Having a volunteer advocate
There are a number of steps that lead to making successful matches. This includes learning conversations like information sessions, interviews, introductions, and more. We consider a number of factors when making matches, including shared interests and values, geography and distance, and schedules. At Citizen Advocacy, screening and matching of volunteer advocates to people with disabilities is done by professional staff.
Would you like to have a volunteer advocate?
If you are living with a disability and would like to have a volunteer advocate, here's what to do:
- Phone us and ask to speak with a social worker.
- We'll mail you an application form. Note that you are not on the waiting list for a volunteer advocate until your completed application is received at the Citizen Advocacy office.
- The social worker will call you to arrange an opportunity to begin to get to know you.
- To help us get to know you, we will ask your permission to contact your supports (family, support worker, doctor, etc.).
- There are currently more people waiting for volunteer advocates than people wanting to become a volunteer advocate, so you'll have a wait. The average wait time from application to match is 2 years.
- Once we find a person who could be the right volunteer advocate for you, you'll meet and get to know each other before agreeing to be matched.
- We'll support you through your match.
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