Overview & Impact:  The Georgian Triangle Humane Society (GTHS) seeks passionate, driven volunteers to play a vital role in supporting our ambitious capital campaign. Volunteers will specialize in one of four fundraising areas: Family Foundations, Corporate Giving, Major Donors, or Community Gifts. These roles involve identifying, qualifying, and engaging potential supporters to help GTHS achieve its fundraising goals for the Regional Centre for Pets and People, which will significantly impact animal welfare in our community and region.

Position Summary:  Reporting to the Associate Director, the Legacy Leader: Capital Campaign Fundraising Volunteer is a high-impact role that requires commitment, resourcefulness, and resilience. The Associate Director will provide comprehensive training, ongoing support, and resources to empower volunteers in this rewarding journey to raise funds for our new facility. Volunteers will work remotely and/or local to the Georgian Triangle area.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Core Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Associate Director to develop a strategic approach to your designated fundraising area
• Research and build a prospect list of individuals, organizations, or entities aligned with your focus area
• Qualify prospects through initial outreach and engagement, determining their interest and capacity to give
• Assist in crafting personalized approaches to solicit contributions, including emails, letters and in-person meetings
• Maintain accurate records of outreach efforts, progress and outcomes.
• Participate in training sessions, strategy discussions and regular check-ins to refine approaches and stay motivated
• Serve as an ambassador for GTHS, passionately articulating the impact of the capital campaign

Specific Role Descriptions (based on selected area of focus)

1. Family Foundations Volunteer

Focus on engaging family foundations with a history of supporting animal welfare, community development, or local causes

• Research and identify family foundations with a philanthropic focus that aligns with GTHS’s mission
• Build connections with foundation representatives and prepare compelling proposals highlighting the campaign’s impact
• Assist in coordinating meetings or presentations to secure commitments

2. Corporate Giving Volunteer

Engage corporate partners to secure sponsorships and significant contributions

• Identify businesses and corporations within the Georgian Triangle and beyond that may have an interest in supporting GTHS
• Develop creative strategies to align corporate giving goals with campaign objectives, including sponsorship opportunities and naming rights
• Build relationships with decision-makers, HR leads and corporate social responsibility (CSR) representatives

3. Major Donors Volunteer

Focus on cultivating relationships with high-net-worth individuals passionate about animal welfare and/or community development

• Research potential major donors with a history of philanthropy in the region or related causes
• Work with GTHS leadership to personalize outreach, highlighting donor recognition opportunities
• Assist in coordinating one-on-one meetings or events to inspire significant gifts

4. Community Gifts Volunteer

Encourage grassroots contributions from the community, fostering broad-based support

• Develop strategies to engage local groups, clubs, schools and individual community members
• Create and support community-driven initiatives, like peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns or local events
• Help manage outreach efforts through social media, community newsletters and public engagement opportunities

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 18 years of age minimum
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to research, organize and track donor prospects effectively
• Enthusiasm for relationship-building and storytelling
• Resilience and optimism to navigate challenges and celebrate wins
• Embodies the organization’s values and has a genuine interest in the welfare of animals
• Own transportation, laptop and cell phone

Working Conditions:

•  Thorough training and orientation to prepare you for success
• Personalized support from the Associate Director
• Access to templates, tools, and resources for outreach and solicitation
• Opportunities to contribute directly to a meaningful and impactful campaign

Ready to Take on the Challenge?

Join us in transforming the future of animal welfare in the region. While this role demands dedication and hard work, it offers the chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of animals and the community.

Apply today to start your journey as a Capital Campaign Fundraising Volunteer!                                                                                                                 

Brad’s Place Addiction Treatment of Southern Georgian Bay is seeking to fill the volunteer positions within the Board of Direcotrs. These positions include:

• Secretary
• Marketing and Communications Director
• Quality Assurance and Privacy Officer
• Fundraising Director
• Volunteer Coordinator

Brad’s Place Addiction Treatment of Southern Georgian Bay is a not for profit, charitable organization that strives to support youth and young adults struggling with substance abuse and addiction that want to obtain a positive lifestyle by decreasing their need for drugs and increasing positive coping strategies through personalized counselling services.

