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Leader Trainings

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Start Leading Workshops in Your Community!

Are you passionate about empowering others and improving health and confidence? IL Pathways to Health is seeking enthusiastic individuals like you to lead evidence-based health promotion workshops.

We offer programs in self-management and falls prevention, and we need dedicated leaders to educate, motivate, and inspire healthier lives.

Why Join Us?

  • 🔷 Comprehensive Training: No experience? No problem! We'll fully trained and support you in our IL Pathways to Health programs.
  • 🔷 Ongoing Support & Resources: Access all the tools and guidance you need to succeed.
  • 🔷 Create Lasting Community Impact: Help people live healthier, more confident lives.

What You'll Do

  • 🔷 Lead Health Promotion Workshops: Facilitate interactive, empowering sessions on health topics.
  • 🔷 Inspire & Motivate Participants: Help individuals reach their personal health goals.

See What Leading a Workshop Looks Like

Ways to Get Involved as a Leader

Lead Workshops for Your Organization

Partner with us to bring our evidence-based programs into your community.

Volunteer as a Class Leader

Join as an individual volunteer to help older adults in suburban Cook County.

Volunteer Opportunities

Take Charge Series

Program Description

These evidence-based workshops help participants manage their health and stay active. Sessions are 2.5 hours weekly for six weeks.

Volunteer Facilitator Responsibilities

  • Get trained in multiple Take Charge workshops
  • Lead at least two workshops per year
  • Available in English and Spanish
  • In-person and virtual options in suburban Cook County

Training

  • In-person: 32 hours over 4 days
  • Virtual: 32.5 hours over 6 weeks

Fit & Strong! Exercise Program

Program Description

This award-winning program combines physical activity and health education to reduce joint pain and improve mobility. Held 3x/week for 8 weeks, each session includes a 60-min workout and 30-min discussion.

Volunteer Facilitator Responsibilities

  • Co-facilitate workshops & prepare materials
  • Be punctual and maintain confidentiality
  • Lead at least two workshops per year
  • Strong public speaking skills and ability to follow a manual
  • English, Spanish, and Russian speakers welcome

Training

  • Self-paced online training
  • In-person shadowing before leading independently

Ready to take action? Here's how to become a leader:

  1. Check Upcoming Trainings: Find a training that fits your schedule.

  2. Submit Your Volunteer Application: Complete our volunteer application to start your journey with IL Pathways at AgeOptions. We’ll follow up with next steps once we receive your submission.

  3. Lead Workshops for Your Organization: If you wish to facilitate workshops through your agency, and your organization is not yet a Delivery Partner, please visit our Delivery Partner page or contact us to learn how to become one.

  4. Attend Training & Get Certified: Complete the required leader training sessions to earn your certification.

  5. Start Leading: Once certified, you can begin scheduling and leading workshops. If you become a volunteer, we’ll notify you of available opportunities in your area.

Need Help?

Our team is here to support you. Contact us with any questions or to learn more about becoming a leader.

Contact Us

FAQ

Q: What types of workshops can I facilitate?
A: We offer evidence-based workshops focused on self-management and falls prevention. Explore all available programs by viewing the full list of offerings. Volunteer opportunities are listed above. To find upcoming leader training sessions, visit the leader training schedule.

Q: How will I be assigned a workshop?
A: You will be identified by the program coordinator, or AgeOptions staff, as a candidate to lead workshops. Assignments are made based on your geographical region and the availability you’ve provided. If you have specific preferences, please let your coordinator or trainer know.

Q: How will I know when workshop opportunities are available?
A: If you are not already scheduled for a workshop, you will be informed by your program coordinator or AgeOptions staff when there are workshop opportunities available in your area.

Q: What materials will I need to conduct a workshop?
A: Materials such as participant books and resources will be provided by program staff. For example, the "Living a Healthy Life" book and "Relaxation for Mind and Body" CD will be provided for CDSME, and participant workbooks will be supplied for MOB. During training, you will receive instructions on how to arrange for all materials you need.

Q: I only want to volunteer in areas where I live. Is this okay?
A: Yes. While expanding your geographical availability may increase the number of opportunities, we understand that not all facilitators have the ability to travel outside of their area. You can limit your availability to your preferred areas.