NYLD Program Assistant
| Time Commitment | The school year program runs from September to June. A volunteer will be required one day after school during the week and occasionally on other weeknights or weekends for special activities. The summer program runs from the beginning of July to the end of August. Activities will be held three times a week during day time hours, plus occasional evenings, weekend trips, or special events. |
| Minimum Age | 21 |
| Location(s) | Available at various YMCA Centres in the Greater Toronto Area. This position is also available virtually. |
Program Description
The Newcomer Youth Leadership Development (NYLD) program is a unique leadership-based settlement program for newcomer youth and their families with a focus on integration, settlement, skill-building, volunteerism and community involvement.
Major Duties
Major Duties May Include:
- Assisting staff in planning, running, and set up and take down of NYLD activities.
- Assisting with program preparation (e.g. photocopying, planning games and activities, calling participants, etc.).
- Assisting with running of weekly activities including supervising outings and ensuring the safety of the youth, planning and facilitating icebreakers and teambuilding activities and helping with activity set up and post-activity clean up (if needed).
- Assisting with special event planning and delivery.
Virtual activities may include:
- Assisting staff in planning, running, and facilitating virtual NYLD activities on Zoom.
- Assisting with program preparation (e.g. planning virtual games and activities, developing ice breakers, providing program staff with research on select settlement and integration topics, etc.).
- Assisting with running of weekly activities including planning and facilitating icebreakers, supervising Zoom chats and responding to questions as necessary, supporting teambuilding activities, taking attendance, encouraging youth to participate, etc.
- Assisting with special event planning and delivery including helping interns and program mentors with activities.
Qualifications
- Minimum age 21.
- Successful applicants to this role 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.
- Experience working or volunteering with youth (ages 13-24).
- Strong English language skills (written and oral).
- Experience and sensitivity dealing with people from different cultural, racial and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Familiarity with the city of Toronto and Peel region- including public transportation.
- Responsible, punctual, outgoing and friendly.
- Preference will be given to candidates with an interest in pursuing a career working with youth/newcomers.
Benefits
- Gain experience working with newcomer youth and families.
- Learn about diversity at the YMCA and meet new people from all walks of life.
- Be a part of the YMCA team and promote the YMCA Mission, Vision and Values.
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.