Mpowerment has come to Vancouver B.C. Young gay and bi guys are building a fun, healthy and engaged community. With events and hangouts planned all summer, you can make new friends and meet a new group of guys outside of the club.

Our first event is planned for the second week of June, sign up for updates below.

Sign Up for Updates:

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Interested in learning more?

See the mPowerment Video

Volunteer for mPowerment

We are looking for an energetic and committed individual for a new, creative, fun, empowering, and peer-run HIV prevention/community-building program designed for young gay and bisexual men ages 18-29 in Vancouver.

See the complete job posting here.

Peer Education Program Manager position description:

The Peer Education Program Manager will ensure interactive workshops are developed and facilitated in a variety of community and youth settings to educate youth about sex, healthy relationships, sexual orientation and gender identity, recreational substance use, safer sex, and general HIV and Hepatitis C prevention and treatment. The goals of this work are to reduce stigma around HIV and Hep C as well the societal oppressions that relate to these health conditions; and to assist youth with skills development, healthy decision making, and harm-reduction strategies.

The Peer Education Program Manager is responsible for overall functioning and management of YouthCO’s peer education work.  This includes providing direct supervision and support for YouthCO’s Harm Reduction Education, workshops with youth in alternative schools, custody centres, drop in programs and so on,  and Sexual Health Education, workshops with youth in mainstream High Schools, Colleges and Universities, community organizations, social venues and so on.  Additionally the Peer Education Program Manager will work collaboratively with the Aboriginal Youth Program and Mpowerment Young Gay Men’s peer educators to ensure curriculum is developed and delivered in a way that is representative of YouthCO’s values and provides accurate, up-to-date and accessible information on HIV, Hep C and related issues. This position reports to the Co-Executive Director.

Responsibilities:

Coordination of Sexual Health and Harm Reduction Workshops

• Coordination of administrative tasks including workshop promotion, bookings, scheduling of staff and volunteers, creation/revision of handouts and resource materials, invoicing, data collection, and workshop evaluation.

Curriculum Development and Facilitation Training

• Facilitate Sexual Health and Harm Reduction workshop including: HIV 101, Sexual Self Esteem, Risky Biz, Hep C 101, and HIV & Social Justice.
• Update Sexual Health and Harm Reduction workshop curriculum and materials as needed.
• Train staff and volunteer in workshop facilitation
• Work collaboratively with Aboriginal Youth Program and Mpowerment Project staff to ensure workshops are developed and delivered in a way that is consistent with YouthCO’s values and provides accessible, engaging and accurate information on HIV and Hep C.

Program Planning & Evaluation

• Ongoing research and development of innovative approaches to peer education/sexual health education
• Development and implementation of an annual work plan and budget, setting annual priorities and maintaining appropriate financial records.
• Ensure YouthCO’s sexual health resources are updated and engaging.  Participate in development of new resources as necessary.
• Assist the Executive Director in searching out new funding sources and grant writing for the program as needed
• Formal program evaluation and reporting to government funders, including the compilation of qualitative and quantitative statistics and reports.

Community Development

• Program advocacy, promotion, communications and liaison with educators, health professionals, youth-serving community agencies, funders, and social venues
• Development of strong partnerships with other sexual health education programs, AIDS serving organizations, youth-driven programs, and arts-based education initiatives including participation in relevant coalition groups, committees, conferences and community forums, both local/provincial and national in scope.

Management of Program Staff & Volunteers

• In collaboration with YouthCO’s Management Team, develop support & supervision strategies that value shared- leadership and consensus-based decision making.
• Support project staff through regular program planning sessions, establishing short & long term goals, timelines, and follow-up sessions.  In collaboration with the Executive Director, establish processes for special recognition and disciplinary action when appropriate
• Participate in organizational development and share responsibility for agency wide financial and HR procedures
• Directly supervise three staff positions and support their areas of programming.

We’re looking for applicants who have  . . .

• At least three years of work and/or volunteer experience engaging youth 15-29 in interactive education, such as experiential learning, forum theatre, arts-based facilitation, etc.
• A university degree in a relevant field and/OR equivalent experience
• Strong skills in dynamic, high-energy workshop facilitation and presentation
• Experience in curriculum development and training others in workshop facilitation
• Youth-friendly written and spoken communication skills, and an ability to explain complex concepts in clear, easy-to understand language
• An awareness of and creative approaches to diverse learning styles and abilities
• Strong self-awareness, knowing your own strengths, area for growth, triggers and personal boundaries
• Experience working across cultures, with a demonstrated commitment to anti-racist, anti-colonial and anti-oppressive practices
• Ability to identify and resolve problems as they arise using non-violent conflict resolution strategies
• A willingness to both give and receive feedback
• Excellent listening skills, and ability to be non-judgemental, patient, and flexible
• Experience working within community based organizations/social-profit agencies, especially those using consensus-based models and operating through shared leadership
• A commitment to and understanding of a harm reduction approach
• Experience in strategic program planning, implementation of creative vision, formal evaluation and report  and grant writing
• Management experience including support & supervision of volunteers and/or staff
• Proven administrative, organizational and time management skills with excellent attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to represent YouthCO in the community in a positive and professional way
• Ability to nurture existing relationships with community partners and to build and identify new strategic partnerships
• Ability to work both independently and in collaboration, providing strong leadership and direction to others when appropriate
• Familiarity with youth issues in British Columbia related to sexual health education, drug use, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and harm reduction (including stigma, and the social determinants of health)
• Experience working on issues related to HIV or Hep C and/or a personal connection to these health conditions
• Experience in working or volunteering with vulnerable populations, especially Aboriginal youth, street involved youth, queer and trans youth, youth dealing with addictions, and youth in survival sex work; lived experience in any of these areas is also considered a strong asset
• Warmth, humour, self-awareness, assertiveness, accessibility, and sex-positivity
• Experience with YouthCO’s programs or understanding of YouthCO’s values is a strong asset
• Knowledge of programs, health services, and resources for youth in the Lower Mainland a strong asset

