What is the time commitment?
The role is flexible and the time commitment will vary depending on your relationship. At a minimum MEDA asks for a 12 month commitment as it takes time to get to know people and build a rapport. When you have built a rapport you are in a better position to safeguard someone’s rights. At the beginning of a relationship MEDA asks that a volunteer citizen advocate is in contact with the consumer at least once a fortnight. Whether that is in person, over the phone or via email will depend entirely on the nature of your relationship.

As a short term Citizen Advocate the time commitment will vary depending on the issue that is being addressed with the person with intellectual disability. Additional time following up on and addressing the advocacy issue and liaising with MEDA staff.

Does MEDA offer student placements?
Due to the small size of MEDA we are unable to offer student placements as we do not have the staff resources to offer the necessary supervision.

What happens if an issue arises and I don’t have the skills to deal with that issue?
Volunteer citizen advocates can contact the office and staff advocates will endeavour to provide assistance. The office has contacts of other agencies which might be better able to help with an issue. Depending on the issue, we may need to refer to another agency with more specialised knowledge and experience.

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