JA of Northern Alberta & NWT Nouvelles Frequently Asked Questions - Volunteers 30 Mar, 2008 - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is Junior Achievement? Junior Achievement is part of an international not-for-profit organization dedicated to partnering the business and education communities. JA offers cost free, curriculum enhancing programs delivered by trained and inspiring volunteers who share their practical experience to equip students with the necessary skills to enter tomorrow’s workforce and to face their futures with confidence. When you volunteer with JA, you are part of a team... 170,000 strong. Now THAT'S impact! JA Worldwide (Junior Achievement) is the world’s largest organization dedicated to educating young people about business, economics, and free enterprise. JA programs are taught by volunteers in class and after-school at locations throughout the United States and in 97 countries. JA programs are welcomed by teachers in more than 252,000 classrooms around the world each year. Through 200 international offices, JA reaches over 6.6 million students per year in inner cities, suburbs, and rural areas in 97 countries each year. What does JA look for in a volunteer? Junior Achievement volunteers are the key to the success of the organization. They come from all areas of business and must bring with them commitment, experience, perspective and most importantly, enthusiasm. I want to volunteer but how do I select the program that is best suited for me? JA encourages volunteers to review all of the programs we offer and to consider your own skills, strengths, interest and availability. Consider the age group you would like to work with, as well as your schedule and areas of expertise. Remember - no matter which program you choose - you will make a difference. I don’t have a specific business background – am I still qualified to volunteer? YES! Junior Achievement’s main focus is to provide students with the skills they need to face their futures with confidence. JA programs are aimed at introducing preliminary business concepts to students and encouraging them to appreciate the benefits of ongoing education. You have already done this so you’re already an expert! Once I have selected a program of interest how do I get involved? Once you have chosen your preferred program please fill out the online volunteer application form. Make sure to fill out all of your information so we can ensure that you are properly recognized. I’ve sent in my application form, now what? Upon receipt of your application form you will be contacted by the Volunteer Resources Manager to set up an orientation and training date. After being guided through the process of training and program delivery, you will be matched to a registered class by a JA Program Coordinator. Depending on your time schedule, it may take at least four weeks before you are in a classroom. I have never presented a program to students before – can I still volunteer? ABSOLUTELY! All of Junior Achievement's volunteers go through program-specific training sessions led by the Volunteer Resources Manager. Throughout your training session you will be given tips on how to facilitate the program, relate to the students and how to prepare your delivery. The Volunteer Manuals provided with each program are also very detailed and give step-by-step instructions on how to teach each lesson. Can I go into the classroom with a partner or do I have to go alone? Some volunteers choose to partner with someone else, particularly our first time volunteers. If you do want a partner, JA encourages you to recruit a colleague, client, family member, or friend to deliver the program with you as JA cannot guarantee that we will have a partner for you. Once you have experience under your belt, delivering a program on your own is easy, fun and a great way to help us reach more students. Can I choose the area where I want to deliver the program? We do ask you to select a location or school preference. JA does deliver programs in all areas, however delivering a program in any area is subject to the availability of the teachers and as such we cannot guarantee that you will be delivering in any specific area. We encourage you to select a few areas in which you are willing to volunteer. If you live in the city and rely on public transit please specify that on your form and we will do our best to book you into a school that is accessible by transit. Once I become a volunteer how much time do I have to commit to JA? Your commitment to Junior Achievement is largely based on the program you choose to be involved with. However, regardless of the program, volunteers are all expected to attend the scheduled orientation and training sessions (1-2 hours depending on program choice) that are held throughout the year at the JA offices. With the exception of JA’s Company Program, all of the programs are delivered during school hours and as such, volunteers are committed to delivering the program during the workday. Volunteers are also expected to take the time (after training) to re-read through the materials and prepare for the in-class program delivery. The exact time commitment differs for each volunteer and program (for detailed information on program commitments please contact the Volunteer Resources Manager at 428-1421 ext 227). What happens after my volunteer commitment is finished? Upon completion of a JA program you will be required to fill out an evaluation form, and sign up to teach again if you wish! Often volunteers receive letters and cards of thanks from their students, and a letter verifying your participation in JA can also be sent to your employer upon request. Can I volunteer more than once in a school year? OF COURSE! If your time allows, JA would be happy to have you as a volunteer, again and again. Many volunteers teach one program in the fall and one in the spring! If I volunteer for a program that I have already delivered, do I need to attend the training session again? Not necessarily. If you are an experienced volunteer who has already attended a training session for that program and been in the classroom, you do not need to attend a second training session for the same program unless you feel that a “refresher” is needed. If you decide next year to try a different program, you will be required to attend training for that program.