Community Call: Apply to be a Co-Pilot

ROLE: Co-Pilot Volunteer Team
REPORTS TO: Co-Pilot Program Coordinator
WHERE: The National Capital Region, mostly downtown Ottawa: On the ground, at parties, festivals, and community events
TIME: 8+ hours/month | 4-month minimum commitment + ~12 hrs free training

ABOUT MAX

MAX Ottawa is where queer and trans people turn for real talk, real support, and real community. For over two decades, we’ve been showing up for 2SGBTQ+ people across the National Capital Region with health and wellness programs grounded in lived experience. Born from the HIV response and evolved for today’s changing health realities, MAX is here to connect, empower, and advocate in our community.

ABOUT THE MAX CO-PILOT ROLE

Think of our Co-Pilot Team as the calm in the chaos, the support crew in the party scene. We’re the friendly, grounded presence with an eye on the vibes and the safety of Ottawa’s partygoers and event attendees  

As a Co-Pilot, you’ll be:

• Holding down harm reduction tables—restocking, chatting, distributing supplies
• Answering questions and supporting partygoers, hosts, staff, and performers
• Scanning the venue for folks who might need help or a gentle check-in
• Backing up organizers & event crews with knowledge, presence, and care

You’re not security. You’re not a buzzkill. You are a trusted presence who knows how to read a room, connect without judgment, and support without ego. You’ve got strong boundaries, a cool head, and a community-first mindset.

WHO YOU ARE

• Socially tuned-in, emotionally intelligent, and unphased by drugs and alcohol;
• Comfortable talking about substance use, sex, mental health, and consent;
• Ready to engage with people of all identities, ages, and walks of life;
• Equally chill in high-energy party settings and low-key community spaces.

It is helpful, though not required, if you have a background in social work, nursing, medicine, community service and/or harm reduction.

THE GIG

You’ll sign up for shifts at events throughout the summer and beyond. 

Depending on the event, perks may include:

• Free entry
• Meals
• Access to up-to-date training sessions
• Networking with creatives, advocates, and change-makers

All Co-Pilots are expected to respect MAX policies and bring their A-game when it comes to communication, collaboration, and ethical decision-making.

AVAILABILITY 

Co-Pilot volunteers MUST be available for the following training date and will be completing in person and online training modules. 

JULY 12-13 – St. John’s Ambulance First Aid Training (Specialized Substance Use specific module) 

READY TO CO-PILOT?

You don’t need to be a harm reduction expert—we’ll train you. You do need to care about community, show up consistently, and be down to hold space when it matters. Bilingualism/multilingualism is also an asset in this role. 

Ready to Co-Pilot: fill out the form below to register for the upcoming training! If you have any questions, send us a message at info@maxottawa.ca.

Let’s keep our community safer, together.