PYO Outreach Volunteer

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ACT's
Mission Statement

ACT works to reduce new HIV infections in Toronto and promotes the independence, dignity, health, and well-being of people living with HIV and AIDS and those at increased risk of HIV.

Position Title - PYO Outreach Volunteer

Program

Positive Youth Outreach (PYO) is a peer-led program of ACT that seeks to empower, support, and affirm the lives of young people living with HIV under 30. PYO provides opportunities for youth living with HIV to meet and learn with their peers through weekly programming including workshops, social events, and one-on-one peer support.

Supervisor - PYO Program Coordinator

Purpose

To conduct in-person and online outreach to youth living with HIV to expand PYO’s reach in Toronto. The Outreach Volunteer will relay information and feedback to the PYO Program Coordinator on emerging trends/issues related to doing outreach to students and young people in the diverse communities the program serves.

Benefits

• Opportunity to develop volunteer experience while contributing to programming supporting youth living with HIV.
• Opportunity to network and connect with youth and service providers.
• Develop skills related to communications, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Time Commitment

• 2 hours per month for 12 months
• time commitment varies on volunteer's availability/schedule, to be agreed upon with supervisor. minimum of 1 shift for 2hrs a month

Duties - The Volunteer will:

• Advise on an outreach strategy that reaches youth through online engagement as well as in-person outreach in schools, community health agencies, youth-serving organizations, HIV care clinics, testing clinics, bars and clubs, and special events.
• Conduct online and in-person outreach in above-listed venues.
• Relay information, items of interest, and emerging trends/issues to program staff.
• Where applicable, engage in one-on-one conversations during outreach shifts.
• Assist in building a contact list for ongoing outreach and referrals.
• Participate in regular supervision with the PYO Program Coordinator

Personal Qualities and Skills

• Demonstrated understanding of anti-racist and anti-oppressive principles.
• Demonstrated understanding of HIV-related issues, particularly as they pertain to young people.
• Understanding of and comfort working with people of diverse sexual and gender identities in a sex-positive environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Warm, friendly, open personality
• Collaborative and positive attitude.
• Willing to take direction while also offering creative ideas.
• Willing to occasional perform shifts on evenings and/or weekends.

PYO is peer-based. Priority will be given to youth and people living with HIV, particularly BIPOC individuals.

Training Requirements

• Program-specific training
• On-the-job training with supervisor and/or other volunteers