Talking Café Facilitator

Volunteers are asked to facilitate Talking Café sessions lasting 1 to 1.5 hours each. Additional time may be needed to arrive 15–20 minutes early for setup and stay a few minutes afterward for feedback and notes. Sessions take place at various Kingston and Frontenac County locations, and volunteers can choose dates and sites that fit their schedule. The overall commitment is flexible, designed to accommodate your availability while ensuring a positive experience for both facilitators and participants.

Volunteers should be warm, patient, and comfortable engaging in friendly conversation with older adults. Good listening skills, an inclusive mindset, and the ability to gently guide group discussions are important. No formal training or professional background is required—full guidance and support are provided. All facilitators must complete a Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) before beginning their role; the cost is fully covered by CCKC. Volunteers should also feel confident managing light group dynamics and redirecting conversation when needed, while respecting boundaries and maintaining a supportive environment.

As a Talking Café Facilitator, you play a vital role in creating warm, welcoming spaces where older adults can connect and enjoy meaningful conversations. Your responsibilities include greeting participants, creating a safe and inclusive environment, encouraging but never pressuring participation, and gently guiding discussions with open-ended questions when needed. Before each session, you arrive early to set up the space and refreshments, and during the Café you foster a friendly, respectful atmosphere where everyone feels heard.

Volunteers can gain a rich and rewarding set of skills and experiences from being a Talking Café Facilitator. They develop confidence in leading small groups, guiding conversations, and creating welcoming, inclusive spaces. Facilitators strengthen their communication and active-listening skills, learn gentle techniques for managing group dynamics, and gain experience supporting older adults in a community setting. They also build meaningful connections, contribute to reducing social isolation, and experience the satisfaction of helping others feel seen and valued. Volunteers receive training, ongoing support, and the opportunity to grow personally and socially while making a positive impact in their community—one conversation at a time.