►A volunteer is someone who contributes their talents, skills and abilities to build a stronger community. Volunteering can be an opportunity to give back to the community while also enhancing or learning new skills. Volunteers at the YWCA Lethbridge and District contribute in a variety of ways to the organization, ultimately making a difference to the women, youth and children we serve at turning points in their lives.

Volunteering is a great way to meet people and the rewards are enormous. The YWCA is proud to have nearly 500 volunteers provide essential support to our services and programs. A host of volunteer opportunities are available for women, men and youth. Our volunteers are indispensable they are the heart of our operations. Volunteerism is a way to gain skills, share knowledge and contribute to community building.

Attend a YWCA volunteer orientation to learn more about the programs and services that are offered and how you could become involved as a volunteer. View the list below to get started.

• I like working with people

• I like organizing and sorting

• I enjoy working with children

• I have a skill I would like to share (e.g. I'm learning to play guitar, I need to practice my talent)

• I would like to learn new skills (e.g. I'm shy, and I want to learn to be more comfortable around people)

• I would like to serve on the Board or a Committee

• I have an idea of how I would like to volunteer and I would like to meet with someone to put my idea into action

• I don't know how I could volunteer, but I know I want to give it a try

To find out more information on becoming a YWCA volunteer call Diana Sim at 329-0088 or email dsim@ywcalethbridge.org

YWCA Volunteer Opportunities

The following is a summary of some of the volunteer opportunities available.  Complete job descriptions are available for review at the YWCA. 

►  Hidden Treasures: reporting to the Partnerships Assistant, the Hidden Treasures   
      volunteer  sorts through the gifts-in-kind, organizing the items to facilitate the needs of 
      the clients of the YWCA.

►  Information Technology Assistant: reporting to the Finance and Administration
      Manager, the IT Assistant provides regular maintenance service to the hardware at the 
      YWCA. The involvement would be dependant upon experience and certification.

►  Groundskeeper:  reports to the Partnerships Manager. The purpose of the position is 
      to pull weeds, water, provide general gardening care to the Serenity Garden.

►  Handyperson: reports to the Building Manager. The purpose of the position is to assist 
      with minor building and appliance repairs.

►  Director of the Board: reports directly to the Board President. The Director is an  
      active participant on the Board. Skills required: board experience, knowledge of 
      community, must have email capabilities. This volunteer has a strong interest in the 
      philosophy of the YWCA Lethbridge and District. Board members are to be members 
      of the YWCA Lethbridge and District.

►  Child Support Assistant: reports to the Child Support Counselor. This volunteer 
      assists with the children's activities by helping to coordinate projects in Harbour House,  
      the 24-hour women's emergency shelter.

►  Child Support Sanitizing Assistant: reports to the Child Support Counsellor. The 
      purpose of the position is to keep the play area and the toys clean in order to provide a 
      healthy environment for the children in Harbour House.

►  Cooking Coach: reports to the Harbour House Supervisor. The goal of the position is 
      to prepare menu items, baked goods and to provide clients with hands-on cooking 
      experience.

►  Customer Service Representative: reports to the co-ordinator of Giftwrapping. The 
      purpose of the position is to provide friendly customer service to the customers of Park 
      Place Shopping Centre. This is a fundraising opportunity for YWCA Harbour House, 
      the 24-hour women's emergency shelter. This position is available from the end of 
      November through to December 24th.

►  Royal Gala Assistant:  assists with the preparation of the Royal Gala. There are  
      various ways to become involved. Some positions require assistance with data entry.  
      The volunteer is a participant in a fundraising activity which benefits Harbour House, the 
      24-hour women's emergency shelter.

►  Interpreter: reports to the Harbour House Supervisor. The person in this position will 
      interpret between English and other languages to facilitate communication between 
      the client and staff as required. These volunteers could also be involved in interpreting 
      information in written form.

►  Ticket Seller: reports to the Partnerships Manager. The person in this position will sell 
      raffle tickets as required.

 Health & Wellness

►  The Fitness Instructor reports to the Health and Wellness Manager. This position
      includes orientation, training and class instruction on a regular or substitution basis. 
      YWCA volunteer fitness instructors are required to spend time becoming acquainted 
      with the YWCA's philosophies, facilities, procedures and other volunteers.

►  The Greeter reports to the Health and Wellness Manager. The person in this position 
      will welcome and serve the current fitness participants and provide tours of the fitness 
      facilities as required during the scheduled shift.

►  The Pilates Instructor reports to the Health and Wellness Manager. This position 
      includes orientation, training and class instruction on a regular or substitution basis. 
      YWCA volunteer fitness instructors are required to spend time becoming acquainted 
      with the YWCA's philosophies, facilities, procedures and other volunteers.

►  The Running Leader reports to the Health and Wellness Manager. The position 
      description includes orientation, training and class instruction on a regular or substitution 
      basis. YWCA volunteer fitness instructors are required to spend time becoming 
      acquainted with the YWCA's philosophies, facilities, procedures and other volunteers.

►  The Spinning Instructor reports to the Health and Wellness Manager. This position 
      description includes orientation, training and class instruction on a regular or substitution 
      basis. YWCA volunteer fitness instructors are required to spend time becoming 
      acquainted with the YWCA's philosophies, facilities, procedures and other volunteers.

►  The Fitness Centre Supervisor reports to the Health and Wellness Manager. This 
      position includes orientation, training and instruction on safely using the fitness equipment.
      YWCA Fitness Centre Supervisors are required to spend time becoming acquainted 
      with the YWCA's philosophies, facilities, procedures and other volunteers.

►  The Park Pal volunteer reports to the Neighbourhood Play Program Supervisor. The 
      goal of the position is to assist in the implementation of a safe recreation, leisure program 
      for children ages 6-12 years old.

For more information about volunteering, please call Diana at 329-0088 or email: dsim@ywcalethbridge.org.