Vision:

Brad’s Place provides a client centered approach to addiction counselling for teenagers and young adults struggling to live sober, healthy lifestyles under the guidance and support of their family members and positive supports.

Mission Statement:

Brad's Place offers a therapeutic approach to a sober, healthy lifestyle for teenagers and young adults through offering empathetic personal and group counselling from honest, reliable, skilled counsellors within Simcoe County.

Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce is seeking community-minded individuals wishing to volunteer their time as Board of Directors Members or to assist at our promotional or fundraising events as Volunteer Members. 

Katimavik’s National Experience is an amazing opportunity for any Canadian citizens, permanent residents or landed refugees aged 17 – 25 who are looking for 22 weeks of creative learning, community engagement, Truth and Reconciliation, and self-discovery! Youth will live in a group with up to 10 of their peers in two separate communities throughout the course of the program. During the program they engage in 32 valuable volunteer hours a week, learn how to manage a house, make lifelong friends, and gain confidence that they themselves can make an impactful difference in our country. This is a fully funded opportunity where participants’ travel expenses, living accommodations, food costs, and daily needs are covered. All they will need to bring is their dedication, empathy, and commitment to making a better world!

Some of the topics and skills that Participants will be challenged to learn about include:

• The history of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the importance of Truth and Reconciliation;
• The benefits and impact of civic engagement;
• Professional work skills in a variety of sectors, depending on volunteer placements;
• Cooking skills, house maintenance, and practical life skills;
• Conflict resolution, communication, and how to strive within a team environment;
• Environmental protection and sustainable development;
• English or French as an additional language;
• Leadership, advocacy, and project management skills;
• Canada’s cultural, geographic, and linguistic diversity.

Welcome to Autism Ontario, the province's leading source for autism information and referral. Our commitment extends beyond just providing information; we offer vital support and learning opportunities to autistic individuals and their families, ensuring they have access to necessary resources and connections at every stage of their lives.

Autism Ontario is more than an organization; it's a community spread across seven regions in the province, with dedicated Care Coordinators in each area. From Central East to West, including Toronto and the North, our team is regionally embedded to provide localized support.

Our mission is clear: To create a supportive and inclusive Ontario for autism. We envision the best life and a better world where autism truly matters. This vision is driven by our CARE values:
Collaboration: Working hand in hand with individuals, families, and communities.
Accountability: Upholding high standards of integrity and fiscal responsibility.
Respect: Embracing equity, diversity, inclusion, and understanding.
Evidence-Informed: Guiding our actions with knowledge and research.

Your support and involvement can help us achieve a world where the autism community is fully included, supported, and empowered. For a deeper insight into our work and impact, you can visit the Autism Ontario website or explore our social media.

• Provide weekly companionship to client of Breaking Down Barriers.
• Assist with activities like arts & crafts, cooking, scrapbooking, weaving and Friendship Café
• Meet for conversation, maybe go for an outing and just be a friendly face to someone who may otherwise be isolated.

General Kitchen Duties

• Assisting the cook
• Preparing meals
• Baking

The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) acts as a resource for the Youth Services staff at the Library in areas such as book selection, volunteer support, activity planning and promotion.

The board will continuously monitor the organization’s programs and activities to be sure they are aligned with the mission to achieve short-term goals and long-term purpose. They will exercise fiduciary responsibility to obtain and appropriately use resources required to carry out the organization’s mission.

Support our Social Recreation Coordinator with the delivery of varied programs for people living with dementia.
• Ensure that participants are engaged
• Some light set up and clean up of the space for each program
• Training as appropriate for each course
• Volunteers participate in the activities along with the participants - It's fun!
• This program may be held virtually during the pandemic. A computer would be a requirement to volunteer in that case

• Talk about Coffee Break in their community
• Deliver Kits to Coffee Break Hosts
• Collect donations and unused supplies following events
• Sign up new hosts

• Assist with shaping the evening (entertainment, meal, location, decor)
• Help solicit auction items and sponsorship
• Attend the gala as a volunteer in October
• This event may be held virtually during the pandemic

Join team members as they plan and organize for our premier fundraising event WALK-IT for Parkinson’s. This event takes place in 14 locations across Southwestern Ontario every September. Have fun and help as we raise funds together to support people and their families who are living with Parkinson’s in Southwestern Ontario.

