At the Women’s Centre, volunteers are at the heart and soul of all that we do. We pride ourselves in being a volunteer-run organization, which means many of our programs and services are delivered by incredible volunteers! Every volunteer act, no matter how big or small, makes an incredible difference to our community, and this month we are highlighting the great work of our peer support volunteers!
Our Peer Support Volunteers are a group of incredible women who spend time at the Women’s Centre on a weekly basis, carrying out a diverse number of responsibilities. Being a Peer Support Volunteer means wearing many different hats, but at the core of this work are the principles of empathy, non-judgement, and support. We are currently recruiting for more Peer Support Volunteers: Click here to apply.
Most peer support volunteers volunteer for one-three hour shift per week at the Women’s Centre, but some volunteer more often, or less often than this. The Women’s Centre is an open-concept community resource centre, where peer support volunteers are often the first friendly faces women coming to the Women’s Centre will see. Peer support volunteers work one-on-one with women by connecting them with the diverse programs and services available. This can look like everything from supplying a woman with an emergency food hamper, helping her choose a winter coat for herself or her family, or sharing information about an upcoming workshop or event.
The Women’s Centre is a busy place that bustles with activity all day, and our Peer Support Volunteers often tell us their favourite part of their role is meeting, and connecting with so many diverse, inspiring women. We asked a few of them why they choose to volunteer at the Women’s Centre.
“My favourite part of being a peer support volunteer, by far, is the people I get to meet during my shifts. Over the years I’ve had the privilege of meeting women from so many different walks of life, and I’ve connected with people I never would have met otherwise.” – Lucy, volunteer since 2013
“As a Peer Support Volunteer I am inspired by the people that I meet at the Centre. From the staff who work hard to create a welcoming and supportive environment, to other volunteers who contribute their time and energy, to the women who come into the Centre to access information, attend workshops, or have a cup of tea, everyone brings unique skills and experiences. This makes the Centre the wonderful place that it is.” – Julia, volunteer since 2016.
“Being in the Centre, being able to work with the incredible team and meeting the women as they come into the Centre is what inspires me. It makes me want to spend time with them and listen to what they have to say. It is especially inspiring to hear back from a woman that her situation has changed for the better as a result of the encouragement she received from peer support volunteers at the Centre.” – Louise, volunteer since 2015
If you are looking to make a difference for women in your community, we are looking for you! Check out our volunteer opportunities here. If you have additional questions, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Sandra, at sandra@womenscentrecalgary.org.