Organization Details Organization Name: BOOK CLUBS FOR INMATES Address: 192 Spadina Avenue
TORONTO ON M5T 2C2 Website: http://bookclubsforinmates.com Organizational Description: Transforming Lives Through Literature.
Our book clubs encourage positive change through the power of literature. We help inmates develop pro-social skills, such as respectful listening and speaking; as inmates read and discuss literature, they also develop stronger reading and communication skills. All these together help them make meaningful life changes and reintegrate more successfully into the community upon release.
Led by our community volunteers, our book clubs meet once a month to discuss themes such as identity, adversity, forgiveness, and resilience, and how these relate to the inmates' lives. Through these themes, inmates from radically different walks of life and lived experiences engage in dialogue together, building empathy and broader world views.
Expand the Reach of Recovery
While we facilitate dozens of book clubs from coast to coast, many federal and provincial institutions remain without these vital spaces for growth. Your support helps us provide high-quality literature and trained facilitators to every corner of Canada, ensuring that regardless of geography, every incarcerated individual has the chance to redefine their future through the power of reading.
Our Book Clubs
From Nova Scotia to British Columbia, Book Clubs for Inmates operates in federal and provincial penitentiaries across Canada. Our reach spans minimum, medium, and maximum-security institutions, ensuring that, regardless of location or security level, incarcerated individuals have access to the transformative power of literature and the community of a book club. Volunteer Opportunity Details Volunteer Opportunity ID: 6431 Description of Duties:
Location: Stony Mountain Institution (Medium Security), Stony Mountain, Manitoba
Help Change Lives Through the Power of Literature
Book Clubs for Inmates (BCFI) is a Canadian registered charity that facilitates volunteer-led book clubs in federal correctional institutions across Canada. For more than 18 years, our programs have fostered meaningful conversations, encouraged personal growth, and created positive connections between incarcerated individuals and members of the community.
Today, BCFI facilitates more than 45 book clubs in federal institutions from coast to coast, serving both English- and French-speaking men and women in minimum-, medium-, and maximum-security facilities.
About The Role
We are currently seeking
two volunteer Book Club Facilitators for the
medium-security unit at Stony Mountain Institution.
Working alongside another facilitator, you will lead a monthly book discussion with a group of 12-18 participants. Members read contemporary fiction and non-fiction books of literary merit, and discussions explore themes such as identity, resilience, forgiveness, family, justice, and hope.
More than simply discussing books, our volunteers create a respectful and welcoming space where participants can reflect on their experiences, develop communication skills, and connect with others through meaningful conversation.
Time Commitment
- One book club meeting per month (approximately 1.5-2 hours)
- Time to read the selected book before each meeting
- Completion of a brief meeting report following each session
- Minimum commitment of two years
Qualifications
Skills Required:
We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds. Ideal candidates will have:
- A university degree or equivalent life or professional experience
- Strong communication and active listening skills
- A genuine interest in literature and meaningful discussion
- The ability to facilitate respectful group conversations
- Reliability and a commitment to supporting the program
Experience in education, libraries, facilitation, counselling, social services, rehabilitation, or related fields is an asset, but
not required.
Applicants Must Also
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Successfully complete a Criminal Record Check
- Successfully complete the Correctional Service Canada volunteer screening and security clearance process
Because of the extensive training and security clearance required, we generally do not accept students for this role.
Skills Gained/Related Careers: Age: 18-30, 31-54, 55+ Time Commitment:
Daytime
,
Evening
,
Weekend
,
Flexible Hours
Our Commitment to Diversity
Book Clubs for Inmates is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values diverse backgrounds, perspectives, cultures, and lived experiences. We encourage applications from individuals of all communities who share our commitment to literacy, rehabilitation, and respectful dialogue.
Apply
If you are interested in becoming a Book Club Facilitator, please complete our Volunteer Application Form:
https://bookclubsforinmates.com/volunteer
If you have any questions about this opportunity, we'd be happy to hear from you.
Thank you for your interest in helping us make a meaningful difference through the power of books.
Location of volunteer opportunity: Interlake
- Stony Mountain Does opportunity require a criminal record check? Yes
Will cost be reimbursed? Yes Does opportunity require a child abuse registry check? No Opportunity is available to candidates that: General Populace Organization will provide: Training/Orientation
How To Apply
- Online: bookclubsforinmates.com/volunteer/
Closing Date: Aug 10, 2026