Be trained to conduct education sessions on fracture prevention to seniors at seniors centres, retirement homes and active living programs.

PM Dog Care Team Members report to the Dog Care Coordinator and help to maintain the general health and welfare of the dogs in our care at the Animal Centre. In part this is achieved by participating in our Canine Enrichment Program to provide mental and physical stimuli to these dogs. To support the wide range of dog behaviours and needs we encounter at the GTHS, PM Dog Care Team Members complete a Dog Care Program*; quickly progressing from Green dogs (ie. puppies and seniors who are easy to walk and handle) to Yellow dogs (ie. young, rambunctious, pullers who can be slightly difficult to walk and handle), then work through the Orange and Purple levels at their own pace, with the ultimate goal of working with Red dogs (ie. strong, reactive dogs that are difficult to walk and handle, and that may have other behavioural issues).

*Training is required upon joining the Dog Care Team and will be required intermittently to 
progress through the Dog Care Program.

• We are looking for a motivated person that shares their experience and expertise in a positive and constructive manner.  
• Join our Board of Directors to provide input on decision making.
• We are an advisory Board and meet for 1 hour once per quarter.

Board of Directors Description - Director 

Function 

Board members are responsible for determining and implementing governance policies and procedures to achieve the mission and mandate of Big Brothers Big Sisters.   

Role and Responsibilities 

• Understand and demonstrate a commitment to the organization’s mission and programs; 

• Be informed about agency policies and programs in order to support adherence to the National Standards as set out by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada; 

• Possess knowledge and skills in one or more areas of Board governance: policy, finance, programs, personnel, and advocacy; 

• Contribute skills and knowledge by participating actively in meetings and committee work; 

• Understand and maintain confidentiality; 

• Avoid any potential conflicts of interest; 

• Ensure the organization is complying with all legal and regulatory requirements; 

• Assist in fostering positive relationships among the Board, staff and community to support fulfillment of organizational mandate. 

• Serve as an ambassador for the organization;  

General Duties 

• Prepare for meetings by reading agendas, minutes, reports and other documentation required to actively participate in them; 

• Attend meetings regularly; 

• Be an active participant on at least one board committee; 

• Keep up to date with issues and trends that affect the organization; 

• Participate in the review of the Board’s structure, approve changes, and assist in bylaw amendments; 

• Participate in the recruitment of new board members and staff; 

• Support and participate in the evaluation of the board; 

• Get to know other committee members and builds a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus; 

• Assist in the recruitment of new volunteers for all positions in the agency; 

• Participate in fundraising for the organization and any events related thereto; 

• Participate in orientation, educational and strategic planning sessions;  

• Understand and monitor the organization’s financial affairs including review and approval of annual budgets; 

Being a S2F volunteer is one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling things you’ll ever do. Shape Canadian children's futures for the better by being a friend and a teammate. And the best part is, it’s actually a lot of fun. Volunteer and use your skills to help break the cycle of child poverty!

Details:

- Jan to May

- 30-40 minute sessions 2x/week (Tues/Wed/Thurs)

- flexible timing, between 3:30-6:30pm EST

- 10-12 participants and 2-3 volunteer coaches per group

- Sessions include fitness, literacy & mentoring activities, with emphasis on building character strengths

- An easy-to-use virtual platform to facilitate programming If you are interested, please apply on our volunteer portal: https://timecounts.app/start2finish/applications/be25fdc6-0bcf-499d-985c-39ad7ab41575

Please note while this is a virtual opportunity, volunteers must be located in Canada.

In 2015, we ran our first ever Butt Blitz — an action-oriented campaign focused on raising public awareness about cigarette litter, while simultaneously removing as much of it from the environment as possible.

Cigarette butts account for 1 in 5 pieces of litter that we find at our cleanups. These small cigarette butts are one of the most common forms of litter and when not disposed of properly, they cause negative impacts on local ecosystems and health.

Each spring, volunteers from across Canada pick up cigarette butts in their local communities, then send them to TerraCycle Canada for recycling. The social impact of this event is just as important as the environmental impact, as it helps prevent cigarette butt litter from ending up on the ground in the future!

We are looking for Butt Blitz Coordinators in communities across Canada to join us in expanding our impact by engaging volunteers locally throughout April!

