Volunteers are the heartbeat of Paradigm Shift
On any given week more than 200 volunteers work with entrepreneurs across seven communities around South Africa. As they facilitate the Paradigm Shift training program, they function as Business Trainers, Life Coaches and Mentors, giving guidance on running a business and inspiring spiritual growth.
Being a Paradigm Shift Volunteer is life changing. If you live in South Africa and would like to give of your time and business knowledge, we want to hear from you!
- Because actively participating in changing your community is much more fun than worrying about what’s wrong with it
- Doing something for someone else has actually been proven to cause insane levels of happiness (it’s true!)
- You will build relationships with people from all walks of life, widen your perspective and expand your own community
- You will use your training and skills in meaningful and rewarding ways
As a volunteer you will engage with entrepreneurs working their way out of poverty through operating a small business. Paradigm Shift entrepreneurs are both male and female, range in age from 21 to 70, and represent diverse nationalities, cultures and educational backgrounds.
You will also work alongside a team of volunteers from your church or community organization. The volunteer team is a cohesive unit that shares the common goal of empowering and supporting entrepreneurs.
Volunteers serve one of three core functions in the Paradigm Shift entrepreneurship development program:
- Business Trainers – Volunteers who facilitate weekly business training sessions, assist with discipleship in small groups and oversee loan business assessments and loan repayments
- Life Coaches – Volunteers who facilitate weekly discipleship sessions, assist with business training in small groups and oversee loan business assessments and loan repayments
- Mentors – Volunteers who meet regularly with a paired entrepreneur to pray for and advise on business and spiritual growth
- A passion for Jesus
- A genuine love for people and a desire to share in their personal and professional development
- A commitment to quality and excellence
- Knowledge of business concepts and terminology
What is the time commitment?
The Paradigm Shift program runs for 18 weeks. Business Trainers and Life Coaches can expect to commit two hours per week during that time. Mentors can expect to commit at least 1 hour per month to meet with their paired entrepreneurs.
Volunteers are recruited through churches or community organizations running the Paradigm Shift program:
Cape Town
- Common Ground Church, Kennilworth
Durban
- Westville Baptist Church, Westville
Johannesburg
- Church Alive, Northcliffe
- Junction Centre, Fourways
- New Creation Family Church, Robin Hills
- Rosettenville Baptist Church, Rosettenville
- Weltevreden Chapel, Weltevreden Park
Pretoria
- Hatfield Christian Church, Waterkloof Glen
Click here to contact any of our partner churches.
That’s ok, we can help you get your church or organization involved.
There are many ways to give of your time to Paradigm Shift and the entrepreneurs we support. Maybe you’re an amazing graphic designer and would like to help with some design work. Maybe you’re a marketing guru and would like to offer your services. The options are endless and we’re open to hearing your ideas about how you can help. Also, make sure to join Team Paradigm Shift to start raising support and awareness for Paradigm Shift in your very neighborhood.
Ready to change the world? Your journey towards becoming a Paradigm Shift volunteer starts here. Please fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch with you.
Andisiwe serves as a volunteer with the Paradigm Shift program at New Creation Family Church. Although she has extensive business experience, Andisiwe decided that her passion was to serve as a Life Coach. As a result of serving with Paradigm Shift, Andisiwe says that, “My view on poverty alleviation has changed drastically. I now understand and believe that long-term development must be holistic to make a difference in the lives of entrepreneurs.”
