Section 2 - Being an EYCZ Volunteer Leader
Perks of being in the EYCZ crew
The joy of sharing your passion for the outdoors. Yes you get to change people's lives!
Free yearly membership
Free buff
Discounted merchandise
10% discount on trips, weekends away and activities.
Opportunity for cheap/cost price trips in return for leadership assistance (weekends away, Tassie, NZ, interstate)
Ongoing training opportunities
Potential opportunities to be invited to special events (eg, Yoga at Government House, the VicSport or VicHealth Awards and Pride March)
What EYCZ expects from leaders
Organise a minimum of 1 hike/walk per month on average, over a calendar year (this can be weekends, or weekday/weeknights)
Follow the process of R.A.C.E. (Rating & Reccy, Amenities, Conditions & Emergencies in Section 6) to plan hikes for EYCZ members and casual participants
Upload the full description of hikes into the EYCZ events management system
Be the primary point of contact for those participating in the planned hikes/events
Lead hikes using the "Leading a Hike - on the day" list (see Section 7)
Take photos and videos during hikes and post these on the EYCZ Facebook group as soon as possible afterwards
Follow up with any participants on their first hike, or who had questions or may have experienced difficulties on the hike
Act in accordance with the Code of Conduct
Provide a voice of support within the local Facebook group to encourage, and listen to group members, and participate in discussions.
Code of Conduct
Every person leading or participating in the activities of Escaping Your Comfort Zone should strive to ensure:
The inclusion of every person who identifies as a woman, or a non-binary person, regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, race, culture or religion. Using language that excludes, demeans or is otherwise discriminatory to club members based on these categories should be avoided.
They demonstrate respect towards each other, and the broader community.
There is a safe and inclusive environment for all and there is no violent or abusive behaviour.
There is protection from sexual harassment or intimidation.
There is a body positive environment, where members are free from judgement; with no weight loss or diet talk.
There are opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in most of our activities, and make them as inclusive as possible.
Personal qualities of EYCZ crew
We are about more than the logistics of planning hikes, we are about creating a body positive experience. We want to make sure participants feel like they belong, that they are heard, and that they are not judged by the leader or other participants. As an Escaping Your Comfort Zone Crew member, you will be:
A listener - It is important that you are listening and looking for cues that a participant may be struggling with the hike (speed, terrain, injuries) and adjusting your adventure accordingly.
Friendly - It takes a lot of courage to take the first steps in joining a hike, our leaders need to be welcoming and able to engage and include new participants in conversation.
Aware of surroundings - As a leader you need to be able to spot potential hazards and communicate that to the group
Body Positive - All of our leaders need to understand what body positivity is and practice it as much as possible. The best way you can lead is by example. Never underestimate the influence you might have.
A great communicator - Effective group communication includes listening and taking time to listen carefully, being clear and concise, Using a friendly tone, providing reflection and empathy, respecting group members and their ideas, considering non-verbal communication such as eye contact and body language, giving and receiving feedback (including praise), asking clarifying questions
Displays emotional management, leadership and practicality in challenging situations