Localife is an initiative that involves young adult cancer survivors (YAs) and supporters coming together to enjoy fun activities and social time with their peers. It was developed by Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) to address the isolation that many YAs face after diagnosis. Localife has just held it’s first anniversary in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Ottawa, and we are currently recruiting one person to join the Ottawa team for year two! (Click here to learn more about Localife Ottawa.)
Look at this group!
Each city has two leaders, so we are looking for someone to pair up with Chris Chow to plan fun, activity-based social outings in the Ottawa area.
Who qualifies
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Are a young adult aged 18-39, who received (or support someone who received) a cancer diagnosis between the ages of 15 and 39;
- Are living in/near Ottawa;
- You or the person you support, are at least one year post-treatment; and,
- Have attended at least one YACC event (if you have never attended a YACC event, you must provide at least one reference from a professional involved in providing cancer care/support).
Desired qualifications
- Passionate about helping others with a demonstrated commitment to volunteering;
- Outgoing, friendly, charismatic, and enthusiastic about building community;
- A positive attitude and approaches challenges with creativity and optimism;
- Empathetic, caring, and respectful;
- A self-starter who is able to work independently and effectively manage time, and does not get easily overwhelmed;
- Demonstrates integrity and trustworthiness;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Demonstrated ability to see projects through from start to finish;
- In a place of peace and acceptance with their personal cancer experience; and,
- Not over-committed with other responsibilities (work, volunteer, family).
- Bilingualism is not necessary, but would be viewed as an asset.
Educational/professional background in one of the following areas is preferred, but not necessary:
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Psychology/Counselling
- Health promotion
- Teacher/Instructor
- Recreation therapy
- Art therapy
- Volunteer coordination
- Digital media (e.g., social networking sites; making videos, etc.)
Major Responsibilities
Support: To coordinate and facilitate 4-6 Localife activities per year, and to serve as a liaison between local survivors/supporters and YACC
Awareness/Advocacy: To nurture existing relationships with health professionals and foster new ones, and to ensure local cancer centres, hospitals, and community-based cancer organizations are well-stocked with up-to-date YACC resource materials.
Time commitments and honourariums
We ask that all people interested in applying are confident that they can commit around 10 hours per month from September 2013 to June 2014. We also require applicants to be available for remote training (conference calls, Skype, webinars, etc.) during fall 2013.
This is a volunteer position, however, YACC will provide an honourarium to Localife leaders to ensure they do not incur costs through participation in the program.
Brandon Fong was a Localife Ottawa leader during year one. Here’s what he had to say about the experience:
“On this beautiful journey known as life, it’s always about the people. Being a Localife leader has shown me the ability we have to create wonderful communities of young adults across Canada. The social activities are always a blast, and nothing fills my heart more when I meet new new people joining our YACC family. Whether it’s go-karting, riding sleighs at the local sugarbush, or hanging out and playing board games, we’re always having fun. But, most importantly, it’s about the connections that are made at our events. The realization that you’re not alone and there are others just like you who ‘get it.’ What occurs is a beautiful process similar to a spider spinning a web. A family of people each representing different strands of the web that comprise the whole. Each person has different qualities that help shape the group and our collective experience when we’re together.
“This is what being a YACC localife leader has meant to me. So if you feel like you’re up to the task, join us by becoming the next Localife leader.”
– Brandon Fong
To apply
Thank you for your interest. This opportunity has been filled.
