Would you like to make connections with people across socio-economic lines and help alleviate poverty in your community? Volunteer as an Ally at Circles® Muskoka, led by YWCA Muskoka! 

Circles® Muskoka is a community collaborative committed to the reduction of poverty by harnessing the power of relationships, supporting the communities of Gravenhurst and Bracebridge. Circles® Muskoka supports families and individuals (Circle Leaders) living on lower incomes and with poverty by assisting them to increase their resources; reasons and relationships to move from surviving to thriving in their lives. Circles meetings are held three times a month, and volunteers (referred to as Allies) are encouraged to participate in as many meetings as their schedules allow. During these gatherings, Circle Leaders engage with Allies over dinner and participate in programming that is driven by the Circles community. Allies walk alongside Circles leaders to achieve their goals. 

The Role of Ally:

Essentially Allies empower their Circle Leader by: 

• Being a friend 
• Maintaining confidentiality 
• Being an active listener and offering support and encouragement when appropriate 
• Helping evaluate and clarifying goals into manageable steps 
• Sharing life experience and advice when asked 
• Meeting at least once each month with their Circle Leader outside of Circles 

Benefits of Volunteering 

• Feeling like you are making a difference in your community by walking alongside circle leaders as they reach their goals 
• Growing your professional network and participating in personal development workshops 
• Strengthening your interpersonal and communication skills 
• Building meaningful relationships across socio-economic lines, making friends, and having fun! 

Allies commit to: 

• Attending at least one Circles meeting per month 
• Pass a background check 
• Attending a 4-hour Ally training session 
• Attend a training session and ‘Bridges out of Poverty’ workshop
• Befriending their Circle Leader 

How to Apply: 

 Apply through the Circles Muskoka website: https://www.circlesmuskoka.com/become-an-ally 

 *Please note that this is an unpaid volunteer position* 

For more information, check out the Circles Muskoka website at https://www.circlesmuskoka.com/, email our Volunteer Coordinator, Madeline Ure, at mure@ywcamuskoka.com or call (705) 645-9827 ext. 304. 

YWCA Muskoka is an equal opportunity organization. We value diversity and encourage applications from qualified individuals of all races, colour, ethnic origin, religions, abilities, gender identities and sexual orientations. YWCA Muskoka is committed to ensuring that each individual will have genuine, open and unhindered access to opportunities within the organization. We recognize that true equality means respecting people's different needs and, therefore, will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation to applicants where appropriate. Please let us know if you require any accommodations to ensure you can participate fully and equally.