VOLUNTEERING AT THE RRC
| Do you have some free time on your hands? |
The Rainbow Resource Centre (RRC) is one of the longest, continuously run Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Two-Spirit, Intersex, Queer, Questioning and Ally (LGBTT*) centres in North America. The RRC was exclusively run by volunteers since its inception in 1972 and continues to rely heavily on the support of volunteers in a variety of capacities. Currently, a skilled team of staff and volunteers work together on an everyday basis to provide essential support and information to individuals, communities and families across Manitoba and North Western Ontario. Without volunteers, the RRC and other non-profit organizations would not exist. WHAT IS A VOLUNTEER? BENEFITS & IMPORTANCE VOLUNTEERING WITH THE RRC:
Volunteering may be personally energizing, renewing, and/or rewarding. By volunteering with the RRC, you are also enhancing the intensity and quality of programs and services the RRC currently provides to Manitoba, and North Western Ontario LGBTT* individuals, communities and families via our Vision, Mission, and Value Statements. A little does go a long way. You and the RRC produce a shared and valuable relationship. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT THE RAINBOW RESOURCE CENTRE MAY INCLUDE:
For descriptions of these volunteer opportunities, please contact the Programming Coordinator > phone: (204) 284.3404 or email: volunteer@rainbowresourcecentre.org. We ask that folks volunteer for 5 hours per month for 6 months (minimum). The majority of our volunteer opportunities occur Monday through Friday evenings. Volunteer hours may vary based on the volunteer opportunity selected. All volunteer opportunities require training and commitment to the Rainbow Resource Centre Volunteer Agreement. REFERENCES: CRIMINAL RECORD & CHILD ABUSE REGISTRY CHECKS: APPLICATION FORMS: Completed Applications may be dropped off, mailed, or faxed in confidence to the Rainbow Resource Centre Programming Coordinator via Please note: Not all volunteer opportunities may be available at the time of application. Submitting an application does not guarantee RRC Volunteer Program acceptance. Processing applications takes time. Please be patient. Only successful candidates will be contacted. Thank you. CONTACTING THE PROGRAMMING COORDINATOR: WHAT SOME OF OUR VOLUNTEERS HAVE SAID: At one point I used to think that I was a very informed member of the Queer community. Until I started volunteering at Rainbow Resource Centre, that is! Volunteering at Rainbow has opened my eyes up to ALL of the community, rather than the average queers that go to the gay bars. Not only have I been accepted into a warm comfortable environment but I am now able to represent the Centre in the same way that I was greeted in. The Centre has enriched and empowered my sense of belonging, as well as given me a direction of goals to work towards in my life itself. - Centre Ambassador Volunteer. Being on the Peer Support Line, I get a chance to update myself on information on recent topics within the community. It is beneficial for me and the callers as we both receive more accurate and unbiased information. With such information, I can assist not only those who call the phone line, but also providing educational information to the colleagues around me. ...The staff and volunteers at RRC are unbeatable. The individuals I have had the pleasure of working with are truly dedicated and caring individuals who serve their community and the individuals within the organization far superior to any other organization I have ever worked with. It is fantastic to be a part of an organization where the board, staff and volunteers are on the same page. It is a place where everyone has a common goal of striving for and creating a happy, healthy resource for the community. Volunteering at RRC is something I take great pride in, and I look forward to many more years working with the Rainbow Resource Centre! - Peer Support Line and Library Volunteer. The centre is a very friendly and welcoming place to be whether you are there to volunteer or to take part in the many resources that are offered. It provides opportunities to meet new people and learn new skills. If you are considering volunteering, I believe it would be a great decision and can be very rewarding. - Centre Ambassador Volunteer. As peer support is defined as when people provide emotional or practical help to each other, I can personally relate to some concerns that the callers may have. I believe that if I can guide one person who may be going through an emotional distress into a more positive direction, it is already a huge accomplishment. That person may take their new positive attitude and help those that are around him or her. - Peer Support Line Volunteer. As a married woman who came out in adulthood (at 39), I was required to re-establish nearly my entire life. As I am not one to spend a lot of time at the bar or participate in sporting events, volunteering has provided me a safe, positive place to be an active LGBTTQA* community member. It has also given me some structure and support in building my new life. And my previous work experience allowed me to share my skills and abilities for the benefit of the Centre. I have been fortunate to work with Rune and a few other AWESOME library-committee members/volunteers. The best part is we have lots of laughs while we work. We share a love of books, the LGBTTQA* community, and RRC’s library. We are committed to making the library user friendly and appealing to the community. - Library Volunteer. I believe that volunteering is just one of the ways to give back to the community and to build an even stronger support for others. - Peer Support Line Volunteer. Click here to download the Volunteer Application Form (.pdf) |