Event Calendar

Volunteer

HIM is a great place to share your time and talents. We’re looking for energetic people with specific skill sets and a passion for community. Visit this section often to see what volunteers opportunities are available.

Currently we are looking to fill the following volunteer positions:

- Monday Night Condom packaging Volunteers

- Yoga Instructor

- Professional Counsellors

- Peer Support Volunteers

- Outreach Volunteers

Read below for more information on these positions.....

Monday Condom Packaging Volunteers (every 2nd Monday) – February 7 2012

Join the guys at HIM on Monday nights as our team of dedicated volunteers packages condoms and lube for distribution to gay guys. This social group is known for its lively conversation and free meals from our donors.

The group runs 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Monday nights at the HIM Offices, 310-1033 Davie Street.

You can drop in or let us know you're coming by emailing daniel@checkhimout.ca.

Yoga Instructors – February 7 2012

HIM is committed to expanding its services that focus on gay men’s physical health. To achieve this we run annual summer outdoor and winter indoor exercise programs and a year round yoga program. To help us realize our goals we are looking to recruit a team of volunteer fitness instructors to lead our groups.

Our fitness groups are usually based in the West End; however we are always looking for opportunities to work in communities around the Lower Mainland.

Link to the Mission:

The Mission of HIM is to strengthen gay men’s health and well-being. More information about Health Initiative for Men is available at our website www.checkhimout.ca. HIM takes an integrated approach to health working on the areas of physical, sexual, mental and social health.

HIM provides an openly gay, sex positive, professional and progressive workplace that’s enjoyable and energizing.

Any gay identified man has the right to quality services without discrimination as to race, creed, colour, place of origin, ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship, political affiliation, religious affiliation, age, marital status, family relationship, health status, economic status, identity, disability or record of offences.

Preferred Qualifications:

Certified as a group fitness instructor or personal trainer

Self-identified as a gay or queer man
Basic computer proficiency
Prior experience with record keeping

Time Commitment:

We expect that our volunteer instructors will lead one fitness group at least once per week (Monday to Thursday) for 10/12 weeks.

Deliverables:

We expect that professional instructors will work from their own perspective and training background – however they will abide by some basic policy and procedures of HIM.
Gain a thorough understanding of the HIM’s objectives, programs and services.
Ensure participants are welcome and have the best fitness experience possible.
Work with individual participants to maximize their fitness experience and accommodate their comfort level.

Accountability:

Instructors will be responsible to and fully supported by a HIM staff program manager.

Benefits:

You will have the chance to contribute as a volunteer to an innovative organization dedicated to strengthening health and well-being of gay men in your community. This opportunity will provide volunteers with training, hands-on experience in community health promotion, and ongoing involvement in activities and events related to gay men’s health.

Recognition:

Health Initiative for Men will provide an endorsement of the instructors volunteering with us. They will be listed on our web site (linked to their personal site if appropriate) and participants wishing to continue with a private instructor will be given the choice of accessing instructors endorsed by HIM. HIM will also serve as a reference if appropriate.

If you're interested in volunteering to be a Fitness Instructor, please contact darren@checkhimout.ca.

Professional Counsellors/Therapists – February 7 2012

For 2011, HIM is expanding its counselling service for gay men and we are looking for volunteers who would like to become HIM Professional Counsellors.

Volunteer counsellors work in HIM’s clinic setting and aim to provide reliable information, appropriate referrals, and emotional and social support to gay men. Volunteers have at least a post graduate or Masters Qualification in counselling/psychology or related area and may be registered with a professional body. Our volunteer counsellors have at least 2 years post grad counseling work, preferably with gay men and work as part of a team, as one component of HIM’s integrated services for gay men, under the direct supervision of the program supervisor. Sessions (up to 6) are by appointment and provide professional counselling on a range of issues customized to the individual as determined by the counsellor’s approach. To help sustain this service for gay men we ask a minimum donation of your hourly wage and this can be negotiated with our reception staff.

This volunteer position will work in HIM’s Sexual Health Centre at 1033 Davie St. which provides STI testing (including the Rapid and early HIV tests), Peer Support and Counselling Services.

Link to the Mission:

HIM provides an openly gay, sex positive, professional and progressive workplace that’s enjoyable and energizing.

The Health Initiative for Men (HIM) respects and upholds an individual's right to privacy and to the protection of his personal information. H.I.M. is committed to ensuring compliance with the BC Privacy Protection Act and the Canadian Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Preferred Qualifications:

least a post graduate or Masters Qualification in counselling/psychology or related area
registered with a professional body.
at least 2 years post grad counseling work, preferably with gay men
Basic computer proficiency
Prior experience with record keeping

Time Commitment:

We expect that our volunteer counsellors will see at least one client for one session per week. WE are flexible on time and day, but prefer counsellors to work during the times of the Sexual Health Center to ensure that there is a receptionist present during the session.

Deliverables:

We expect that professional counsellors will work from their own perspective and training background as if they were working with a private client – however they will abide by some basic policy and procedures of HIM.
Gain a thorough understanding of the HIM’s objectives, programs and services
Ensure clinic clients are welcome and have the best clinic experience possible
Maintain accurate records, observe clinic protocols and maintain confidentiality.

Accountability:

Counsellors will be responsible to and fully supported by a supervisor and a HIM staff project manager. They will be expected to attend monthly supervision group and utilize one to one supervision in-between supervision groups.

Benefits:

You will have the chance to contribute as a volunteer to an innovative organization dedicated to strengthening health and well-being of gay men in your community. This opportunity will provide volunteers with training, hands-on experience in community health promotion, and on-going involvement in activities and events related to gay men’s health.

Recognition:

Health Initiative for Men will provide an endorsement of the counsellors volunteering with us. They will be listed on our web site (linked to their personal site if appropriate) and clients wishing to continue with a private counsellor will be given the choice accessing counsellors endorsed by HIM. HIM will also serve as a reference if appropriate.

If you're interested in volunteering for this position , please contact darren@checkhimout.ca

Peer Support Volunteer – February 7 2012

Want to volunteer with a dynamic community driven organization and help gay guys grow and flourish?

HIM is developing its support peer services, and we invite you to volunteer your time to train as a HIM Support Peer.

Information about our Peer Support Services can be found here: http://checkhimout.ca/blogs/mental-health/peer-support.

Apply now to enter our 40-hour training to be held in February/March. Guys who successfully complete the training will enter our volunteer program on a schedule that suits their volunteer needs.

For more information, or to book an interview, email us at register@checkhimout.ca or call us on (604) 488-1001 ext 224.

Outreach Volunteer – February 7 2012

Then consider becoming an Outreach volunteer! As part of efforts to get the word out on risk reduction, gay men's health, and HIM's services, HIM regularly sends outreach volunteers to venues and events around the city. This is a good introduction to doing outreach, will provide you with training on effective outreach strategies, give you a fantastic reference, and after a few hours of volunteering you're in the venue or event for free! Outreach revolves largely around approaching guys and engaging them about HIM and gay men's health (or passing them a free condom pack or two). This is a fun way to get involved for those with motivation and great social skills. If interested, please e-mail our Outreach Coordinator Daniel daniel@checkhimout.ca.