Support your Peers

Peer Support and Advocacy (PSA) volunteers are dedicated, empathic people who are willing to give their time, knowledge, and a bit of themselves to others. Their extensive training prepares them to offer the Concordia student community and the community at large an understanding, non-judgmental space where all can come and talk about things that are important to them, get referrals and navigate resources.

If you are interested in becoming a PSA volunteer, you will be provided with 40 hours of training. It is important to note that this training is mandatory and must be completed. After you are trained, the following volunteer opportunities will be open to you: offering peer support by appointment or drop-in; staffing the Centre for Gender Advocacy’s space to help people access resources or referrals; helping to create and update the resources; and acting as a support at events where people may be triggered (reminded of a painful experience that could create a negative response).

Want to learn, but don’t have time to attend all the trainings that are required to become a PSA volunteer? This lecture series is for you.

Please note that trainings, which specify “For PSA volunteers only,” are open only to those who can commit to attending all of the trainings. To register as PSA volunteer, please contact Gabrielle at psa[at]centre2110.org

Saturday, October 1, 2011 – 9am to 5pm
PSA training – Active listening: What we do, Accompaniment
*For PSA volunteers only.

Monday, October 3, 2011 – 6pm to 7:30pm
Lecture series – Harm reduction
What does harm reduction mean? Does it only apply to injection drug-users? How can I apply principles of harm reduction in my own life, with people I care about? Learn what it really means to “meet people where they’re at.”

Thursday, October 6, 2011 – 6pm to 7:30pm
Lecture series – Self-care
Helping others and caring for them is important; and it’s something we often feel compelled to do, but how do we make sure we don’t forget our own needs in the process? This lecture will give you tricks, tips and ideas on how to do just that.

Thursday, October 13, 2011 – 6pm to 7:30pm
Lecture series – What are oppression and marginalization?
Oppression and marginalization are two terms often used in social justice movements and organizations. If exploring the wonderful complexity of the human condition interests you, this lecture is for you. We will discuss the different ways in which norms, actions and stereotype impact our lives.

Saturday, October 15, 2011 – 9am-5pm
PSA Training – Sexual Assault 101, Resource-finding
*For PSA volunteers only.

Monday, October 17, 2011 – 6pm to 7:30pm
Lecture series – Communities and Sexual health
We live in a society that has some illogical priorities when it comes to informing people about sexual health. Consent, safer sex, and understanding sexuality too often take a distant backseat to alarmist rhetoric and political agendas. What do consent, safer sex, and healthy sexuality look like in a society that is dominated by rape culture and heterosexism? How can we as community members create a better, safer environment for all kinds of sexual and romantic relationships?

Thursday, October 20, 2011 – 6pm to 7:30pm
Lecture series – Trans’ 101
This lecture will challenge your understanding of gender and shed light on some of the struggles faced by trans’ people.  We will discuss gender identities and expressions, terms, definitions as well as the role of allies. Let’s create an empathic, safer and more inclusive world for all.

Thursday, October 27, 2011 – 7pm
Graduation party – Public event
Come out and celebrate the fact that you are a new, fully trained PSA volunteer equipped to better help your community, or simply celebrate your newfound knowledge on any of the above topics!

All public lectures take place at 1500 de Maisonneuve West, Suite 404.