Youth Blogging Volunteer Application

Please fill out the application form provided below.

Checklist

Welcome to the application process to become a ConnecTeen Youth Blogging Volunteer.

Please complete ALL of the following items on this checklist, prior to submitting your application package.

✔ Part I – Application

✔ Part II – Current Résumé

✔ Part III – Submission of written work

✔ Part IV – One Letter of reference

  • Work, Volunteer or Academic References only (no personal references such as family, friends, etc.).
  • Letter is to speak to qualifications listed below

Youth Program Volunteer Job Description

Mission Statement:

Provide compassionate, accessible crisis support that enhances the health, well-being and resiliency of individuals in distress.

Vision Statement:

Everyone is heard.

Distress Centre Core Values

Accessibility Collaboration Compassion Excellence Inclusivity
Innovation Leadership Partnerships Respect Volunteerism

For the last 40 years, Distress Centre has provided 24-hour support lines, crisis counselling and referral services to anyone in need. We give people from all walks of life the immediate emotional and mental support they need to overcome crisis—whatever it may be. Together, staff and volunteers create a unique culture and supportive work environment that sets us apart. Our staff do not simply have an interest in helping, but share a commitment to achieving results. Distress Centre provides the support, resources, and opportunities needed to grow and create change for our community.

ConnecTeen is Distress Centre’s youth peer support service, providing a safe, confidential, non-judgmental and easily-accessible space for youth to talk about their problems with other youth. Help is available 24 hours a day by calling 403.264.TEEN (8336) or through email, daily online crisis chat, or text messaging accessible at www.CalgaryConnecTeen.com. Our highly trained youth volunteers are between the ages of 15 – 21 and provide support to teens who are struggling, have questions or just need someone to talk to.

As a ConnecTeen Blogging volunteer you will assist in the creation of monthly blog posts for the ConnecTeen website. These posts may include both written and visual responses. Posts will be based on the issues we address through ConnecTeen services, awareness campaigns or events, and other youth related topics of interest.

Qualifications

  • 15 to 21 inclusive
  • Demonstrate exceptional time management and ability to meet deadlines
  • Display ability to work independently
  • Proficient written English skills

Training

  • One ConnecTeen Observation Shift – 5 hours
  • One at home training session and statement of learning
  • Blogging volunteers will have the option to attend part or all of the regular training sessions that are available to crisis volunteers.

Length of Commitment

Blogging volunteers will be expected to send in a two blog posts per month for a minimum of six months.  Blogging volunteers are also encouraged to attend monthly developmental trainings and quarterly ConnecTeen team meetings to stay connected to the organization and provide insight for possible blog post topics.

Obligations

As a volunteer, you will consider and agree to the terms stated below:

  • As a Youth Program Volunteer, I agree to meet my commitment of 2 blog entries per month for a minimum of six months
  • I agree to meet the deadlines for blog posts as agreed upon between myself and my mentor
  • I agree to follow and adhere to the policies and procedures of the Distress Centre
  • I will attend developmental training, ConnecTeen community events and ConnecTeen team meetings as I am able
  • I understand my work will be evaluated on an ongoing basis
  • If I do not fulfill the aforementioned commitments, I am aware my status as a volunteer will be reviewed

Benefits

As an organization built around volunteers, the quality of our services is only as good as the quality of our volunteer experience. And we are proud to say that both are exceptional. We have adopted the Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement (CCVI) to ensure you have a meaningful and fulfilling volunteer experience.

There are many benefits to volunteering at Distress Centre. Here’s just a few:

  • Contribute to the ongoing development of original ConnecTeen Website Content
  • Develop and enhance many skills in:
    • Writing
    • Self-awareness
    • Creative expression
    • Knowledge of current youth issues
  • Reference Letter

* Selection is without discrimination and is based on available positions *

Distress Centre is a non-smoking facility.

Part I: Please complete the following information

    Full Name (First, Middle, Last)

    Date (yyyy-mm-dd)

    Address (e.g. 300 1010 8th Avenue SW Calgary Alberta T2P 1J2)

    Home Phone

    Cell Phone

    Work Phone

    *Work Phone only used to discuss shift scheduling confirmation/changes

    Email Address

    Emergency Contact Info

    Full Name (First, Middle, Last)

    Relationship

    Primary Contact#

    Information

    How did you hear about Distress Centre / Connecteen?

    Please, specify if "Referral" or "Other" chosen

    Commitment

    Are you willing and able to make a commitment of 2 blog posts per month for a minimum period of six months?
    YesNo
    Please list any challenges you may have with the above:

    Read Before Signing

    If accepted as a volunteer, I agree to adhere to the agency’s policies in the volunteer manual, and to honor expectations outlined in the job description

    YesNo

    Are you between the ages of 15-21?
    (Must be 15-21 inclusive to work with the ConnecTeen program)

    YesNo

    Please sign and date to confirm information

    Date (yyyy-mm-dd)
    I agree to give Distress Centre permission to conduct routine screening processes (includes contacting references if needed, submitting police and child welfare checks, etc.).

    *Selection is without discrimination and is conditional upon suitability of volunteers. *

    All information on this form will be kept confidential, unless harm to self or others is disclosed
    Information collected will only be used for the purposes of volunteer management. No personal info is shared outside of Distress Centre

    Part II: Résumé

    Please upload your Résumé (pdf, doc, docx, txt)

    Part III: Written Submission

    Please provide a sample of your writing on a youth related issue. (maximum 300 words)

    Part IV: Letter of Reference

    I grant permission to contact the references submitted with my application for additional information, if necessary

    Please upload Letter of Reference

    Contact Info

    For further details contact:

    Distress Centre
    300, 1010 8th Ave SW
    Calgary AB T2P 1J2    		 Phone: 403.266.1634
    Fax: 403.262.2512
    Email: volunteer@distresscentre.com
    Web: www.calgaryconnecteen.com