Volunteer Training

The first step to becoming a volunteer with Rebeccas Community is to attend an Information Night.

If you would like to proceed with your application after the Information Night, we ask for two personal referees that we can phone.

You will also be required to sign a declaration about your criminal history and any relevant offenses - as per child protection legislation requires.

At this point applicants then complete the relevant training.

This is conducted by staff and senior volunteers in conjunction with people who are homeless and in some cases includes guest presenters from relevant service providers or government departments.

The initial training is made up of several workshops to prepare you for membership of Rebeccas Community and Outreach. The following topics are covered mainly in the initial training / some in ongoing training:

Philosophy / Framework:

• Homelessness & Houselessness
• Institutionalization
• Self Determination
• Empowerment
• Social Justice
• Power - give it away / Permission Cycle
• Ministry of Presence
• The outreach process - streetwork / jail work
• Action Learning

Policies & Procedures

• Referrals
• Working with Other Service Providers
• Confidentiality
• Boundaries
• Team Safety & the Outreach Environment
• Risk Management
• Organizational Structure
• Roles & Responsibilities
• Volunteer Recognition
• Rights, Responsibilities & Grievances
• Information Management

Relevant Knowledge Bases:

• About being homeless / in prison
• Body Language
• Effective Communication
• Working with Jazmin (our puppy)
• Relevant Legislation
• Criminal Justice System
• Drug & Alcohol
• Mental Illness
• Suicide, Self Harming
• Teams that work
• Communities that work
• Practical Workshop on the Street

While this may sound like a lot to learn, it is at an introductory level - designed to give you enough information so you have an awareness and enough understanding to perform your role.

There is a focus in our work of 'keeping it simple.'

We are not training you to be Youth Workers or Social Workers - it is during the practical work of doing outreach that the real learning takes place.

The experience of being a part of Rebeccas Community and doing outreach work with us is as much about what you contribute to others as it is about the volunteer experience being an investment in your personal growth.

Volunteer