Become a Volunteer

Volunteers are the heart of Island Community Justice Society - the key to our success. Volunteers come to the Agency from many walks and at various stages of their lives. All share a true interest in helping victims and redirecting youth.

Role of the Volunteer

to support and encourage youth who participate in Island Community Justice Society's programs as a consequence of criminal activity
to support and provide activity updates to victims who have been referred to the restorative justice process
to chair meetings for youth who have been referred to the Community Service Order Program
to chair/co-chair conflict resolution meetings as part of restorative justice services
to co-facilitate youth competency building workshops
to work as a reintegration mentor with youth who are returning to the community post incarceration
to be a community resource for Island Community Justice Society and its services for youth in conflict with the law

Minimum Requirements

All volunteers must:
be at least 19 years of age
show a true interest in helping youth/victims who have been harmed by youth criminal activity.
successfully complete a screening process which includes:
    personal interview
    Child Abuse Register
    C.P.I.C. (Canadian Police Information Centre)
    2 personal written references
successfully complete the Volunteer Training Program
take an oath of confidentiality

Opportunities for the Volunteer

to play a major role in restoring harmony in the community which has been damaged by youth criminal activity
to acquire valuable life and employment skills as the result of training and service delivery, i.e., victim empathy, adolescence interviewing, dialogue, conflict resolution, reporting
to experience a personal feeling of accomplishment as a result of reaching out to others at a difficult time in their lives.

Volunteer Training Program Outline

The Volunteer Training Program has been designed to enable volunteers to increase their level of responsibility in stages. This approach equips the volunteer to become experienced and comfortable in one role prior to entering advanced training blocks. Personal interest and capabilities will serve as guiding factors when determining timelines for individual advancement.

Training consists of a combination of informative, experiential workshops and observing/participating in actual youth justice services. This process prepares volunteers for roles in Island Community Justice Society's programs, - i.e., youth supervisor, victim support volunteer, Community Service Order Meeting Chairperson, Family Group Conference Facilitator, Youth Education Workshop Co-Facilitator.

Topics covered include:
overview of the justice system
Island Community Justice Society Programs (including Restorative Justice processes showing four entry levels, allowable offences, types of services available, etc)
communication skills
conflict resolution approaches, interviewing, dialogue
power imbalances
facilitation protocols
adolescence and deviance/criminogenic factors
victim issues awareness
community resources for youth and victims