Citizen Advocacy – Volunteer

Posted on Tuesday, July 12th, 2016

Position Title: Volunteer Advocate (companion)
Volunteer Time Frame: ongoing

Address: 312 Parkdale Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4X5
Contact Person and Contact Info: Maria Redpath (613) 761-9522 mredpath@citizenadvocacy.org
Website: www.citizenadvocacy.org

Mission: To enhance personal choice and community participation for persons living with disabilities through advocacy support. Citizen Advocacy Ottawa, founded in 1974, is one of the few agencies supporting people of all ages across the disability spectrum. We are a place where people with disabilities and their families feel welcomed, safe, not judged, able to speak their minds and where they receive the recognition, guidance and support they are seeking. At Citizen Advocacy Ottawa we recognize the resilience of individuals with disabilities and their families as they struggle for access to support and services. We look for innovative and creative ways to build healthy, safe and inclusive futures in our community.

Volunteer Position Description: Right now in our community, there are people with disabilities who feel alone and isolated. There are people with disabilities whose hopes, dreams, and, sometimes, basic needs are not being taken seriously. What they’d really like is to feel included. What they’d really like is someone who will talk with them, listen to them, support and encourage them, do things, go places, and help them in any way that a good neighbour or friend naturally would.
There are also ordinary citizens who intentionally want to give their time to make a positive difference to the life of a person with a disability. They voluntarily represent and protect the rights and interests of other people. They help them face challenges and encourage them to participate in the community life of Ottawa.

We have over 300 people with disabilities in Ottawa who are feeling isolated and alone, wishing they had a volunteer friend and advocate through our organization. Most of them will have to wait two and a half years to be matched. Will you help one person to get off of our waiting list?

Being a volunteer advocate is convenient, flexible, and rewarding. We match people one-on-one, who live in locations convenient to each other, and with similar interests and shared activities. You spend time with your match, with the possibility of also including your family and friends. You get together three or four times a month at your convenience, and do what friends do: go for coffee, take a walk, or get out to an event. This can have a huge impact in the life of someone with a disability who is feeling isolated and alone.

As a volunteer you need to be over the age of 18 and make a minimum commitment of 12 months to this role. Preparation and ongoing support are provided.

As a friend to someone with a disability you can have a profound effect on their life by reducing loneliness and isolation; helping to achieve hopes and dreams; developing personal networks and relationships; decreasing vulnerability; and increasing self-confidence, mental and physical health.

Join our team of more than 250 volunteer advocates who are enriching the lives of someone in their community.

People need people!

Volunteer Position Requirements:

  • Police Record Check
  • Minimum 19 Years of Age

How to Apply: Email Maria at mredpath@citizenadvocacy.org


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