As a Butt Blitz Coordinator, you are dedicating your time throughout April to help reduce the amount of cigarette litter in your local community and create a safer, healthier environment. You will help to spread awareness and connect others within your community to get involved in this initiative to reduce cigarette waste. 

All you need to participate is a pair of gloves, an up-cycled container (e.g., an old yogurt tub) to collect your butts in, and an interest in improving your local environment!

Coordinator Responsibilities:

• Review and understand the Butt Blitz Coordinator Information package

• Participate in cigarette litter cleanups to contribute to the overall goal of removing 1 million cigarette butts

• Choose a central and easily accessible location for local volunteers to drop off their collected butts (e.g., your front porch)

• Engage and support a team of local volunteers throughout April (e.g., answering questions, keeping in contact, hosting small group cleanups)

•  Mail in the cigarette butt collection to TerraCycle for recycling (shipping label provided by A Greener Future)

• Attend virtual team meetings via Google Meets (3 in total, max 30 minutes in length)

• Complete weekly check-ins with A Greener Future staff (via email or virtual call)

• Speak with the local media about the Butt Blitz should the possibility arrive

• Sign a virtual Liability Waiver

Please note: The Butt Blitz is a 19+ event (18+ in Alberta and Quebec) because we are working with hazardous waste.

To apply for this opportunity, please complete the application below by Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024: https://form-can.keela.co/butt-blitz-spring-2024-coordinator-form. 

Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview to ensure that the role is a good fit and we’ll answer any questions you may have about the position.

The Events and Fundraising Director will initiate and manage the Club's events.

Essential Elements:

• Plan, organize and run events inlcuding AGM & Christmas Potlock, End 2 End weekend, trivia nights, Travel adventures, Christmas tree sales, galas, garage sales and online auctions etc
• Liase with the Volunteer Coordinator to build your team and organize volunteer appreciation events
• Liase with the Communications Team to publicize events
• Work with Club Treasurer to report results to the Board
• Connect with the BTC fundraising team and it's peers at sister clubs to exchange ideas/learn best practices

Other:

• Review the Volunteer Orientation Handbook including the Volunteer Pledge, sign BTC Confidentiality Agreement
• Take advantage of the Fundraising Toolkit, avaialble on BTC website

It is helpful to have:

• Some experience in event planning and/or fundraising
• People, organizational, computer and communication skills

Across the country, the Gutsy Walk is made possible due to the time and talents shared by thousands of volunteers in their communities. With a collective goal to deliver our mission of finding a cure for Crohn's and colitis, we are greatly appreciative and thankful for our volunteers who have continuously led the Gutsy Walk to success each year.

As a Gutsy Walk Planning Committee Member, you’ll be working closely with a team of other volunteers to plan and promote your local Gutsy Walk. Your efforts in connecting and engaging your community—whatever your volunteer role with Gutsy Walk—will make a big impact in raising awareness about IBD and finding cures.
In particular, we’re looking for volunteers to support their local Gutsy Walk in the following ways:

• Community Outreach –inspire people to sign up and participate in the local Gutsy Walk
• Media Relations –connect with local media outlets to promote the Gutsy Walk
• Social Media –raise awareness about IBD and the Gutsy Walk through social media
• Fundraising –organize exciting fundraisers in your community
• Corporate Sponsorship –engage with local businesses to promote donations of sponsorship and gifts in kind
• Stewardship –build relationships with Gutsy Walk participants and encourage engagement

We are in need of Mentor and non-Mentor volunteers. Mentors are needed for all of our programs - Community Based (matched 1:1 with a young person); School Based (matched 1:1 with a young person and meet on school property, during the school day, September through June) or Group Mentor (1:3 ratio, locations in Kincardine or Wingham; 2-3 times per month).

Non-Mentor volunteers include Board Members, FUN Developers or Community Builder volunteer groups. The FUN Developers plan activities and events for our Mentees and Mentors to do (e.g.: The Factory in London, Blue Jays Game, Camp Kintail, museum trips, Christmas and Halloween parties, etc.). The Community Builders help plan and execute our fundraising events, such as Dancing with the Stars, Golf Tournaments, etc. They can also volunteer on the day of the event, for example, with the Christmas Yard Sale, etc. 

