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~Aboriginal Family Support Program~Aboriginal Healthy Babies Program
~Akwego Program
~Employment Referral & Training Program
~Leaders of Tomorrow - Youth Leadership Program
~Shawenjeagamik Drop In Centre
~Sweetgrass Home Child Care Agency
~Urban Aboriginal Aboriginal Alternative High School
~Urban Aboriginal Healthy Living Program
AKWE: GO VOLUNTEER PHILOSOPHY
AKWE: GO means "everyone" in Mohawk, and we believe, program helpers can include everyone. Volunteers are active partners with staff in pursuing excellence of AKWE: GO's mission. Volunteers are true partners of equal status with staff, yet with a unique and different role from that of staff. The AKWE: GO program and services are enhanced and supported by the contribution of volunteers.
AKWE: GO believes in:
The provision of a beneficial and structured program which incorporates a variety of services to AKWE: GO clientele
Providing volunteer opportunities for individuals from a variety of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds
Promoting personal growth and satisfaction of the programs volunteers
Providing community awareness related to children's Aboriginal culture.
Volunteers Contribute Invaluable Service and More!
AKWE: GO recognizes that volunteers contribute in numerous and various means to enhance programming services and care provided.
Volunteers:
Bring a fresh community perspective and keep us current
Bring a vast pool of knowledge, skills, and experience to their positions
Provide a broad perspective with new ideas
Help keep us accountable to our mission and ensure we focus on the delivery of quality care and service
Help make the AKWE: GO program part of the community it serves and makes the community part of AKWE: GO
Receiving assistance from a volunteer (rather than an employee) makes a difference.BEFORE YOU VOLUNTEER
Know yourself
What are you interested in?
What are your strengths and skills?
How could you best contribute?
Why do you want to volunteer?
What are your limitations (abilities, time, etc.)?
What time and energy commitments are you willing and able to make?
Know about the AKWE: GO Program
Are you aware of the Aboriginal community in Ottawa?
Explain your understanding of AKWE: GO's program purpose?
Learn about various organizations' goals and volunteer opportunities.
Don't hesitate to explore several opportunities before deciding. It is important to have a good fit between a volunteer's interests and skills, and the organization's needs.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
personal satisfaction
give back or help others
gain work-related experience
new skills and interests ie. New career interests
develop personal traits and skills
a deeper understanding of people/person/persons
keep busy
excellent networking opportunities
letter of reference
potential friendships
learn of a culture first-hand
HOW TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER AT THE AKWE:GO PROGRAM
What you should know :
1. Applications are accepted at any time of the year.
2. Information can be obtained by calling (613) 722-3811 Ext 243 or sending an e-mail to:
3. Prior to starting volunteer work, all applicants are required to
• provide two references (preferably school or work-related, please no family members)
• provide a clear Police Records Check
• recommended to have First Aid/CPR certification
4. Volunteers must be willing to sign AKWE: GO's statement of confidentiality.
5. Attend an in-person interview which requires potential volunteers to talk about themselves, their skills, and their reasons for wanting to volunteer.
VOLUNTEER ATTRIBUTES
Creativity
Spontaneity
Ability to be flexible
Knowledgeable of child development
Sensitivity to staff & clientele
Assertiveness
Responsibility of clientele safety
Willingness to work as part of a team - taking [& at-times] initiating direction
Approachability
For further Akwe:go Information, Contact:
Margo Walsh
Akwe:go Worker
Odawa Native Friendship Centre
12 Stirling Ave.
Ottawa, ON
K1Y 1P8
(T) 613-722-3811 ext. 243
(F) 613-722-4667
http://www.odawa.on.ca/programs/akwego.htm