Residents interested in the court system are encouraged to take part in a new volunteer opportunity.
Recently, the Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary (EFS) has been invited by the court regional management planning committee to provide services to the public.
The EFS, which provides programs and services to people in conflict or contact with the law, is looking for a handful of local residents interested in making the court experience as positive as possible.
“We are very excited that we were able to gain funding to expand into areas outside the Calgary city limits,” said Barbara Hagen, executive director of EFS.
“It is a huge opportunity for people… to volunteer in their home communities.”
According to Hagen, adults ages 18 and older with an interest in the legal system, including students considering possible careers in the field, would be ideal volunteers.
“This is a great opportunity for them to learn more and get involved,” she said.
Volunteers are needed on Airdrie court days, Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The EFS provides training for volunteers, and a staff member will be on duty during court days.
Volunteers are asked to provide information about the legal process and community resources for anyone included in the court system such as witnesses and victims.
“Our focus is two-fold,” said Hagen. “We would like to alleviate their apprehension and make the court experience as low stress as possible. We want to answer people’s questions about process and provide information about options in an environment that is as compassionate as possible.”
According to Shannon Pratt, program director for the EFS, there are a number of benefits to volunteering with the EFS including gaining an increased understanding of the criminal justice system, court procedures, women’s issues, community resources available in areas of law, counseling and non-profit procedures.
Volunteers will also increase their public speaking and communication skills and gain experience with front-line client support.
“(The volunteer opportunity) is for people that might in interested in the legal process or criminal justice or someone that just wants to connect with the public and help out,” said Pratt.
For more information on the Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary, visit www.elizabethfrycalgary.ca
To learn more about volunteering, contact Kate Joseph, EFS volunteer coordinator, at 403-2977-6043 or at [email protected]
