Volunteer Discussion Leader Aging Alone, Together

Overview

Founded in 1976, DOROT (“generations” in Hebrew) facilitates a dynamic partnership between older adults, volunteers, and professionals through programs designed to combat social isolation and loneliness and bring the generations together. DOROT is dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults in the Jewish and wider community to help them live more independently as valued community members. Compassion and a commitment to excellence are hallmarks of DOROT’s programs and staff.

The agency is a recognized innovative leader in mobilizing volunteers and infusing social work into its service delivery model. Our vast offerings of programs are conducted onsite, in the home, remotely and in the community.

DOROT serves clients on the Upper West Side from 59th to 125th Street, and on the East Side from 14th to 96th Street. DOROT also has a variety of services for older adults in Westchester County.

For further information about DOROT, please visit www.dorotusa.org
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Do you want to make a meaningful impact through conversations with older adults? Do you have a special interest in supporting older adults who are living independently? Do you want to help cultivate a supportive community of older adults?

Become a group discussion leader for Aging Alone, Together (AAT), DOROT’s immersive six-session program that provides solo agers with resources, strategies, and support to plan for their future and build community. The program is for older adults who identify as solo agers.

As a group discussion leader, you will lead small “breakthrough” group discussions on weekly themes, including maintaining social and support networks, healthcare and end-of-life planning, and housing decisions. Options for in-person and virtual discussion leading opportunities are available.

• Participate in one virtual discussion leader training session (1.5 hours) and be paired with an experienced group discussion leader for one program to observe and learn the role (2 hours a week for 6 consecutive weeks).
• Facilitate a weekly breakthrough group discussion with six to eight participants, for six consecutive weeks. We ask that each volunteer commit to two programs over the course of a year.
• Join each session 15 minutes early and 15 minutes at the end of each session to debrief with DOROT staff for the duration of each program (2 hours per week).

• Empathetic listeners who are comfortable in leading conversations with prompts.
• Skilled at responding in a compassionate, warm and life-affirming manner.
• Curious to learn more about the AAT topics and build a knowledge base over time. No prior experience in the subject matter is required. A background in social work or teaching is a plus.
• Aged 18 and older. Volunteers who are aged 50+, have lived experience as solo agers or in any aspect of the life planning process are welcome and encouraged to join us.

Interested in this opportunity? As a first step, please sign up for a general information and orientation session. These take place over Zoom twice per month. Please  to register. You will then have a conversation with a volunteer coordinator, followed by a conversation with an AAT staff member. To learn more about DOROT, please visit www.dorotusa.org or contact volunteers.

DOROT is a social services organization based in New York City and Westchester. Our wide array of programs for adults ages 60+ bring together volunteers, professionals and older adults to create meaningful connections that alleviate social isolation and provide services for independent aging. The average age of DOROT clients is 83.