AMS Speakeasy
Volunteer Application Guide
This document details the eligibility, commitment, volunteer profile, application
process, and FAQ regarding both the Peer Support and Outreach Volunteer
programs. Any questions not detailed within this document can be answered by
emailing speak@ams.ubc.ca
Eligibility
 Must be a currently registered UBC student
 Available for the entire academic year (Winter Session 2015-2016)
 Able to attend volunteer training in its entirety (Sep.10th (evening), 11th –
13th (weekend retreat), Sep. 19th (9am – 5pm) 2015, & January 10th and
16th, (9am – 5pm) 2016)
Peer Support Commitment
Commitment
Length
Reception desk shifts
2 hours weekly
Safety shifts
2 hours weekly
Team meetings
1 hour biweekly
Project meetings
1 hour biweekly
Project contribution
2 hours weekly
2x training periods
September 10th-13th, 19th
January 10th – 16th
Outreach Commitment
Commitment
Length
Booth/Outreach Event
shift attendance
2-3 hours weekly
Team meetings
1 hour biweekly
Project meetings
1 hour biweekly
Project contribution
1-2 hours weekly
2x training periods
September 10th-13th, 19th
January 10th – 16th
Volunteer Profile
AMS Speakeasy Volunteers (Peer Support and Outreach) are a diverse group of
students committed to providing peer support, information, and referrals to the
UBC community. There is no typical volunteer profile. Our Peer Supporters and
Outreach Volunteers come from all walks of life, ranging from first years to
graduate students, psychology majors to math majors, and those with extensive
crisis experience to those without.
Although volunteer diversity is a key consideration during the selection process,
successful applicants tend to exhibit the following characteristics, which are
necessary, to varying degrees, for both volunteer roles:
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Empathetic
Mature
High in interpersonal skills
Able to quickly establish rapport with new people
Enthusiastic about mental health and stigma reduction
Committed and Reliable
Conscientious
Compassionate
Able to remain calm during emergency situations
Able to work individually as well as part of a team
Respectful of privacy and confidentiality
Appreciative of diverse lifestyles and points of view
Application Process
Applications for the upcoming year (2015 – 2016) will be accepted in two rounds
(June 29th – July 20th, and August 31st to September 9th). Interviews are also
conducted in 2 rounds. This helps us accommodate applicants who are
unavailable during the summer. Note that only a limited number of positions are
reserved for Round 2 candidates, so all applicants are advised to apply as early
as possible.
Application Received
Interviews Held
Notification
Date
Round
1
June 29th – July 20th
August 3rd – 7th
August 10th
Round
2
August 17th – September
8th
August 31st –
September 9th
September
9th OR
SOONER
Volunteer selection is competitive. All Speakeasy volunteers receive extensive
training on a diverse array of topics (some are role specific), including active
listening, peer support and empathy skills, community referrals, and suicide
prevention. In addition to topic-specific training on issues such as substance
abuse, depression, anxiety, and equitable marketing, our volunteer program is
also an excellent way for students to get more involved on campus.
Consequently, AMS Speakeasy receives many more applications than there are
vacant positions each year. Selecting a few students from such an astounding
array of talent and interest is always a challenge. Additionally, about half of our
group from last year has already committed to returning for the coming year. We
strongly encourage unsuccessful applicants to re-apply in the following academic
year.
Application Checklist
Submit a Volunteer Application Form
By email:
speak@ams.ubc.ca
By mail:
Attn: AMS Speakeasy
6133 University Boulevard
Vancouver, BC
V6T 1Z1
In
person:
AMS Speakeasy administrative office
Student Union Building (SUB) 249E
Note: If the office is closed, please slide completed
applications in a sealed envelope under the door
Submit your resumé (Optional)
Interview (short-listed candidates)
Decision notifications made on either July 25th or September 3rd (or
sooner)
Strong applicants from Round 1 who were not offered a position will be placed
on a waitlist and re-evaluated with Round 2 applicants
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: I don’t have any experience. I’ve never worked at a crisis centre or related
mental health organization. Can I still apply for a peer support position?
Absolutely! AMS Speakeasy is not a counselling program – that is beyond the
scope of our role on UBC campus and the services that we offer. Most of our
current volunteers came to us with no background in crisis work. “Peer Support”
is exactly what it sounds like: We are seeking peers (not counsellors) who can
provide support (not counselling). Whatever you need to know we will teach you.
Anything else you’ll need cannot be taught. Bring with you a keen sense of
compassion and eagerness to help, and we’ll do the rest.
Q: What can I get out of an outreach position?
Outreach volunteers gain valuable experience in marketing, communications,
event planning, and more. If you are interested in buffing your resume for a
career path in business (communications and marketing), event planning, and
other related fields, this volunteer position will provide you with invaluable training
and transferable skills. Additionally, this program offers extensive training in
mental health advocacy, interpersonal sensitivity, and community equity. These
areas offer great transferable skills to any social welfare profession.
Q: Wow, a counselling program? I’m interested in becoming a professional
counsellor. Sign me up!
AMS Speakeasy is not a counselling program. We do not train counsellors, nor
do we conduct any variant of professional practice. Peer Supporters are trained
to provide emotional support, identify key issues, help the client develop an
action plan, and then refer on to specific community resources. Outreach
volunteers are trained to engage in sensitive mental health advocacy, and to
inform students of the kinds of mental health resources available to them. That
being said, AMS Speakeasy has traditionally been a stepping-stone for many
UBC students interested in pursuing counselling as a career. Volunteering with
us is a great way to gain relevant experience, or figure out if this is really what
you want to do. Countless Speakeasy alumni have gone onto subsequent
careers in professional practice.
Q: I’m not a psychology or social work major. I’m not interested in professional
counselling or related careers. Is this program still right for me?
Yes! Diversity lies at the heart of our service. While it’s true that many of our
volunteers are interested in counselling-related careers, many are either still
figuring out their career path or interested in subjects completely unrelated to
counselling! The skills learned from volunteering with AMS Speakeasy such as
active listening, providing emotional support, and working as part of a team are
indispensible for any career.
Q: How many applications do you receive a year?
AMS Speakeasy receives approximately 150 – 170 new applications per year. In
addition to these, around 15 – 20 current volunteers also re-apply to continue
with the service. Our volunteer programs this year will accommodate 62 students
total.
Q: Are the hours flexible? What if I can only volunteer for one term?
Yes, shift hours are flexible. AMS Speakeasy understands that the life of a
student means constant schedule changes, extracurricular commitments, and
unexpected events. Shift hours can be easily changed throughout the year if
needed, provided enough notice is given. Volunteers who are frequently absent
without notice are not looked upon favourably. It is expected that all new
volunteers will be available for a full academic year. Due to the competitiveness
of volunteer applications, preference will be given to applicants who can commit
to both terms. This is both out of practicality and respect for unsuccessful
applicants.
Q: What if I’m waitlisted?
Check your email regularly! Out of consideration of international students or
applicants who are transferring from other colleges/universities, a small number
of seats are reserved for September. Both Round 1 waitlisted applicants and
Round 2 new applicants will be evaluated together. This means that a second
round of offers will be made in early September, one of which may be for you!