Volunteer opportunity: Prescription to Get Active (RxTGA) activity coach
Only 16 per cent of Canadian adults are meeting the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity a week. Physical inactivity is one of the leading risk factors for chronic diseases and death; being active can drastically improve health and quality of life. Prescription to Get Active (RxTGA) is a not-for-profit organization working to create an integrated partnership between primary care and recreation and fitness to promote the importance of regular movement and exercise.
We are expanding our program to include activity coaches who work with individuals new to physical activity over a 12-week period to help them become comfortable with the idea of incorporating more movement into their day, and to identify and help them overcome any barriers. This will be done through a technique called Motivational Interviewing (MI) which is based, in part, on an integration of key health behavioural change elements including personal values, identifying barriers, goal setting, empowerment, self-confidence, championing and self-efficacy.
The opportunity
We are looking for healthcare providers and fitness professionals willing to help empower Canadians to become more physically active and make sustainable behaviour changes. Successful applicants will receive free training on MI (a $500 value!) and will have the opportunity to practice those skills while supporting a minimum of four participants as a volunteer RxTGA activity coach.
Responsibilities/expectations
- Attend a two-day on-line intensive Motivational Interviewing workshop on Saturday, Jan. 22 and Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. MST
- Attend a short (90-minute) training session on Prescription to Get Active’s activity coaching model
- Commit to at least 12 weeks volunteering as an activity coach with RxTGA (for four participants, connecting with each once/week), an opportunity to practice and hone your MI skills with participants who truly need your service
- Participate in a research study of the activity coaching program (anticipated 2 hours – surveys and feedback)
What you’ll get out of this experience
- Complimentary MI training through Monarch System’s two-day intensive MI workshop – a $500 value!
- An honorarium for your commitment to volunteer your expertise and time
- Marketable training and experience that can easily translate into your profession as a fitness or health care professional
- Training on the framework for Prescription to Get Active’s activity coaching model
- An opportunity to create a future coaching relationship with participants you support after the 12-week program is complete
- An opportunity to participate in a research study, led by Lakehead University, of the program on the effectiveness of activity coaching for behaviour change
Apply if you
- are a certified accredited fitness trainer (e.g., CSEP, Canfitpro, National Fitness Leadership Association of Canada – Provincial) or a recognized regulated healthcare professional (e.g., registered nurse, pharmacist, psychologist, dietician, etc.,)
- have at least one year service experience in a health or related industry
- have a professional and approachable presence, with good communication skills – both oral and written
- are an energetic, caring individual who is an active listener
- see challenges as learning opportunities
- are confident and have personal and professional integrity
- have access to a telephone and/or secure video conference platform (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams etc.)
How to apply
Download and complete this activity coaching application form and submit by Monday, Dec. 13, 2021. Instructions for submission are at the end of the activity coaching application form.
Questions
If you have questions about the activity coaching program or the application form, please direct your inquiries to Jeff Tareta, Executive Director, Prescription to Get Active (RxTGA), at alberta@prescriptiontogetactive.com or call 1.866.212.7552 ext. 1.