Volunteer Opportunity: Peer Facilitator - Now What?
Role Title: Peer Facilitator
Program: Now What? – Psychosocial group for gay men (50+)
Reports to: Community Program Coordinator
Location: Ottawa (in-person, various meetup sites)
Time Commitment: 4–8 hours/month | Minimum 6-month commitment
ABOUT MAX
MAX Ottawa has been working to improve the health and wellbeing of 2SLGBTQ+ people in the National Capital Region for over 20 years. As a community-based organization with a history in the HIV response, MAX is on the ground, meeting community members where they’re at, and offering social and support services, information, and referrals that meet their needs. MAX also works with healthcare and other service providers to improve the quality of care available in the region.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Been There. Done That. Now What? is a casual, peer-led conversation group for gay, bisexual, queer, and trans (GBTQ+) men over 50 to connect, share experiences, and build community. The Peer Facilitators will work together to organize and host monthly sessions that bring people together for meaningful conversations rooted in inclusion, accessibility, and fun. They will work closely with MAX staff to plan topics, promote sessions, and ensure programming aligns with both community interests and MAX’s strategic goals. They will also help strengthen connections with community partners, such as the Ottawa Senior Pride Network.
ABOUT YOU
You’re someone with lived experience as a GBTQ+ man over 50—or with strong familiarity with the realities faced by this community. You value the wisdom, resilience, and perspectives that come with age and experience, and you’re excited to create spaces where guys can connect and feel affirmed. You’re comfortable leading group conversations, or you’re eager to grow into that role with support from MAX staff. You bring an inclusive, trauma-informed approach to your work, and you understand the importance of making spaces accessible to folks with diverse needs and backgrounds. You’re organized and dependable when it comes to coordinating details like scheduling, set-up, and follow-up, and you’re a strong communicator who enjoys collaboration.
You’re also able to commit to one session per month (plus prep and follow-up), along with occasional check-ins with MAX staff and partners.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Co-coordinate and facilitate monthly community programming for GBTQ+ men over the age of 50;
- Ensure that discussion topics represent a balance of community interests;
- Ensure that discussion topics are reflective of MAX’s programmatic and health promotion goals;
- Ensure that programming is reflective of the diversity of the community, is trauma-informed, and accounts for the needs of community members with disabilities and those who speak languages other than English;
- Work with the Community Programs Coordinator to organize the scheduling, materials preparation, set-up, and tear-down of monthly Now What? sessions;
- Collaborate with other MAX staff to ensure accurate data collection and reporting, including attendance lists, participant evaluations, guest speakers, topics of discussion, and other activities;
- Collaborate with other MAX staff to ensure program promotion and recruitment needs are met;
- Support the work of partners like the Ottawa Senior Pride Network, as needed;
- Assist the Director of People and Culture with the recruitment, training, and management of volunteers related to the programming;
In addition to compliance with all organizational policies and procedures, Peer Facilitators are expected to behave ethically, demonstrate competence in effective communication and team building, demonstrate effectiveness in working in a collaborative environment, and demonstrate confidence in decision-making and in building relationships.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
In this role, you can also expect to:
- Receive an orientation and regular support from the MAX team
- Learn about health topics and community wellness that align with MAX’s mission
- Build on your leadership and facilitation skills in a supportive environment
- Meet new people in the community and foster friendships amongst participants
- Help build healthier, more connected lives for peers in your community
- Use your lived experience to work with community partners and create a meaningful impact
TO APPLY
If you’re interested in this role, reach out to us at volunteer@maxottawa.ca and feel free to send us a bit about yourself. That could include a resume, a short written introduction, and/or a video letting us know why you’d be a good fit for this role.