Here’s a sampling of some of the ways you can volunteer with the Centre for Gender Advocacy. Reach out to info@genderadvocacy.org for more information.
Volunteering with the Centre is first and foremost an opportunity to contribute to the work we do as a non-hierarchical, non-profit community organization; and meet some awesome people who share similar values or interests along the way! But it is also an opportunity to gain concrete skills through training and experience, and to learn a bit more about what we do.
The Centre for Gender Advocacy offers free confidential support services through its Peer Support and Advocacy (PSA) program, which operates on principles of empowerment, harm reduction, and self-determination.
The program is run by staff and volunteers who have undergone lengthy training in order to actively listen in a safe and non-judgmental way. They also help users of the service find any resources they may need; such as information about health or mental health care, community resources, other drop-in centres, etc. Support services are provided in person or online.
All support services are entirely confidential. We will never ask you to present identification and we will never keep any identifying information from those who require our services.
Are you interested in becoming a peer support volunteer for our Peer Support and Advocacy Program?
Registration for the 2023-24 year is now closed. Recruitment for volunteers will begin again in Fall 2024.
The training to become a volunteer involves attending 10 workshop sessions, as well as 5 active listening practice sessions on alternating (non-workshop) weeks. Training workshops are mandatory as they provide prospective volunteers with the relevant tools and information to best serve the people who access our service. Topics range from basic approaches of active listening and harm reduction, to discussing mental health, racism, sexuality, and consent.
In order to participate in this program, you must be willing to commit as a volunteer for a year and a half (i.e., 6 months training and one year of being an active
volunteer, in which volunteers are expected to do shifts on either Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30-5pm). This requirement results from the many past volunteers who completed the training program and did not continue to volunteer. It’s not just a 6-month training program — it’s an opportunity to volunteer with the community!
For more information, reach out to peersupport@genderadvocacy.org.
If the Peer Support program doesn’t fit into your schedule, or else doesn’t suit your skillset, don’t fear: the volunteer program is here! This volunteer program is new this year at the Centre, with the goal of strengthening the Centre’s connections with the communities it serves. There are three streams to choose from depending on what skills you’d like to grow: Student Ambassadors, Events and Programming, and Library and Archives.
About our volunteer streams
Student Ambassador: The goal of the Centre’s student ambassadors will be to create a welcoming environment for 2SLGBTQ+ students, and especially women and trans+ people, at Concordia University; to ensure the student body is aware of the Centre and its services; and to connect with the student body and their needs to find out how we can better serve them. This stream is the most self-directed, so you can bring your own ideas and expertise to the team to brainstorm how to best get your peers engaged; and is the most social of the three streams.
Library and Archives: The library volunteers will learn how to use and organize a library lending system and catalogue, give recommendations to add to our collection, help facilitate Lunch and Learn events, and contribute to the organization and/or digitization of the Centre’s archives. This is a great stream if you love books, queer histories, or diving into the details – or just a more structured work environment in general.
Events and Programs: Events volunteers will learn how to organize and facilitate events and programs, so you’ll be set up to jump in wherever we can use an extra set of hands. This stream is great if you have a diverse set of skills, want to experience the back end of our programming, and/or if you want to jump in as-needed when you’re available.
For more information, reach out to info@genderadvocacy.org.
Postering and Flyering
For every event, campaign and service the we organize, there is much promotional material to be distributed. Not only do we try and reach as many students as possible, but we also serve the larger Montreal community. We always need your help to put up posters and bring stacks of flyers to events.
Tabling
We try to attend as many events hosted by our social justice allies as we can to set up tables of promotional material, make connections and spread awareness of who we are and what we do. Often we table on Concordia’s campuses, but we sometimes expand our tabling to other venues or online. One of our staff will be happy to gather material to share and distribute, and may accompany you to the tabling location.
Online Blasting
Almost anything we promote can benefit from as wide and far an online blast as possible. The more people who are forwarding email, Facebook and Instagram posts; and invitations to their friends and networks (and asking that they do the same), the better. Personal messages sent to friends or contacts are even more effective! Feel free at any time to blast the Centre for Gender Advocacy’s online material.
Classroom Announcements
You’re a student, or you are involved in a group that holds meetings, or your place of work is a friendly, receptive place… no matter your involvements, the health of any promotional strategy relies on in-person announcements! If you like short, sweet, concise public speaking stints, contact us, and we’ll let you know what you could share.
Phoning and Texting
In this age of impersonal online communication, a personal phone call really stands out. Taking a few minutes to let your friends and family know about our events can be more effective that a mass email to hundreds.
Want to help plan the focus and activities of the Centre for Gender Advocacy, contribute to effective community relations, and help ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization?
Become a member of the Board of Directors!
We ask that Board members commit to monthly meetings for a period of two years (barring any extenuating circumstances), and student board members may choose to serve a one-year term if they prefer.
At monthly Board meetings, Board members carry out strategic planning and ensure that the organization’s vision, mission and values are up to date and reflected in our programming and campaigns. Board members also carry out a number of operational tasks outside of these meetings.
Board members serve on one or more committees with varying focuses, and each member will choose one area of focus. Between board meetings, committee meetings, and keeping up with communications related to board decision making, board members can expect to spend a variable amount of time per month working on Centre tasks. For more information on areas of focus, committees, and time commitments, please read our full Board Application Package.
As a Board member, you’ll gain valuable management and communication skills and hands-on practice with the nitty-gritty of nonprofit operations. Training will include workshops on financial literacy, budgeting, anti-oppression, anti-racism and gender and sexuality — to name just a few!
You’ll be a valuable and appreciated support to the Centre’s staff and an important contributor in sharing the Centre’s anti-oppression mandate with the broader community.
Board members are elected at the Annual General Meeting each Fall, and must be nominated by at least 3 members of the Centre. For complete details, please read our Constitution and Bylaws.
To submit your intention to run for a seat on the board at the Annual General Meeting, or for any other questions about joining our Board, please reach out to info@genderadvocacy.org.