Active listening
The role of volunteers
Empathetic listening or active listening allows the caller to evolve in their own understanding of themself. This form of listening represents the basis of the assistance services offered by Interligne. The caller receives special attention and is welcomed into what they experience, as it is experienced by them in the moment. They must feel comfortable expressing themself and sharing a moment in their life. This exchange will be a privileged way for them to better understand themself.
Listening with empathy is an active process. Hearing what the person is saying is not enough. While having the ability to emotionally free themself, the person offering the listeneing will be able to understand and feel the situation that the callers want to share and how they experience it. The person listening is always present, warm, focused on the caller, ready to welcome them without referring to their own way of seeing things. The use of appropriate techniques facilitates expression and always brings the conversation back to the concerns of the callers. The listener is therefore attentive to the facts, but also to feelings and emotions. Finally, they refrain from any advice or value judgment regardless of the situation or the problem raised by the people who use our services. This approach is framed by a code of ethics and Code of professional conduct.
Texting and chatting in private
Our services are also offered by text and private chat. These platforms allow people who don’t like phone conversations or who aren’t comfortable on the phone to interact with Interligne’s response team in other ways.
Training program
Twice a year, Interligne offers a training program designed for volunteers. Adapted to LGBTQ+ realities and developed by specialists in counseling, Interligne’s training program is inspired by the pedagogical methods used by other listening centers. These methods strike the right balance between real-life situations and technical and theoretical explanations.
At the end of the training, an accompanying period completes the evaluation of the volunteers in training. An ongoing training program also provides an update on the skills and knowledge of volunteers.
Apply
Selection process
Anyone wishing to volunteer for listening at Interligne must first complete the application form and submit their resume. Our team will then invite those who meet the eligibility requirements for a selection interview. Those selected after the interview will then be required to attend the training and coaching program. It is only at the end of this process that they can become volunteers at the listening line.
Skills for counseling
Ideally, the wanted individuals who already have skills for counseling in a crisis line setting. However, the training program and the accompanying period allow them to use their potential and skills.
Eligibility criteria
- Subscribe to the organization’s values.
- Acceptance of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Have a level of education equivalent to 13 years or more.
- Mastering French and English, both oral and written (an asset).
- Commit to Interligne’s code of ethics.
- To be able to travel to our listening centre in Montreal.
- Provide at least three-quarters (day or evening) volunteer work per month, including the first Friday night of each month.
- Follow the entire training and coaching program and obtain the certificate of certification at the end of the program.
- Commit to offering services for a period of at least 18 months
Active listening
The role of volunteers
Empathetic listening or active listening allows the caller to evolve in their own understanding of themself. This form of listening represents the basis of the assistance services offered by Interligne. The caller receives special attention and is welcomed into what they experience, as it is experienced by them in the moment. They must feel comfortable expressing themself and sharing a moment in their life. This exchange will be a privileged way for them to better understand themself.
Listening with empathy is an active process. Hearing what the person is saying is not enough. While having the ability to emotionally free themself, the person offering the listeneing will be able to understand and feel the situation that the callers want to share and how they experience it. The person listening is always present, warm, focused on the caller, ready to welcome them without referring to their own way of seeing things. The use of appropriate techniques facilitates expression and always brings the conversation back to the concerns of the callers. The listener is therefore attentive to the facts, but also to feelings and emotions. Finally, they refrain from any advice or value judgment regardless of the situation or the problem raised by the people who use our services. This approach is framed by a code of ethics and Code of professional conduct.
Texting and chatting in private
Our services are also offered by text and private chat. These platforms allow people who don’t like phone conversations or who aren’t comfortable on the phone to interact with Interligne’s response team in other ways.
Training program
Twice a year, Interligne offers a training program designed for volunteers. Adapted to LGBTQ+ realities and developed by specialists in counseling, Interligne’s training program is inspired by the pedagogical methods used by other listening centers. These methods strike the right balance between real-life situations and technical and theoretical explanations.
At the end of the training, an accompanying period completes the evaluation of the volunteers in training. An ongoing training program also provides an update on the skills and knowledge of volunteers.
Apply
Selection process
Anyone wishing to volunteer for listening at Interligne must first complete the application form and submit their resume. Our team will then invite those who meet the eligibility requirements for a selection interview. Those selected after the interview will then be required to attend the training and coaching program. It is only at the end of this process that they can become volunteers at the listening line.
Skills for counseling
Ideally, the wanted individuals who already have skills for counseling in a crisis line setting. However, the training program and the accompanying period allow them to use their potential and skills.
Eligibility criteria
- Subscribe to the organization’s values.
- Acceptance of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Have a level of education equivalent to 13 years or more.
- Mastering French and English, both oral and written (an asset).
- Commit to Interligne’s code of ethics.
- To be able to travel to our listening centre in Montreal.
- Provide at least three-quarters (day or evening) volunteer work per month, including the first Friday night of each month.
- Follow the entire training and coaching program and obtain the certificate of certification at the end of the program.
- Commit to offering services for a period of at least 18 months