Be part of a Circle. Help build a safer community.
CoSA is powered by people.
Volunteers are at the heart of CoSA Ottawa. Two to three trained community volunteers form a Circle of Support and Accountability around a Core Member, working alongside CoSA staff and other professionals to support successful reintegration into the community.
Volunteers provide something that is difficult to find after incarceration: consistent, meaningful human connection combined with support and accountability.
By building a trusting relationship, volunteers help Core Members develop the skills, relationships and supports they need to build a meaningful, healthy and crime-free life.
Your time can make a lasting difference.
What Does a CoSA Volunteer Do?
Being a CoSA volunteer is about more than attending meetings. Volunteers walk alongside a Core Member as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of life in the community.
Provide practical support
Volunteers can help Core Members connect with essential resources and community supports, including:
- Housing
- Employment and education
- Social assistance
- Health and community resources
- Recreational and social opportunities
Be a positive role model
Volunteers model healthy, pro-social choices and help Core Members develop practical life skills, including:
- Building healthy relationships
- Managing money and responsibilities
- Developing positive routines
- Finding healthy recreational activities
- Connecting with the community
Offer emotional support
Volunteers provide a consistent and supportive presence. They listen, encourage and help Core Members navigate challenges without judgment.
Recognize strengths
CoSA is grounded in the belief that people have the capacity to change.
Volunteers help Core Members identify and build on their strengths, skills, interests and talents while working toward their personal goals.
Support and Accountability
Support is only one part of CoSA.
Volunteers also help Core Members remain accountable for their choices and commitments. Together with staff, the Circle helps reduce risk, support compliance with legal conditions and work toward the Core Member’s identified goals.
Volunteers do this by:
- Challenging problematic attitudes, behaviours and choices;
- Helping the Core Member follow their Self-Management Plan;
- Encouraging responsible decision-making;
- Recognizing warning signs and communicating concerns with staff and other Circle members; and
- Maintaining appropriate boundaries while serving as a positive mentor and role model.
Volunteers are never expected to manage risk or difficult situations alone. CoSA staff provide guidance, support and coordination to help volunteers navigate their role safely and effectively.
Who Makes a Good CoSA Volunteer?
You don’t need a particular professional background to become a CoSA volunteer.
We welcome mature, committed and responsible adults who are willing to build a meaningful relationship, maintain healthy boundaries, listen without judgment and support accountability.
You may be a good fit if you:
- Believe people can change;
- Care about community safety;
- Are a good listener;
- Can maintain appropriate boundaries;
- Are comfortable having difficult conversations;
- Can be dependable and consistent; and
- Want to make a meaningful contribution to your community.
You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to be willing to show up, listen and be part of the Circle.
What Is the Commitment?
CoSA volunteers make a meaningful commitment to their Circle.
Before joining a Circle
Prospective volunteers must:
- Be 18 years of age or older;
- Submit a volunteer application;
- Complete CoSA Ottawa’s volunteer training program;
- Participate in a volunteer interview;
- Provide two character references; and
- Complete a police background check.
Once approved
Volunteers commit to:
- Participating for a minimum of one year;
- Approximately one to two hours per week, including a Circle meeting and one-on-one meeting;
- Attending CoSA community events and additional training opportunities when available; and
- Recording and submitting volunteer hours.
What Happens After I Apply?
Submitting an application is the first step, it does not automatically make you a CoSA volunteer.
1. Apply
Complete the online volunteer application.
2. Training
CoSA staff will contact you about the next available volunteer training session.
3. Screening
The screening process includes an interview, two character references and a police background check.
4. Decision
Volunteer applications are reviewed as part of the screening process. If approved, you can move forward toward joining a Circle.
5. Join a Circle
Once matched with a Circle, you’ll begin your volunteer journey with ongoing support from CoSA staff and your fellow Circle members.
You can withdraw your application at any time. Participating in volunteer training does not obligate you to become a CoSA volunteer.
Training & Support
You won’t be expected to step into this role without preparation.
CoSA Ottawa provides training to help volunteers understand the CoSA model, the role of the Circle, appropriate boundaries, risk awareness and the realities of supporting people returning to the community after incarceration for sexual offences.
Volunteers also receive ongoing support from CoSA staff throughout their involvement.
You bring your time, compassion and willingness to learn. We provide the training and support.
Ready to Make a Difference?
More than 45 community volunteers contribute their time to CoSA Ottawa. Each one brings something different, but together, they form a community of support and accountability that can help prevent future harm.
Your two hours a week could make a difference in someone’s life—and in the safety of our community.
Become a CoSA Volunteer
Have questions before applying? Reach out!
admin@cosa-ottawa.ca