EXPLORE
VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES WITH
ABBOTSFORD
RESTORATIVE
JUSTICE
Volunteer Opportunities
Abbotsford Restorative Justice and Advocacy Association (ARJAA) has been part of the Abbotsford community for the past 25 years, and our agency strives to find innovative ways to impart restorative values and practices to our community.
Our vision is to provide opportunities to repair harm, restore relationships, rebuild trust and, transform the community. Our agency is not able to do the work we do without dedicated volunteers, and each volunteer has an opportunity to live out these values on a grassroots level, one mentorship and facilitation at a time. Each volunteer brings the possibility for transformation of people and relationships, and continually changing our community for the better.
“I volunteer with ARJAA because the restorative processes empower not only those who have been harmed, but also those who have caused harm — by allowing both parties to share their experiences, express their feelings and actively participate in shaping the outcomes.”
Volunteer Facilitator
Restorative Justice Co-Facilitator
The Restorative Justice program aims to support processes that focus on repairing harm, restoring relationships and rebuilding trust by assisting with restorative conversations and community-based resolutions.
Our Restorative Justice Facilitators provide program assistance with the facilitation process for individuals who are going through the restorative justice process. Each facilitation brings the possibility for transformation of people and relationships — two components that are essential to our ability to continually change our community for the better.
The volunteer position of Restorative Justice Facilitator is a vital role within ARJAA. Each facilitation involves working with youth and/or adults in various states of vulnerability and circumstance. Due to the nature of this role, we ensure that facilitators are well trained in the restorative justice process.
Restorative Justice Facilitators are asked to commit about 10 hours/month (depending on case requirements) for a minimum of 2 years, participate in the training program, and pass the Abbotsford Police Department Enhanced Security Clearance.
Restorative Mentor
In our Restorative Mentoring Program, we are committed to supporting youth who are going through the restorative process through either a police-based Restorative Justice file or a school-based Restorative Action program.
Our Restorative Mentors serve as consistent and positive role models, responsible for planning one-to-one activities that provide youth with opportunities to experience success and achievement. Our mentors act as a "professional friend" in the youth's life, supporting their goals and offering encouragement and inspiration.
Each mentor is matched with one youth who is experiencing various states of vulnerability, so our team ensures that every mentor is well-trained in working with vulnerable youth. We offer a Mentoring Orientation as well as other training opportunities related to youth work.
Because we believe that it takes time to develop a relationship with a young person, we ask that Restorative Mentors commit a minimum of 1 year to the program. Alongside this, volunteer mentors are asked to commit 6 hours/month and pass a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector clearance.
“I volunteer with ARJAA because I love the role that ARJAA plays in coming alongside youth who need help, mentorship and someone trustworthy they can talk to! The youth mentorship program facilitates meaningful relationships, and my mentee and I have really benefited from that.”
Volunteer Mentor
“I did ARJAA’s practicum program as part of my 1st year in the Social Services Worker Diploma, and it was foundational to my education and learning. This opportunity gave me a glimpse into the public school system and what it is like to work with school-aged kids. I walked away more grounded in report writing, interpersonal communication skills and, presentation skills which has served me through the rest of my education.”
Practicum Student
Are you interested in joining our team as a volunteer?
Follow the link below to our application page or if you have any questions about the different programs, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at mentoring@arjaa.org. Please note that all potential volunteers must be 19 years or older to apply to our programs.
Practicum Placements in the Restorative Action Program
At ARJAA, we are dedicated to helping students grow and develop their skills as they complete practicum requirements for their university or college programs.
The Restorative Action program aims to restore relationships through action utilizing the restorative justice principles, circles, mentoring and conflict coaching to build capacity and support diversity among youth in our school system. Practicum students are placed with Restorative Action facilitators who work in the Abbotsford Middle Schools.
As a practicum student the roles and responsibilities to expect as you work in the middle schools are: real time mentor/supporting classroom presentations that focus on social and emotional learning, and supporting as a co-facilitator in mediations with youth engaged in conflict. The goal for students is, by the end of their practicum, be able to take lead in the classroom and in a file.
Our practicum seats are limited per semester so if you are interested in exploring practicum opportunities with our Restorative Action program, contact our Practicum Coordinator, Amanda Turner, at office@arjaa.org to learn more. Please note that your placement hours take place within Abbotsford School District hours.