VOLUNTEER IN TRAINING (VIT)

Through the VIT service, Between Friends gives our members the opportunity to learn the skills to become a volunteer in a safe and inclusive environment. Volunteers in Training (VITs) are given the chance to volunteer in W.E.S.O.A.R! and/or Camp Bonaventure. 

Between Friends trains a VIT Leader to join members at the program they are volunteering with, and provide inclusion support, as well as guidance to the VIT. The VIT Leader will act as a mentor for the VIT and the Program Leaders, in order to create an inclusive learning environment. Once the VIT, Program Leader, and VIT Leader feel ready, the VIT can begin volunteering in the program without the support of the VIT Leader.

The VIT Leader does not act as a 1:1 community aide, or respite worker.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

To participate in the VIT Services, the member must:

• Be a current Between Friends member
• Be at least 16 years of age
• Be independent in personal care and require minimal behaviour support OR attend with the additional support of a community aide or respite worker
• Have an interest and desire to volunteer
• Allow a security clearance and vulnerable sector check to be completed on them by the City of Calgary Police (at no charge to the volunteer)
• Allow a Child Welfare Background Check to be completed on them by the Alberta Children’s Services. Volunteers who have any involvement in the Child Welfare System may be dismissed.
• Be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, as per the Between Friends Board approved company policies. Please see the Government of Alberta’s website to define what is considered to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in the province of Alberta and to determine vaccination status.

REGISTRATION

Contact us at volunteers@betweenfriends.ab.ca for more information about the VIT service, and to get the registration process started.

The VIT service runs in three sessions throughout the year:

• Winter W.E.S.O.A.R! (February – April)
• Camp Bonaventure (2 weeks in July or August)
• Fall W.E.S.O.A.R! (September – November)

VIT SERVICE FEES

Access to the VIT service is a perk of your Between Friends membership. There are no additional fees for VIT services, beyond the cost of your membership.