Pup Up Café Volunteer

About the Pop Up Café:
The Pop Up Café aims to create a welcoming environment for community members who may be experiencing isolation or loneliness. By fostering connections, the café encourages relationships between residents and builds a sense of belonging. People can experience social isolation for various reasons: they may be new to town, without family nearby, or unaware of local resources. Language barriers, single or stay-at-home parenting, and aging can also contribute to feelings of isolation.

Volunteer Role:
Pop Up Café Volunteers are crucial to creating a warm, friendly, and safe atmosphere for everyone. Your main role is to engage with visitors, offer them refreshments and snacks, and promote community connections through conversations and activities. Enjoy your time at the café and feel free to suggest new ideas to make the space even more inviting!

*Greet and Welcome Guests: Offer a warm smile and friendly greeting to everyone who stops by the café.
*Engage in Conversations: Be approachable and initiate conversations with guests to make them feel included. Take time to learn about them and share what the café offers.
*Offer Refreshments: Let guests know they can order a coffee on us, and invite them to stay and chat or play a card game.
*Create a Safe Space: Ensure that the environment is welcoming and comfortable, especially for individuals who may be hesitant to participate.
*Share Community Resources: Share relevant information as needed and refer guests to the Okotoks Family Resource Centre for any supports. 
*Play Games or Facilitate Activities: Enjoy a game of cards or another simple activity with guests or fellow volunteers to encourage engagement.
*Observe and Report: Make note of any observations or suggestions for improvement and report them to staff.
*Enjoy Your Time: Relax and enjoy the café space with fellow volunteers. Your presence alone contributes to a welcoming environment.

*Volunteers are invited to attend an orientation session before they begin!
*We encourage volunteers to sign up for multiple shifts to help maintain a consistent and welcoming atmosphere at the café, but it is not necessary to attend all cafés! 


Pop Up Café Locations :
Monday from 1:30 to 3pm at the Okotoks Recreation Centre 
Wednesday from 9:30am to 11am at Okotoks Sobeys 
Thursday from 9:30 to 11am at the Safeway D'Arcy Crossing