All volunteers must complete the application process which includes a Police Records Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and training. Volunteers must be 18 years of age and older. 

• Assist the president to prepare, ciculate and implement the agenda, manage meetings
• Document and store electronically the minutes of Board meetings in Google Drive
• Arrange locations ad ensure proper booking of facilities for Club meetings and events
• Communicate to BTC meeting minutes, Board member contact information, and respond to requests for information from Board members and membership
• Other duties as assigned

• Assist the president to prepare, ciculate and implement the agenda, manage meetings
• Document and store electronically the minutes of Board meetings in Google Drive
• Arrange locations ad ensure proper booking of facilities for Club meetings and events
• Communicate to BTC meeting minutes, Board member contact information, and respond to requests for information from Board members and membership
• other duties as assigned

Three Committee meetings per year including Annual General Meeting. On-site activities may include spring grounds cleanup, fall decoration service and possible tours for interested parties.

We empower young girls and women to be everything they want to be, and as a volunteer, you will help make that happen! Our volunteers support girls as they build confidence, develop new skills, and become leaders in their communities. 
As part of a unit’s leadership team, you’ll facilitate fun and engaging program activities, like scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, outdoor exploration, games, and more. You can choose to work with girls in one of five branches: Sparks (age 5-6), Embers (age 7-8), Guides (age 9-11), Pathfinders (age 12-14), or Rangers (age 15-17).  
Volunteers will receive access to a digital program platform stocked with age-appropriate activities and meeting tools, as well as training on delivering activities in ways that will empower and encourage girls. 
Units meet on a regular basis, from weekly to monthly, depending on the age of the girls. Volunteers commit to 3 hours per week for unit meetings plus additional hours, when required, for trips and events.  

What You’ll Do as A Group Leader: 
- Create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for girls! 
- Plan regular unit meetings in person, outdoors, and online, during which you’ll facilitate girl-driven programming that is fun and engaging. 
- Organize in-person or virtual opportunities beyond unit meetings, including community service activities and camps.  
- Support shared leadership and decision-making with girls and other volunteers.  
- Promote Girl Guides to girls and women locally.  
- Provide ongoing communication to girls and parents/guardians about unit activities.  
- Assist with unit administration tasks, such as maintaining girls’ program records and health forms, managing safety protocols, and ordering badges.  
- Assist with maintaining unit finances as required by your province.  
- Support the semi-annual sales of Girl Guide Cookies.  

What You’ll Bring: 
- A welcoming, imaginative, and enthusiastic attitude. 
- Openness, flexibility, and a willingness to try new things. 
- An appreciation of diversity and inclusivity. 
- An embrace of the girl-driven approach to Girl Guides. 
- Understanding, encouraging, and respecting girls’ ideas and thoughts. 
- Resourcefulness, dependability, and creativity. 
- A willingness to show your unique talents and skills. 
What You Need: 
- All volunteers must have reached the age of majority in their province or territory. 
- Pass a Police Record Check facilitated by Girl Guides of Canada. 
- Complete organizational training components on safety, the role, and administrative duties, as part of the volunteer onboarding process.  
 
To apply please visit www.girlguides.ca/volunteer

The facilitator will:

• Support the goals of PSSO in local communities with an emphasis on providing
  information and fellowship for people living with Parkinson’s and their families.
• Attend ongoing training/education and Community of Practice meetings provided
  by PSSO to increase their knowledge about Parkinson’s disease and to enhance
  their skills as a facilitator.
• Ensure all public notices for the group contain the group information, PSSO logo,
  and a reference to the group being a program of PSSO.
• Provide PSSO with updated group lists, including names, addresses, telephone
  numbers, and email addresses regularly.
• Provide an attendance record (First & Last Name of each participant) to PSSO
  immediately following each group session. This will be submitted using the
  volunteer portal “My Impact Page.”
• Document all hours of volunteering using the volunteer portal “My Impact Page,”
  which should include all time spent each month planning as well as group
  facilitation.
• Notify PSSO of any important information immediately as it pertains to the overall
  group or specific client participants (questions, resources, health changes, death in
  the family, etc.).

