Volunteer Training
Online Orientation
Introduction to M2W2 (1 minute)
M2W2 Program Overview (4 minutes)
Mentor Program Introductions (2.5 minutes)
NOLA Mentorship (2.5 minutes)
Prison Mentorship (3.5 minutes)
Closing Message (1 minute)
Volunteer Requirements
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Interested in NOLA volunteer training? Email us at info@m2w2.com and we’ll let you know about upcoming training events and videos. Thanks!
Watching the training videos is often the first step in becoming a volunteer. In addition, you’ll need to complete the following:
Volunteer interview
Two personal reference checks
Police records check*
Statement of confidentiality
*Applicants who currently volunteer in other programs and have already received security clearance through Correctional Services Canada may not need to complete an additional police records check.
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Volunteer interview
Statement of confidentiality
Two personal reference checks
Correctional Services Canada application forms
Fingerprinting
CSC training
*Applicants who currently volunteer in other programs and have already received security clearance through Correctional Services Canada may not need to complete an additional police records check.
Introduction to M2W2
This video introduces the mission of M2W2 and our commitment to walking with individuals impacted by incarceration. It explains our vision, mentorship approach, and the heart behind our work, helping new volunteers understand who we serve and why our programs exist.
The core training video covers the following topics:
Mission & vision
Christian mentorship
Who we serve
Program purpose
M2W2 Program Overview
This video provides a full overview of our programs, including prison mentorship, NOLA reintegration, and work experience opportunities. Volunteers learn expectations, commitments, and the core values—faith, compassion, partnership, and transformation—that guide every aspect of M2W2’s work and service.
This video introduces our two mentorship pathways: Prison Mentorship and NOLA. Volunteers learn how each program works, the type of support mentors provide, and how consistent presence, encouragement, and compassion create meaningful relationships for individuals navigating incarceration or reintegration.
Mentor Program Introductions
The core training video covers the following topics:
Prison mentorship
NOLA mentorship
Mentor roles
Relationship-building
NOLA Mentorship
This video outlines what it means to mentor through NOLA. It explains the commitment, communication skills, and practical ways mentors support individuals re-entering the community. Volunteers learn how steady presence, flexibility, and empathy help ensure that no one walks reintegration alone.
Prison Mentorship
This video explains the role of a prison mentor, including expectations, communication approaches, boundaries, and required training. Volunteers learn how consistent visits, genuine listening, and Christ-centered encouragement help build trust and support individuals living inside correctional institutions.
The core training video covers the following topics:
Mentor responsibilities
Boundaries
Communication skills
Training requirements
Closing Message
This final video encourages volunteers as they consider their next steps. It invites them to attend in-person training, ask questions, and spend time in prayerful reflection as they discern their readiness to serve and support individuals impacted by incarceration through M2W2.
M2W2 Training
Sign up for a future training day. We run in-person training every fall and winter. The day will include Prison Mentorship Training and NOLA Training. A complimentary lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Prison Mentorship participants are welcome to stay afterwards for lunch, and NOLA participants are invited to come early to enjoy lunch before their session. Additional event details will be sent to you by email closer to the date.
Providing Addiction Support to People in Prison and on Parole with Dorothy Henneveld
This session was held on April 20, 2021, over Zoom.
About the Instructor
Dorothy Henneveld is Clinical Supervisor of Substance Use Counseling and Youth Prevention Teams at Alouette Addictions Services in Maple Ridge, BC.
Next Level Volunteer Training
Trauma and Resiliency Informed Practice (TRIP) with Marika Sandrelli
Session 1: Making Sense of Trauma
This session was held on October 4, 2021, over Zoom.
Define psychological, social, and ambient trauma.
Recall different types of trauma experienced by individuals, groups, and communities.
Describe the effects of trauma and practice ways to reduce these effects
Session 2: Compassion-Led Trauma-Informed Engagement
This session was held on October 19, 2021.
Describe how triggers activate/intensify the effects of trauma
Apply skills to reduce re-traumatization and increase safety and resilience for individuals and families
Respond to trauma disclosures in a safe and trusting way
Session 3: Supporting Your Resiliency in Response to Trauma
This session was held on Tuesday, November 23, 2021.
Appraise your own response to distress and trauma
Describe and apply self-compassion practices to reduce your distress in the workplace
About the Instructor
For 40 years, Marika has worked in outreach, counselling, education, and capacity bridging efforts with people experiencing social exclusion from poverty, homelessness, trauma, mental health, and substance use needs in several countries in Africa and Central America, and locally in BC in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Currently, and in the last 16 years, Marika works in the role of Knowledge Exchange Leader for Mental Health & Substance Use Services in Fraser Health where she leads that region’s Trauma & Resiliency Informed Practice initiative.
Conversations That Matter with Glenn F. Burchart
Conversations That Matter was held October 5, 2020, via Zoom.
About the Instructor
A career police officer with the Vancouver Police Department, Glenn F. Burchart started his own company, the Whole Truth, in 2014, to provide training in interviewing and conversation management to law enforcement agencies and people who work with prisoners and parolees. To date, Glenn has instructed hundreds of students and is proud of the 100% positive course evaluations.
