Black Achievers Program Support

Program Description

The Black Achievers mentorship program is dedicated to the advancement of Black Youth in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and aims to provide Black youth with the opportunity to develop socially and academically with the support of Black mentors and role models. Black Achievers mentorship program is a signature program of the YMCA of Greater Toronto championed by our Black Experience Staff Advisory Committee (BESAC) and dedicated to the advancement of Black (including African- and Caribbean-Canadian or other Newcomer) youth. The program runs after school from September to June.

Major Duties

• Providing technical support and monitor chat boxes during meetings.
• Distributing handout and other teachable materials to participants as instructed by facilitator or mentor.
• Participating in event planning, delivery and outreach.
• Attend weekly meetings with Program Coordinator to debrief previous sessions and to assist with program preparation for future sessions.
• Encouraging youth participation and monitoring virtual breakout sessions.
• Providing feedback to program coordinator on session conversations and participation.
• Record keeping and note taking during sessions.
• Special projects as discussed with Program Coordinator.
• Participating in Black Achievers recruitment of mentees and mentors.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 18. 
• Successful applicants 18 years of age or older will need to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening from their local police service before their first day of volunteering and every three years on the anniversary of their first day of volunteering.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Strong ability to relate with diverse people.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality; be sensitive to member’s needs.
• Proficiency with the use of computer, MS Office and Zoom.
• Must have access to computer with audio/video capability and internet.
• Proficiency in reading, writing and speaking English.
• Volunteers in virtual roles are required to have access to a computer, internet and MS Word.

Benefits

• Learn about challenges faced by youth in the Black Community.
• Make a difference in the lives of black youth in your community by supporting their career, education and personal goals.
• Develop interpersonal and communication skills.
• Gain valuable work experience.

How to apply

Complete the online volunteer application. You will need to provide the position title and location information of this position during step 3 of the application.

Looking for a Different Role?

Check out the full list of our volunteer opportunities.

Why Volunteer for the Y?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto aspires to be a great place to volunteer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. Guided by our shared values — kindness, well-being, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and optimism — the YMCA provides thousands of volunteers with meaningful positions and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities.

Our Commitments

The YMCA of Greater Toronto values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to excellence and inclusion in our Association.

We are committed to an environment that is barrier free. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.

About YMCA of Greater Toronto

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. As outlined in our 2020–2025 strategic plan, Ignite the Light, we are focused on boosting well-being and promoting equity across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). In the future we see for our region, everyone will have opportunities to shine their brightest.

Mirroring the diversity we’re privileged to have in the GTA, our YMCA offers a variety of programs responding to the needs of our communities. For 170 years, the YMCA of Greater Toronto has provided opportunities for people to shine through a variety of programs and services including health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. When you donate to the YMCA of Greater Toronto, you help ensure more people get access to these vital programs that help them connect, grow, and reach their full potential.