Atira Women's Resource Society

What services does your organization provide?
Atira provides a range of services not only in the Vancouver's Downtown Eastside (DTES) but also in Surrey and White Rock. Services offered in the DTES include:

Numerous housing and shelter programs
Legal Advocacy
Stopping the Violence Counseling
Homelessness Outreach Support
Self Employment Initiatives (Enterprising Women Making Art, Painter Sisters Painting Company)

Do you have any age requirements?
18 and older

Do you require language proficiency other than in English?
Any second language is an asset

What time commitment(s) are you expecting from a volunteer?
3-6 hours per week

Are there any other requirements for being a volunteer?
Commitment to a minimum of 6 months

Are there any specific skills and experience required?

• Interest and competence in working with women and children in a feminist based, harm-reduction environment
• Have a well-developed analysis of the impact/legacy of colonization and assimilation and the resulting impact on First Nations, Metis and Inuit women
• Be open to working with women who are struggling with substance use and/or mental & spiritual wellness
• Understand and be at ease working within a harm reduction framework
  Non-judgemental of women

What type of volunteer positions are typically available?
In program volunteering (providing services directly to women and children)
Administrative
Accounting
Donation organization and sorting

Do you provide training for volunteers?
Yes - two training sessions.
1 - Orientation of Atira and our philosophy
2- Program Orientation including tour, meeting staff and learning more about the specific volunteer role

What are the typical volunteer activities occurring at your organization?
Planning activities for women to participate in (i.e. leading an arts workshop, planning a walking group, helping at a community kitchen, helping with the community garden, helping with child care, etc.)

Administrative tasks such as filing, scanning and organizing.

Donations sorting and organization

How will a person benefit from volunteering with Atira Women's Resource Society?
Volunteers at Atira Women's Resource Society have the opportunity to work directly with women and children affected by violence and can truly make a difference in the community. Volunteers have the opportunity to build relationships with the women who access our services and are there to support the women in whatever they need.

Volunteers will also have the opportunity to learn new skills such as organizational skills, taking ownership and being flexible and adaptable. They will also learn about what it means to be a feminist based, anti-oppressive, harm reduction organization.

Do you accept high school students?
No