March 2010 Training Day Update

We recently held another Training Day for new help-line volunteers. Ted provided his delicious homemade soup as usual which energized our spirits throughout the process - thank you. Four keen newbies showed up, took the plunge and got to know some of the members of Queer Support Wellington. We shared some skills, introduced some role-plays, told some 'coming-out' stories to each other, had Carl talk about Safer Sex and made sure we had some laughs. I would have to say the quality of this new group of trainees is of high standard. Thank you to all our members who showed up, helped out and welcomed our new trainees. We have a few more on the waitlist, so Bill and I will let you know when the next training is scheduled.

Helpline hours reduce from 1 April 2010

The big news at WGWG is the decision at the March business meeting to reduce Helpline coverage from 7 nights a week to 4 nights a week. Starting from 1 April we'll be available Sunday through to Wednesday, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. This will be for a 3-month trial period and then we'll make a decision whether to continu...e or revert back to 7 nights a week. It’s a positive step that addresses the problem of us not having enough volunteers to be on the phones 7 days a week, 365 days a year at present. It also gives both our callers and trainees more certainty about when we’ll be available.

Trainee Intake Day: March 2010

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Helpline volunteer, we have a training day planned on Sunday 21 March. Applications from all members of the queer community are welcome. Email us at helpline@gaywellington.org or phone Helpline on 473-7878. We'll meet you for an informal discussion before the training. Volunteers are asked to work at least one 2-hour shift a month, from 7.30pm - 9.30pm.

October 2009 - Job Advertisement

Wellington Gay Welfare Group
Community Development Worker

Wellington Gay Welfare Group Inc. is a dynamic and energetic voluntary organisation that works for the welfare of the queer community in the Wellington region. It is committed to the principle that building strong communities is necessary to the mental, sexual and physical health of community members.

We are looking for an energetic, resourceful, self-reliant person who can organise and facilitate groups of young queer people in the Greater Wellington region and develop networks across queer communities and those that affect them.

It is envisaged that the successful applicant will work 20 hrs/week on a one-year contract and start work in mid-January, 2010.

A CV and letter of application should be sent to: secretary@gaywellington.org by Saturday 21st November, 2009.

Job Description

Key Objectives of Role

• Develop and strengthen relationships between the queer community and the wider community with a specific focus on schools and youth

• Organise and facilitate groups of young queer youth in the Greater Wellington region

• Assist with WGWG administration

• Other duties as may be determined by the WGWG committee or membership.

Skills and Competencies

In order to achieve the objectives of the role it is anticipated that the person will:

• be able to work independently and with minimal supervision

• possess effective communication skills

• have the ability to draw people from a diverse range of backgrounds together

• possess effective relationship skills

• be experienced in working with schools and/ or youth

• have had prior experience in the community or voluntary sector

• have a large amount of initiative and enthusiasm

• have a long term focus, while still achieving short term objectives.