About the Program
MORSL's Conversation Partners Program is designed for McGill undergraduate and graduate students to enhance their involvement with their faith and/ or spiritual life. Volunteers serve as supporters and facilitators at MORSL’s community events and as conversation partners offering one-on-one peer support sessions. They seek to bridge the gap between spiritual and student life and to strengthen multi-faith community on campus.
The volunteers support each other's learning during training and volunteer gatherings. They receive training in active listening, offering one-on-one spiritual support, and event organization and facilitation. Our ideal candidate for this position is willing to connect with new people, lead activities, and conduct cross-faith conversations in a spirit of mutual respect, acceptance, care, and curiosity.
Become a Conversation Partner
Applications open up in August/September of each year for the upcoming year. Follow MORSL on Instagram for details about the next call for applications! We encourage applications from both undergraduate and graduate students at McGill who are looking to enhance their involvement with their faith or spiritual life through this volunteer position. MORSL provides training, support, and a mentoring community.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- McGill student involved in faith and/ or spiritual life (including secular spirituality) on or off campus
- Eager to communicate and learn from other volunteers and faith perspectives
- Interested in honing skills such as active listening and support and event planning and facilitation.
- Open-minded attitude regarding diverse interpretations of faith and spiritual practices; passionate about multi-faith education and collaboration.
- Desire to give back to their community at McGill and beyond
- The applicant must be in essential agreement with MORSL’s purpose
- The applicant must demonstrate the professionalism and maturity necessary to work in a secular student services context and respond to the needs of a diverse student community
- Experience with outreach and event planning and animation are assets for the community-oriented part of the role. Experience with spiritual guidance, multi-faith education, and/or mental health are assets for peer support responsibilities.
Expectations
- One academic year commitment to the cohort is required
- Commitment to complete 25 total volunteer hours during the school (including training, cohort events, involvement in MORSL events, tabling/ outreach, check-ins with the director, completing a capstone project, and attending any scheduled peer support sessions).
- Complete initial volunteer training (6 hours).
- Attend volunteer gatherings (both Fall/Winter; 3 hours).
- Participate in MORSL community events (4 hours).
- Plan and execute a MORSL event of your choice (4-6 hours).
- Complete a capstone project reflecting on the volunteer experience (2 hours).
- Assist with outreach work (such as tabling or postering) to help promote the volunteer program (4 hours).
- Attend scheduled one-on-one meeting with MORSL staff once per semester to check in on cohort progress and development (2 hours).
- Respond in an efficient and timely manner to one-on-one appointment bookings (as needed).
- Complete short questionnaire after peer support one-on-one.
- Regularly communicate capacity to MORSL staff.
- Act as a positive mentor for new volunteers.
Volunteer Contract
Download the Conversation Partners Contract to read, print, and sign.
