volunteer qualifications & expectations

conference facilitators

We are seeking people who:

Relate well to youth in general, and especially to those who are in conflict with the law;
Willing to adhere to the principles of restorative justice;
Have excellent communication skills;
Have a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of community members;
Are seeking to enhance their group facilitation and conflict resolution skills;
Are at least 19 years old;
Are able to provide their own transportation for program activities;
Are willing to complete a criminal background check.

Commitment
Our facilitators receive extensive and on-going training in order to effectively carry out their responsibilities. We require facilitators to commit to the following requirement:

You will attend a 25-hour program orientation and skill development training. This training will be scheduled over a three month period, and will be delivered one evening per week, plus an occasional Saturday workshop.
You will commit to the facilitation of at least 4 cases once training has been completed (one case takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks to complete, with subsequent follow-up).
You are willing to complete a criminal background check.
On-going Training and Practice: Skills development sessions are held bi-monthly. Facilitators are encouraged to attend all six, but are required to attend at least three to maintain their active volunteer facilitator status. We are continually growing, and expect our volunteers to grow with us.

Training Topics
As a restorative justice facilitator, you will receive training in the following areas:

Restorative Justice, the Criminal Justice System, and Youth Justice Issues
CERA Youth Justice Program
Communication skills (active listening, conflict resolution and mediation, etc)
Confidentiality Policies and Abuse Disclosures
Making referrals to community agencies
Community resources
Role Plays: All volunteers are expected to participate in role-plays. Of particular importance is the completion of a "full" conference role-play, in which volunteers are assessed in their facilitation skills. Fellow volunteers are asked to complete a written assessment of their peers' work and progress, based on their observations. Debriefing, feedback and discussion follows.

Program Manager Feedback

After completing their training, facilitators meet for debrief after each facilitation. Files are assigned so that less experienced facilitators are matched with those with more experience and training until beginners are sufficiently comfortable with the process and have developed the relevant facilitation skills to be primary facilitator on a case. Ongoing skills development is designed to satisfy issues identified during debrief.
Regular evaluation sessions are held with volunteers to identify individual strengths and growing areas in need of work and further training.

general volunteers

We are seeking volunteers who:

Are willing to adhere to the principles of the restorative justice;
Have excellent communication skills;
Possess strong interpersonal skills with people of all ages;
Are willing to give their time and skills to advancing the work of restorative justice in the communities CERA serves;
Are goal and results oriented;
Can take initiative and work with minimal supervision;
Have a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of community members;
Are willing to complete a criminal background check.

board members

We seek volunteers who:

Want to make a difference in our communities;
Are willing to learn and adhere to the principles of the restorative justice;
Desire working with like-minded people to grow restorative justice;
Seek to utilize their professional and/or personal skills to assist CERA maintain and expand their vision, goals, support, programs and services;
Can commit to a two year term;
Possess strong time management, interpersonal and communication skills;
Hold optimistic, resourceful and collaborative perspectives
Are willing to complete a criminal background check.

Board directors receive a full orientation after election to learn about restorative justice, CERA programs, nonprofit Boards and the roles and responsibilities of the CERA Board and its directors. All directors are supported and encouraged to exercise their personal initiative to expand their knowledge, skills and networks in restorative justice, nonprofit management and board operations to assist in the growth of our Society.

Commitment:

A two year term per election;
Active and supportive participation in all Board endeavours;
Four to six hours per month for meetings and/or Society events;
Monthly board meetings from 7:00 – 9:00 pm on the fourth Thursday of each month except December and August;
Monthly meetings on one standing committee and ad hoc committees as necessary to meet set tasks and goals;
In-house Society events, community events and other activities to enhance the Society’s strength and promote restorative justice.

student interns

Please contact CERA at info@cerasociety.org