Volunteer Core Skills Training
To become a Program Volunteer (a volunteer delivering programs and services), you must complete 20 hours of Volunteer Core Skills Training.
Once you have successfully completed all sessions and received a Certificate of Completion, you will go on to complete specific training in the program area you have selected. Core Skills is offered in the spring, and fall.
Core Skills Training FAQs
1) Do I need to attend all sessions?
Yes, unless you have made special arrangements with ACT's Program Volunteer Coordinator .
2) What do I do if I can't make a session?
Call and leave a message for ACT's Program Volunteer Coordinator.
3) Do I need to bring anything?
No, just your enthusiasm and energy!
4) Will food be provided?
Yes, a light meal/snacks will be served for the evening sessions and a light lunch/snacks for the Saturday sessions. Coffee, tea, juice, fruit and snacks will be available at all sessions.
Core Skills Training Curriculum
Session One: Introduction to Volunteering/Team Building:
What brings us here? What to expect from the training program. Getting to know one another. Review of volunteer policies and procedures. Discussion on group guidelines, confidentiality and boundaries. Agency orientation and introductions.
Session Two: HIV/AIDS 101 and Psycho-social Issues
Morning Session: HIV/AIDS 101
Basics of HIV/AIDS, testing, treatment, transmission and prevention, safer sex, risk reduction.
Afternoon Session: Psycho-Social Issues
Recognizing how social, psychological, racial, economic, gender and sexual orientation issues are connected with HIV/AIDS. Defining social determinants of health and how they affect the individual.
Session Three: Concepts in Communication
Learn how to communicate effectively with clients, staff and other volunteers. Develop active listening techniques and enhance your practical communication skills.
Session Four: Assessment and Referral
Learn how to assess clients needs and make appropriate referrals to services at ACT and other community organizations.
Session Five: Anti-Oppression and Cultural Competence
Learn about the nature of oppression and how it impacts service users at ACT. Examine methods of dealing with discrimination. This is an opportunity to identify, understand and challenge the barriers we face when working together and providing services.
Session Six: Volunteer Opportunities/Closure
Find out about the many volunteer opportunities and up-coming job specific trainings. Overall wrap-up of training and group closure.