars, nightclubs, bathhouses, health clinics and other service agencies.
- Staffing info tables and doing outreach at bars, nightclubs, community events ( i.e Pride week ) and bathhouses.
- Peer support through nonjudgemental active listening.
- Assessment and referral.
- Complete outreach logs in collaboration with staff.
- Provide feedback about current trends and issues.

Personal Qualities
and Skills


Required Qualities & Skills:
- Minimum age requirement is 19+.
- Men; Trans Men.
- Good communication skills and ability to be a good listener.
- Comfortable with and non-judgmental around a diversity of drug use.
- Willing to volunteer late evenings and weekends.
- Personal experience with drug use and the gay bar/nightclub/party scene and culture

Training
Requirements


Volunteer Core Skills Training, Program-Specific Training, On-the-job Training with Supervisor and/or other Volunteers



For more information about or to apply for this role, contact:
Program Volunteer Resources Manager
AIDS Committee of Toronto
399 Church Street, 4th floor
Toronto, M5B 2J6

phone: (416) 340-2437