Volunteer

Volunteer needed – Culturally Appropriate Resouce Project (CARP)

COTA Queensland is looking for a motivated volunteer to work on a culturally appropriate
resource project for four months (June – September 2013). The project involves collating and linking culturally appropriate information resources regarding home and community care services for older people and people with a disability.

If you are interested, please read the Position Description and email the COTA Queensland Business Manager accounts@cotaqld.org.au by Friday 3 May 2013.

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 two other areas in which you may volunteer:

  • Peer Educator
  • 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 (on line lands only for the cost of a local call) or 3316 2999.

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

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 as an Office Administrator 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 Business Manager by emailing accounts@cotaqld.org.au

Do you have other skills to contribute?

COTA Queensland always has a range of projects and opportunities available related to  improving our ability to highlight the rights needs and interests of people as they age. We would love to hear from you if you are passionate about issues for people as they age and if you think you might have something to offer.  We frequently have projects available that would suit people with skills that could range from information technology, marketing and communications, research, data analysis, report or grant writing, administrative support, the arts and many  others.  If you are interested, please contact the Business Manager by emailing accounts@cotaqld.org.au

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