IT DOESN’T HURT TO APPLY! If you think you’re a strong candidate for this position, but you’re concerned you don’t have all of the listed qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. Tell us in your cover letter how you plan to build your knowledge and apply transferable skills.

position details:

This is a full time position 35-40 hours per week (negotiable). The successful candidate must be willing to work some evening and weekend shifts.

Starting salary is $36,400-37,440 per year based upon 40 hours of work per week, this includes competitive vacation and holiday time and eligibility to participate in a comprehensive benefits package. The successful candidate will be required to complete a criminal record check.

We strongly encourage youth under age 29, youth living with HIV or Hep C, youth from First Nations/Aboriginal communities; youth from newcomer and immigrant communities; youth of colour, LGB, Queer, and Transgender youth; youth living with disabilities and members of other underrepresented communities to apply.

Application Deadline:  Please email applications, including resume and cover letter, preferably in PDF format to: Tasha Nijjar at tashan@youthco.org no later than Tuesday May 1st, 2012

Interviews will take place on:  Monday May 7th and Tuesday May 8th, 2012

Preferred start date: The successful candidate will participate in training on Friday May 11 (6-9pm), Saturday May 12 & Sunday May 13 (9:30-4:30 both days).  The ideal start date for the position will be Tuesday May 15, 2012.

We want to thank everyone who applies for this position in advance. Only successful, short-listed candidates will be contacted.  No telephone or email inquiries please.  Further information on YouthCO and its services can be found at  www.youthco.org

Tickets:
$12.00 Advance
$15.00 Door

This is a 19+ Event.

Advance tickets available online here.

DJ ADAM DREADDY
DJ NEIGHBOUR

More DJs coming soon!

Time Commitment: 

• 2-hour weekly Core Group meetings (Tuesday, 6-8pm)
• 2 hours per week from home or the YouthCO office
• More time may be required leading up to special events and projects

Responsibilities: 

• In collaboration with the rest of the Core Group, analyze the problems and dilemmas that young gay/bi guys face when it comes to sexual health and wellness
• Strategize how to address those problems through social events, activities, social media campaigns and/or published materials
• Explore and implement solutions to these problems using consensus decision-making
• Analyze if the strategies and activities were successful and make recommendations for the future

Skills & Experience:

• Be a self-identified gay/bi/trans guy under the age of 29.

Travel to and from Vancouver (Langley), meals and accommodation expense for all accepted applicants are covered.

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM.  Forms are due back on Friday, March 23rd.  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so the sooner you apply the better your chances.

Time Commitment:

• 7 Hours (10am-5pm) on Monday, Wednesday or Friday (Volunteer must be able to work a whole 7-hour shift and is welcome to work more than one of these days)

Responsibilities: 

• Carry out administrative routines and procedures for reception, mail, fax, data entry, information gathering and distribution, and office support for staff;
• Provide a welcoming environment for clients, volunteers and members, ensuring that they have prompt access to all programs and services in a friendly and professional manner;
• Act as primary lead in answering telephone and appropriately directing calls, visits and inquiries.

Skills & Experience:

• Advanced organizational and verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced desktop computer skills, including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook and keyboarding skills of at least 50 WPM.
• Ability to provide basic technical support to staff.
• Demonstrated professional judgement with confidential information.
• Comfort and sensitivity when working with youth from various communities and backgrounds.
• Ability to work both independently and in cooperation with others within a consensus-based framework.

This position is classified as a VOLUNTEER INTERN, meaning that volunteers must apply for the position and the successful candidate must commit to a 10-month term.

Time Commitment: 

• 2-hour monthly Fund Development Committee meeting (Evening)
• Regular and continuous interaction with the Brunch with Benefits social media community
• More time may be required leading up to Brunch with Benefits (End of November)

Responsibilities: 

• In collaboration with the Fund Development Committee, develop and execute a 2012 social media strategy for Brunch with Benefits.
• Write and pre-program Facebook posts, Tweets and blog entries.  Respond to and interact with YouthCO’s online community.

Skills & Experience:

• Knowledge of local restaurants, a passion for food, and the ability to write about both.
• Experience with Facebook fan page administration is an asset.  Experience with Hootsuite is an asset.
• General understanding of the ideas behind social media, and how to apply them YouthCO’s cause.

Time Commitment: 

• 2-hour monthly Core Group meeting (Evening)
• 2 hours per week from home or the YouthCO office
• More time may be required leading up to special events and projects

Responsibilities: 

• In collaboration with the rest of the Core Group, analyze the problems and dilemmas that youth face when it comes to sexual health and wellness
• Strategize how to address those problems through outreach activities, social media campaigns and/or published materials
• Explore and implement solutions to these problems using consensus decision-making
• Analyze if the strategies and activities were successful and make recommendations for the future

Skills & Experience:

• Be a youth between the ages of 15 and 29