Position Description:
The CRUW Program brings Aboriginal youth in foster care together with non--Aboriginal inner city youth to engage in culturally relevant land-- based practices promoting holistic and sustainable urban wellness. Program objectives include:
- Honouring Our Diversity, and applying ancestral Aboriginal knowledge and practice to contemporary urban living;
- Emotional and Cultural Competence towards breaking down stereotypes, bullying and discrimination;
- Holistic Urban Wellness, emphasizing the prevention and reduction of substance misuse and healthy life transitions; and
- Mentorship, emphasizing peer mentorship and Aboriginal Elder--youth connections.
The CRUW program runs for 16--sessions, every second Saturday, at the UBC Farm from March to October. The program accepts 18 Aboriginal and 9 non--Aboriginal youth and hires 4 youth mentors annually. Participants are split into 3 groups, and rotate through 3 activity blocks each session: 1 garden block; 1 block related to a program objective; and 1 team--building and reflection block.
Each youth group in CRUW is led by a group leader who is supported by a youth worker, a youth mentor and a volunteer. CRUW is seeking 8 Volunteers to provide support for a minimum of one session per month between March and October. This position also requires attending the initial staff and volunteer orientation, and being available for 30 minutes between sessions to debrief the group staffing team. Volunteers are paired and assigned to either a specific youth group or the CRUW garden coordinator. One of the volunteer positions (shared by 2 volunteers) will provide the opportunity to work exclusively alongside the CRUW Garden Coordinator. This is a great opportunity especially for those interested in gaining experience with land--based youth work, place--based education, and growing food and medicine plants. Pairs on volunteers can attend every second session, or develop a schedule for attending the program that suits the specific needs of their schedules. The 2014 CRUW dates are as follows: March 15 (staff orientation), March 22, April 5, April 19, May 3, May 17, May 31, June 14, June 28, July 12, July 26, August 9, August 23, September 6, September 20, October 4 and October 18. Volunteers interested in applying are recommended to watch our video for more information and context on the program: vacfss.com/programs/cruw.
Responsibilities:
- Act as a positive role model for youth
- Engage with youth who need extra support and provide 1 on 1 opportunities
- Provide extra support to youth and staff during lunch time
- Support group leader as needed
Qualifications:
- Enthusiasm for working with young people in outdoor setting, rain or shine
- Criminal Record Check (to be provided by VACFSS)
- Preference will be given to candidates with knowledge of ancestral and contemporary Aboriginal society and culture, and/or experience working with Aboriginal youth
To Apply:
Please email a resume and cover letter to Jeff Schiffer, VACFSS Special Projects Officer:jeff_schiffer@vacfss.com. We will be accepting applications until Friday February 28th at 4:30pm.
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