Volunteer

Give your time to make a difference to the lives of older people. Our volunteer program enables you to take an active part in advancing the rights, needs and interests of older Queenslanders. We seek to use the talents, experience and skills of interested people and provide opportunities for volunteers to develop new or existing skills.

There are three main areas in which you may volunteer:

  • Peer Educator
  • Action Researcher
  • Office Administration

PEER EDUCATOR

COTA Queensland’s Peer Education program is a training model that supports volunteers (usually older people themselves) to deliver information workshops to their peers. Simply put, it is education for older people by older people. Our fully trained, volunteer Peer Educators lead a discussion in which session participants learn from each other and build on their own ideas and experiences.

Our Peer Education program is based on adult and community learning principles. As well as being group based, challenging and fun, participants are able to develop practical communication skills as well as self-confidence. Our Peer Educators are adept at talking with older people, communicating clearly and encouraging participation in the sessions so that older people can explore and clarify issues. The sessions usually last between 30-60 minutes and are free of charge.

Volunteer Peer Educators are recruited, trained and supported by our Peer Education Coordinator and demonstrate a genuine interest in the health and well-being of older people. Although many have experience in health, human services, adult education, training, this is not a requirement.Training on a specific topic usually requires two to three days and covers program-specific information and adult learning principles, as well as orientation to volunteering with COTA Queensland.

The role can be fitted into a volunteer’s availability and does not require a set time each week or month. We anticipate that our Peer Educators will facilitate at least six sessions over a 12-month period and meet together from time to time. Our Peer Educators need to live in or close by the target area and have means of transport. Reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses is available.

If you are interested to find out more or are interested in volunteering as a Peer Educator, please email COTA Queensland at education@cotaqld.org.au or call             1300 738 348.

For more information on our Peer Education program and current topics, please click through to Peer Education program.

ACTION RESEARCHER

COTA Queensland’s voluntary Action Researchers work with our Research Officer to find out about the experiences of people who receive help to enable them to continue to live at home and in the community. The findings from these consultations contribute towards policy and service improvements. We conduct consultations via a range of methods including surveys, individual interviews and focus groups.

Volunteer Action Researchers have good listening skills, are interested in finding out about the experiences of others and are able to accurately record those experiences. Interested applicants need basic computer skills, internet access and means of transport.

If you volunteer as an Action Researcher, you will:

  • develop new or existing skills
  • receive fun, comprehensive training and ongoing support
  • be paid reasonable out of pocket expenses
  • have the satisfaction of knowing your contribution counts

If you are interested in volunteering as an Action Researcher, or for more information, please contact the COTA Queensland Research Officer by emailing research@cotaqld.org.au or call 1300 738 348.

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

Administration volunteers are brought into COTA Queensland are usually recruited to complete a specific project of limited duration. Some of the tasks our administration volunteers have done in the past include:

  • researching policy topics on the internet for our Policy Officer
  • assisting with receptionist duties, phone calls and general day-to-day administrative tasks
  • compiling an electronic version of the history of COTA Queensland
  • entering data from forms into spreadsheets for statistical purposes
  • compiling information kits
  • completing mail-outs
  • helping prepare for members morning teas
  • making bookings for community education sessions
  • assisting with archiving
  • preparing certificates and resources for distribution to organisational members
  • helping source venues for events

Volunteering for Office Administratoion can be very rewarding and present an opportunity to learn new skills or develop existing office skills. If you are interested, please contact the COTA Queensland Administration Manager by emailing accounts@cotaqld.org.au 

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