Volunteer Roles at SOY

MENTORS
Mentors are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual or transgender (or gay-positive and trans-positive) adults, 26 years of age or older. In Community Mentoring, adult mentors are matched with a young person in a one-to-one relationship that may last for a few months or for several years. How they spend their time together is based on the needs of the young person, and the interests and skills of the mentor. In general, mentors and youth get together once a week and may go out for coffee and conversation, attend a community event or cook and share a meal together, for example. In Housing Mentoring, we arrange for a young person to live in the home of a supportive adult mentor. The actual nature of the arrangement may vary; in some cases, youth may be paying all their own expenses, but getting support from the mentor in whose home they live. In other cases, the young person may almost become a member of the mentor's family.

All mentors undergo a thorough orientation and screening process before they are eligible to be matched with a youth. Mentors must agree to program policies that define the parameters of mentor-youth relationships. Mentors also receive ongoing support and training once they are accepted into the program. If you are an adult who is interested in becoming a community mentor, or you can provide housing for a young person, please call Leslie, the Program Coordinator, at (416) 324-5082 or e-mail soymentoring@sherbourne.on.ca to begin the orientation and screening process.

COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) has played an important role in the development and operation of SOY since 1997. Although it lacks legal and fiscal responsibility, it has always played an important role in overseeing the operation of SOY, being involved in the hiring of staff, representing SOY in the community, and ensuring community accountability.

As CAC members, volunteers are expected to attend monthly committee meetings, as well as any additional meetings with community members, sponsors, and staff members as deemed necessary. Skills required of committee members include volunteer recruitment, service development, policy development, human resources, reporting, community relations, events planning, finance, fundraising and an understanding of the history and development of SOY.

BILL 7 COMMITTEE
Trustees of Bill 7 are formal members of the Trust and are legally responsible for it. Trustees are appointed by the signatory organizations of Bill 7. Trustees are responsible for the implementation of the Award, fundraising investment strategies, the screening of candidates, and the presentation of the bursary. The role of the Bill 7 Award committee members is to provide support to the Trustees.

GROUP FACILITATORS
Volunteer facilitators are responsible for the facilitation of the various initiatives that SOY operates. The role of the facilitator is to provide leadership for the group and support for its members, and to offer guidance in the activities and the direction of the group. Group facilitation requires strong communication and listening skills, planning and motivational skills, flexibility, confidence, patience, and an understanding of group dynamics.

EVENTS
(Fruit Loopz, Pride Prom, Bowl-a-thon, fundraisers, etc.)
Volunteers for SOY events are asked to perform various tasks as required for the many exciting events that SOY organizes throughout the year. This includes such things as promotion, assisting with the planning of events, setting up, helping to co-ordinate and run the events. Enthusiasm, confidence, communication skills, creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork are essential. Involvement varies depending on the event and the volunteer's level of interest and availability.