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City of Fort Collins
 

Conflict Transformation Works

Conflict Transformation Works

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Conflict Transformation Works

Volunteering#

Volunteers are the foundation for our work.

They bring the community voice into our City programs and empower people to create their own solutions.

Volunteers are involved in all aspects of our work. They are part of Community Mediation and Restorative Justice circles, administrative support, outreach and education efforts and more. 

Our volunteers: 

  • Listen first and offer empowering choices.
  • Work together to include all voices in making change.
  • Increase understanding between people in conflict to build a stronger community.  
  • Value being part of a community that learns together.

Crime and conflict happen in community, and that means healing and repair can too. One conversation at a time, volunteers participate in processes that give everyone choice, voice and opportunity in conflict situations.

How does volunteering work?#

Come join us in transforming conflict.

  • Applications are accepted year-round.
  • New volunteers are onboarded twice a year and required to complete an 8-hour training.
  • All volunteers receive mentorship (Observations for Community Mediation; practice with a more experienced volunteer in Restorative Justice). 

Pick a Program Track#

Community Mediation volunteers work with residents whose quality of life is being negatively impacted by conflict (housing, neighborhood etc). To volunteer in Community Mediation, you must have a 40-hour Mediation Training Certificate.

  • Observer
  • Co-Mediator

Restorative Justice volunteers work with people of all ages impacted by crime, and youth, between the ages of 10-22, and their families. 

  • Adult Community Representative   

  • Peer Representative (ages 15-25)   

  • Co-Facilitator 

The Works volunteers work role focuses on complex conflicts and requires training in both Restorative Justice and Community Mediation. 

  • Co-leader

Get Started#

Step 1: Apply Online

Complete our online application using the City of Fort Collins’ Engage system. Please take time to answer each question with care. 

  • If you are interested in Community Mediation, please upload a copy of your completed 40-hour training certificate in your application.  
Step 2: Background Check

Complete the background check (needed for everyone over the age of 18). 

  • Sterling Volunteers, a third-party company, sends a short email you will need to complete to run the background check. If you have any concerns about this process or need an alternative method to completing this, please call us.  
Step 3: In-person Interview

We will reach out to you to schedule an in-person interview at our Conflict Transformation Works office (112 N Howes Street, Fort Collins, CO 80522). 

  • Interviews typically last about an hour and we want to hear your questions so please bring them. 

Step 4: New Volunteer Orientation Training

This required training is held twice a year and scheduled on a Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

FAQ#

People gain unique, new experiences, deepen community ties, and spend time doing meaningful work in volunteering with Conflict Transformation Works. 

Ongoing Learning 
All volunteers receive training when they start, and the learning never has to end! We offer many trainings throughout the year that give people the opportunity to try a new volunteer role or deepen their understanding of one specific skill or topic area.

Volunteer gatherings are held 3-4 times a year and bring all of our program volunteers together to learn about topics that affect our work. We provide food and time for volunteers to get to know one another and deepen their relationships.

Volunteer appreciation is an annual tradition at Conflict Transformation Works! Gratitude is our attitude and fun together is a priority. Typically held in November, we bring everyone together to celebrate the years accomplishments and the growth of our team and our community impact. 

We accept volunteers ages 14 and up.

  • Community Mediations and restorative circles are scheduled Monday – Thursday starting around 5 p.m. and end about 8 p.m.
  • Mediations can also be scheduled during the day Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or between 1 to 4 p.m.
  • Our large group Restorative Justice program takes place on the second Saturday of every other month between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The seven-year criminal background check is required and completed at the beginning of your volunteering. As a volunteer, you will be working with people in protected classes (youth, adults living with disabilities, seniors) and have access to sensitive information. If you do not have a social security number, we can use an alternate method to complete this check. Additionally, all volunteers are expected to report felony-level charges if that happens.

Yes! Learning and skill building is a centerpiece of our volunteer community, and we can provide you with a letter of reference upon request.

Currently, we require the completion of this certificate as a pre-requisite to volunteering. Our staff team is developing at internal training that will replace this requirement in the future. Please reach out to Dana Henderson for more information: dahenderson@fcgov.com.