Core training for volunteers:
STAGE 1:
You must complete Stage 1 before you can volunteer (not always necessary for non face-to-face work).
2 days Conflict and Me: an introduction to conflict resolution (OCN accredited)
1 day Communicating through conflict
1 day Dealing with difference: prejudice and how to overcome it
After Stage 1 there is a possibility of volunteering in some but not all areas of our work. The main roles people get involved in after Stage 1 are in Community Development and Community Conversations.
STAGE 2:
4 days Advanced Interpersonal and Mediation Skills Training
This is essential to become a Volunteer Mediator and for most Community Conversations facilitation roles. After completing Stage 2 there are much wider volunteering opportunities as the skills learnt in Stage 2 are more advanced.
After each stage you’ll get one-to-one feedback on how you picked up the training provided, and guidance on whether you may need to work on certain areas before you can participate in volunteering opportunities.
Completing the training does not automatically mean you can become a volunteer.
Further training for volunteers:
We provide ongoing training for our volunteers, approximately one evening or weekend day per month on topics related to our work, ensuring that their skills are well honed. Recent examples include ‘Working with Resistance’ and ‘Appreciative Inquiry: looking for the positive as a way of peace building’. If you have not completed Stage 2 you may not be able to attend all these events.
We expect volunteers to commit to attend as many of these trainings as possible.
After Stage 2 there may be opportunities to join our 3 day Training for Trainers and 1 day Facilitation Skills courses.
Volunteer Support:
Volunteers receive a thorough induction when they begin and will receive a copy of our Volunteer Handbook that details our relevant policies and proceedures. They also receive regular and ongoing supervision from our staff, both one to one and in a group with fellow volunteers.