The facilitator works with the group to:

• Act in accordance with the Volunteer Code of Conduct (see page 12)
• Define the role and emphasize that the facilitator is not an expert in all things.
• Conduct group meetings in a caring, respectful, and compassionate manner.
• Promote the value of empowerment, encouraging individuals to be involved in
  making decisions about their own care.
• Establish, with input from group participants, a list of ground rules and goals for the
  group and review the list with the group on a regular basis.
• Foster an opportunity for people to interact with others dealing with similar health
  concerns and facilitate the sharing of their experience living with Parkinson’s.
• Encourage group members to participate in PSSO programs, education events, and
  fundraising events.
• Invite group participants to connect with PSSO staff and programs as necessary.
• Welcome and introduce new participants to the group, explain group guidelines such as confidentiality and help them connect with other group participants.

Group Interaction & Communication
The facilitator will:

• Ensure group participants are educated about and adhere to the confidentiality
  policy.
• Moderate the discussions in the group to ensure that all participants have an equal
  opportunity to share if they wish. This may require the facilitator to enhance their
  skills to ensure that participants that are talkative do not monopolize the
  discussion. Gently redirect attention to less vocal participants.
• Encourage a balance in discussions by encouraging the group to consider
  constructive solutions when negative issues are being addressed. Although there
  will be times when participants need to freely express and share their feelings, even
  if their tone seems negative.
• Remind the group that the symptoms, treatment, and progression of Parkinson’s
  are unique to each person, so others’ experiences may be different from one’s own.
• Strive to present information and encourage discussion that is honest while at the
  same time promotes a feeling of optimism.
• Remind participants to adopt a “consumers beware” approach to any information
  shared in the group and do their own research or speak with a medical professional
  before acting

The facilitator will:

• Support the goals of PSSO in local communities with an emphasis on providing
  information and fellowship for people living with Parkinson’s and their families.
• Attend ongoing training/education and Community of Practice meetings provided
  by PSSO to increase their knowledge about Parkinson’s disease and to enhance
  their skills as a facilitator.
• Ensure all public notices for the group contain the group information, PSSO logo,
  and a reference to the group being a program of PSSO.
• Provide PSSO with updated group lists, including names, addresses, telephone
  numbers, and email addresses regularly.
• Provide an attendance record (First & Last Name of each participant) to PSSO
  immediately following each group session. This will be submitted using the
  volunteer portal “My Impact Page.”
• Document all hours of volunteering using the volunteer portal “My Impact Page,”
  which should include all time spent each month planning as well as group
  facilitation.
• Notify PSSO of any important information immediately as it pertains to the overall
  group or specific client participants (questions, resources, health changes, death in
  the family, etc.)

The facilitator works with the group to:

• Act in accordance with the Volunteer Code of Conduct (see page 12)
• Define the role and emphasize that the facilitator is not an expert in all things.
• Conduct group meetings in a caring, respectful, and compassionate manner.
• Promote the value of empowerment, encouraging individuals to be involved in
  making decisions about their own care.
• Establish, with input from group participants, a list of ground rules and goals for the
  group and review the list with the group on a regular basis.
• Foster an opportunity for people to interact with others dealing with similar health
  concerns and facilitate the sharing of their experience living with Parkinson’s.
  10
• Encourage group members to participate in PSSO programs, education events, and
  fundraising events.
• Invite group participants to connect with PSSO staff and programs as necessary.
• Welcome and introduce new participants to the group, explain group guidelines
  such as confidentiality and help them connect with other group participants.

Group Interaction & Communication
The facilitator will: 

• Ensure group participants are educated about and adhere to the confidentiality
  policy.
• Moderate the discussions in the group to ensure that all participants have an equal
  opportunity to share if they wish. This may require the facilitator to enhance their
  skills to ensure that participants that are talkative do not monopolize the
  discussion. Gently redirect attention to less vocal participants.
• Encourage a balance in discussions by encouraging the group to consider
  constructive solutions when negative issues are being addressed. Although there
  will be times when participants need to freely express and share their feelings, even
  if their tone seems negative.
• Remind the group that the symptoms, treatment, and progression of Parkinson’s
  are unique to each person, so others’ experiences may be different from one’s own.
• Strive to present information and encourage discussion that is honest while at the
  same time promotes a feeling of optimism.
• Remind participants to adopt a “consumers beware” approach to any information
  shared in the group and do their own research or speak with a medical professional
  before acting.