Join DOROT as a Volunteer Discussion Leader for Aging Alone, Together

Do you want to make a meaningful impact through conversations with older adults? 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.

As a volunteer discussion leader, you agree to:

1. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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).

Qualifications and Experience: DOROT’s breakthrough group discussion leaders come from various professions and walks of life. But all are:

• 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 click here 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@dorotusa.org.

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.