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: Peggy LaFlamme 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 cpic form  CPIC Clearance Form 72.14 Kb

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

To register for any of the upcoming STRIDE Volunteer trainings, please contact the Agency Administrative Assistant (Bernice) by calling 519-744-6549 ext. 119 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

All persons desiring to volunteer with CJI must complete a Volunteer Application Form, attend a Volunteer Orientation evening, and participate in an interview prior to attending program training. Following program training, volunteers who are assisting with program service delivery at the CJI offices must also attend a Volunteer Premises Tour evening as well. Please contact Peggy LaFlamme at 519-744-6549 ext. 208 to register for the Volunteer Orientation evenings.

Stride Night Training is a four-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. 

To register for the 2012 Stride Night training click  Stride Night Training Registration Form 2012 50.18 Kbprint, complete and return to Bernice (see contact info above). 

Stride Circles Training is a 4-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.

To register for 2012 Stride Circle training click   2012 Stride Circles Registration Form 65.39 Kb print, complete and return to Bernice (see contact info above).

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

TRAININGS 2012
STRIDE NIGHT TRAINING
March 14, 21 & April 4, 2012                  6:30 -9 pm
March 28, 2012                                      6 - 9 pm  

May 2,9 & 23, 2012                                6:30 - 9 pm
May 16, 2012                                         6 - 9 pm   

Oct. 4, 11 & 25, 2012                             6:30 - 9 pm
Oct. 18, 2012                                         6 - 9 pm   

STRIDE CIRCLE TRAINING
Jan. 18, 25, & Feb. 1, 8, 2012                 6:30 - 9:30 pm

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION & PREMISE TOUR DATES
 VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION
Jan. 16, 2012              7 - 8:30 pm
April 16, 2012             7 - 8:30 pm
Sept. 10, 2012             7 - 8:30 pm
Dec. 3, 2012                7 - 8:30 pm

PREMISE TOUR
April 2, 2012               7 - 8:30 pm
June 18, 2012              7 - 8:30 pm
Aug. 27, 2012              7 - 8:30 pm
Nov. 26, 2012              7 - 8:30 pm 

To register for any of the upcoming STRIDE Volunteer trainings, please contact the Agency Administrative Assistant (Bernice) by calling 519-744-6549 ext. 119 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

All persons desiring to volunteer with CJI must complete a Volunteer Application Form, attend a Volunteer Orientation evening, and participate in an interview prior to attending program training. Following program training, volunteers who will be assisting with program service delivery at the CJI offices must also attend a Volunteer Premises Tour evening as well. Please contact Peggy LaFlamme at 519-744-6549 ext. 208 to register for the Volunteer Orientation evening.

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