Getting Involved Empowers You To Change Lives
The Center for Human Development relies on the commitment of countless volunteers who donate their time and talent to make our communities a better place.
If you are looking for a way to give back and gain valuable experience, consider these rewarding volunteer opportunities.
Are you a parent who wants to help children stand up to the pressure of using alcohol and other drugs? Then our Parent Educator Program (PEP) is your opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of elementary and middle school children in your community.
How does it work?
Our parent volunteers act as positive role models, educating children in the classroom about the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. No previous teaching experience is required and most of our volunteers facilitate the program at their child's school. The interactive curriculum promotes responsible decision-making, resistance skills, self-esteem and positive peer interaction for grades K-6.
What training will I get?
Complete training and staff-support is provided to effectively and confidently facilitate the class. Our certified instructors provide you with 21 hours of required training. Training focuses on communication skills, group development, effective teaching strategies, classroom management and compelling information about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
Who can be a parent educator?
We welcome any parent who has a good rapport with children and a commitment to alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention. Many volunteers are employed and use release time from work to volunteer.
Get Involved
Call or email Kristin Pascoe about this volunteer opportunity.
925.687.8844 ext. 246, pepleaders@chd-prevention.org
What PEP volunteers say.
Are you a good listener and communicator? Consider becoming a volunteer mediator, helping to resolve conflicts in our community between neighbors, family members and workers who cannot afford expensive legal services.
How does it work?
Our mediation services are provided by approximately 100 community volunteers, fully trained by certified mediators. As a mediator, you will learn how to bring disputing parties together, facilitate productive dialogue and achieve agreements acceptable to both sides.
What training will I get?
Active volunteers participate in a vigorous 30-hour training program emphasizing cultural and ethnic diversity and the use of communication skills to defuse anger in disputes.
How can I help?
We need a wide range of volunteers, each for as little as a few hours a week, including:
Get Involved
Call or email Barbara Proctor about this volunteer opportunity.
925.687.8844 x250, barbara@chd-prevention.org
Why be a volunteer mediator?
"In probate guardianships typically one or both parents become terribly hostile to the petitioners...most commonly grandparents of the minor. Into these emotional minefields march the professional mediators who volunteer their time and services through CHD's Guardianship Mediation Program. It is amazing how often these mediators are able to help the parties set aside their hostilities...and reach a settlement that will be in the best interest of the minors."
Contra Costa Probate Commissioner