The Child Advocates – Denver CASA Peer Coordinator Model is a program that empowers seasoned CASA Volunteers to take on the support and coaching of new CASAs. Utilizing the talents and experiences of veteran CASAs allows Denver CASA to support more volunteers, otherwise, limited by by staff capacity.
With the Peer Coordinator model, we have served more children by recruiting and training seasoned, experienced CASA Volunteers to support other CASA volunteers.
GOALS OF THE MODEL
- To provide a CASA Volunteer to every child in the system
- To create a fluid system of support for advocates
- To strengthen connections between CASA Volunteers
- To expand our shared knowledge base
- To build solid relationships within the organization by using smaller groups
WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A PEER COORDINATOR
- A Different Type of Volunteering – If you’d like a break from working directly with youth, try it from another angle by supporting your peers in their work.
- Use Your Expertise – Through your experience as an advocate you’ve become an expert. Help guide other volunteers by sharing your wisdom and experience in a supportive role.
- Make Closer Connections – CASA Volunteers work individually on cases but as a Peer Coordinator you’ll be working with multiple volunteers and CASA staff.
- Learn and Develop Your Coaching Skills – The role of the Peer Coordinator isn’t to have all the answers, but to help volunteers find their own right answers.
- Harness People Power – Use your time, energy, and skill to support a program that thrives on volunteerism. With enough volunteer involvement, funding limitations won’t be an issue!
To learn more about the Peer Coordinator Model, how to be a Peer Coordinator or to connect with one of current Peer Coordinators, please contact Katie Smith at [email protected].