Since 2012, Localife has been connecting young adults dealing with cancer in their own communities through fun, casual events and opportunities. We’re nearing the end of the term for some leaders, and we need your help to make sure these events continue to to help YACC with its mission of being “a connection to peers, bridge out of isolation, and source of inspiration.”
We’re looking for leaders in:
- Calgary, AB
- Edmonton, AB
- Ottawa, ON
- Victoria, BC
- Winnipeg, MB
The “job” description
Localife is run by teams of two or three young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer or supported someone in their lives who was diagnosed.
The role requires you to work together to plan at least eight events per year (some of these can be a literal walk in the park), submit some minor reporting after the event (i.e. blog post, photo/s, stats, receipts), and help with advocacy and awareness activities in your area where applicable.
Time Commitment
We ask that all people interested in applying are confident that they can commit approximately 10-15 hours per event from November 2020 to June 2022. (We will hold training and start the leadership transition through the winter/spring.)
This is a volunteer position, however, YACC will provide reimbursements to Localife leaders to ensure they do not incur personal costs through participation in the program.
Eligibility
- You’re a young adult aged 18-39, who received (or support someone who received) a cancer diagnosis between the ages of 15 and 39;
- You live in, or near, the city you’re applying for;
- You, or the person you support, are at least one year post-treatment; and,
- You 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 and you must commit to attending a four-day face-to-face event with YACC within the next calendar year.)
Desired qualifications
You are:
- Passionate about helping others and have experience volunteering;
- Outgoing, friendly, charismatic, and enthusiastic about community building;
- Positive and approach challenges with creativity and optimism;
- Empathetic, caring, and respectful;
- A self-starter who is able to work independently and effectively manage time without feeling overwhelmed;
- Someone with integrity and trustworthiness;
- Comfortable writing or speaking about YACC;
- Fuelled by seeing projects through from start to finish;
- In a place of peace and acceptance with their personal cancer experience;
- Not over-committed with other responsibilities (work, volunteer, family); and,
- Bilingual (not necessary, but would be viewed as an asset).
Educational/professional background in one of the following areas is preferred, but not necessary:
- Event planning
- Leading groups
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Psychology/Counselling
- Health promotion
- Teacher/Instructor
- Recreation therapy
- Art therapy
- Volunteer coordination
- Digital media (i.e. social networking sites; making videos; etc)
Leader statements
Hear what some of our other leaders had to say about their experiences:
“Localife changed me in ways I can’t even explain, I loved every single minute with every single person that attended. We always had a natural connection and I still hope that I will be able to attend a few events after I am replaced. Each part of YACC, little or small has made a huge impact on me.”
– Kelly, Localife St. John’s
“Leading Localife is kind of like deciding to throw a party in the middle of a hurricane. All hell is breaking loose and you shout through the chaos, “Hey! Pull up a chair!” What a gift to be able to help facilitate connection and community for other young adult cancer survivors on their journey. In my opinion, leading Localife is badass and a lot of fun. Yup, there will be moments when your heart breaks as you listen to someone’s story, but trust me, even those moments become part of why you walk away from an event with a quiet smile and a full heart. Here’s to navigating the storms together!”
– Jenna, Localife Calgary
To apply
If you think you’d make a great Localife leader and you meet the eligibility criteria, please complete an online application form by Friday, October 23, 2020. If you have any trouble accessing the form, please email [email protected] for alternative options. Thanks!
