I must admit, when I first decided to become a CVA facilitator at the end of third year, I wasn’t exactly sure of what to expect. Despite going in with the general understanding that the role would entail leading reflections at the end of volunteering shifts, liaising with the agency and keeping track of attendance, I didn’t foresee the vast extent by which this experience would transform my perspective of the community around me and redefine my definition of what it means to be a leader.
The bi-weekly leadership meetings have been instrumental to my growth, both as a person and as a facilitator. Through these meetings, I have become much more aware of the numerous issues - often invisible to us as university students - that exist in Hamilton. Although we don’t have all of the answers to these complex problems, actually sitting down and having conversations about these difficult topics has increased our awareness of such issues and highlighted the ways by which we may possibly contribute to a solution.
Through facilitating, I’ve improved on my leadership skills and my ability to stimulate meaningful conversations on topics that truly matter. Topics such as poverty, structural inequality and marginalization or discrimination due to race, gender, appearance, socio-economic class or other factors are difficult topics to address, yet the importance of exploring such issues is highlighted by the regularity by which they get brought up, often unprovoked, during reflections.
Volunteering is about so much more than just giving, it’s also about receiving and learning. Through volunteering, we learn so much about ourselves and others. We learn how to work together and resolve conflict as a group, and about our individual strengths and weaknesses. We are also taught the significance of acceptance, empathy and respect – values that are not only integral to the smooth operation of a volunteer group, but are also applicable to many situations outside of volunteering.
Becoming a facilitator for CVA has allowed me to transcend the “typical” university experience and examine issues pertinent to the Hamilton community with heightened clarity. Although I’m still unsure as to what the future has in store for me, one thing I’m certain of is that the lessons and knowledge I’ve gained here as a CVA volunteer and facilitator will be with me for a lifetime.
The bi-weekly leadership meetings have been instrumental to my growth, both as a person and as a facilitator. Through these meetings, I have become much more aware of the numerous issues - often invisible to us as university students - that exist in Hamilton. Although we don’t have all of the answers to these complex problems, actually sitting down and having conversations about these difficult topics has increased our awareness of such issues and highlighted the ways by which we may possibly contribute to a solution.
Through facilitating, I’ve improved on my leadership skills and my ability to stimulate meaningful conversations on topics that truly matter. Topics such as poverty, structural inequality and marginalization or discrimination due to race, gender, appearance, socio-economic class or other factors are difficult topics to address, yet the importance of exploring such issues is highlighted by the regularity by which they get brought up, often unprovoked, during reflections.
Volunteering is about so much more than just giving, it’s also about receiving and learning. Through volunteering, we learn so much about ourselves and others. We learn how to work together and resolve conflict as a group, and about our individual strengths and weaknesses. We are also taught the significance of acceptance, empathy and respect – values that are not only integral to the smooth operation of a volunteer group, but are also applicable to many situations outside of volunteering.
Becoming a facilitator for CVA has allowed me to transcend the “typical” university experience and examine issues pertinent to the Hamilton community with heightened clarity. Although I’m still unsure as to what the future has in store for me, one thing I’m certain of is that the lessons and knowledge I’ve gained here as a CVA volunteer and facilitator will be with me for a lifetime.