Volunteer facilitators support children, teens, and families in peer grief support groups by helping create a safe, welcoming environment. They help guide group activities and provide support as participants share their experiences. These groups are peer support settings, where facilitators work alongside trained staff to lead discussions, encourage participation, and help group participants express themselves in a safe, supportive, and structured environment. Volunteer facilitators who work with kids and teens find themselves actively engaged in a lot of play, as well!

To become a volunteer facilitator, you must complete all required training components: a four-day training, which includes orientation, two full days of training, a group observation and a certificate ceremony. You will also need to pass a criminal background check.

Volunteer facilitators commit to staying at Dougy Center for a minimum of one year. After training, volunteers support their assigned group approximately two times per month for about 3.5 hours each session, totaling roughly 20 to 22 groups per year. Facilitators are expected to attend each meeting with their group. Administrative and event volunteers have more flexible, as-needed schedules.

You may apply at any time; applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We extend training invitations to eligible applicants approximately two months before each facilitator training begins. Invitations are based on our current group needs, your availability, and the flexibility of your schedule. We offer volunteer facilitator trainings three times per year: winter, spring, and fall.