Looking for a rewarding volunteer experience?  We are seeking caring members who are interested in becoming part of our Stride Night and Stride Circles programs. Please check the schedule below for upcoming training dates.  In addition to Stride's Trainings, all volunteers going into the prison MUST complete Correctional Service of Canada's (CSC) 4-hour volunteer training.  Dates and registration for this training are handled through Stride staff.

**Anyone entering the prison must complete a C-pic form that is then cleared through the prison's security staff.  C-pics must be completed (including signature) and faxed to CJI - Attn: Leslie Waye at least 2 weeks prior to the training date to participate in our training.  People with a criminal record may still be cleared to attend Stride programming within GVI with proper disclosure of the details of the crime(s) to Stride staff and special approval from the Warden of GVI.

Please click here for a blank Volunteer Application Form  volunteer application form - current - stride 56.57 Kb

Please go to the Volunteer Application tab of this program section of the website to obtain this document.

Stride Night Training is a two-part training and is regularly scheduled.
Stride Night Training includes: an orientation to CJI, Restorative Justice and Stride with overview of the Stride Night Program and volunteer roles; an overview of Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) including and orientation and tour of Grand Valley Institution for Women; reintegration issues, boundaries, confidentiality and GVI Security protocols.

Stride Circles Training is a 6-week training (Wednesday evenings) offered at least twice per year (spring and fall).  PLEASE NOTE that Stride Night Volunteer Training must be completed with participation in Stride Nights PRIOR to taking the Stride Circles Training.  Regular participation in Stride Night for a period of 3-6 months is recommended before being a Stride Circles participant.  Stride Circles Training includes understanding needs and issues facing women serving a federal sentence, comprehension of the federal criminal justice system, incarceration and parole, the Circle process (how it supports women to reintegrate successfully from prison), and the role of a Circle Volunteer.

This page is updated with training/event dates as they become available.  

Upcoming Trainings 2008:

Stride Circles Training:

Wednesdays - September 24 - October 29 inclusive six weeks 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at CJI

Stride Night Training:

Orientation:  Wednesday September 3 from 6:30p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at CJI

Tour:  Wednesday September 10 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.  at GVI

Orientation:  Monday October 20 from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at CJI

Tour:  Monday October 27 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at GVI

                           

To register for any of the upcoming STRIDE Volunteer trainings, please contact the Administrative Coordinator (Leslie) by calling 519-744-6549 ext. 209 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

All people wanting to volunteer for Stride must complete a police check through GVI - the prison, and complete relevant training as listed above. 

For more information about the Stride related trainings please see the calendar of events in this website, and/or refer to the "Volunteer" section of this website for a sample Stride Volunteer position description.

Stride Night Activities Poster