For Class Leaders
Are you passionate about empowering others and helping people live healthier, more confident lives? IL Pathways to Health is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to lead evidence-based health promotion workshops in their communities.
We offer programs in chronic disease self-management and falls prevention, and we provide everything you need to succeed—training, materials, and ongoing support.
Become a Class Leader
Why Join Us
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Comprehensive Training: No experience required. We provide full training, so you feel confident leading workshops.
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Ongoing Support & Resources: You’ll have access to program materials & guidance every step of the way.
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Create Lasting Community Impact: Help individuals build skills, confidence, and healthier habits that last.
What Will You Do
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Lead Health Promotion Workshops: Facilitate interactive sessions using proven curricula designed to improve health and well-being.
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Inspire & Motivate Participants: Support participants as they work toward personal health goals in a welcoming environment.
Ways to Get Involved
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Lead Workshops for Your Organization: Partner with IL Pathways to Health to bring evidence-based programs to the people you serve.
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Volunteer as a Class Leader: Join as an individual volunteer and empower older adults across suburban Cook County through engaging, supportive workshops.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our evidence-based workshops help participants manage their health, stay active, and improve quality of life. Sessions are offered in-person and virtually across suburban Cook County, in English, Spanish, and Russian (Fit & Strong).
Take Charge Series Leader
Program Description
Take Charge workshops are small, interactive groups for people with ongoing health conditions and their caregivers. They empower participants with skills and tools to make meaningful, lasting changes to their health.
Volunteer Facilitator Role
Lead at least two workshops per year
Get trained in multiple Take Charge workshops
Experience the joy of seeing participants manage their health
Requirements
Complete four full days of training (in-person or virtual)
Complete one workshop within six months of training
Training
In-person: 32 hours over 4 days
Virtual: 32.5 hours over 6 weeks
Fit & Strong Leader
Program Description
Fit & Strong is an award-winning program that combines physical activity and health education to reduce joint pain and improve mobility. Sessions are held three times per week for eight weeks, including a 60-minute workout and 30-minute discussion.
Volunteer Facilitator Role
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Co-facilitate workshops and prepare materials
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Lead at least two workshops per year
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Maintain confidentiality and follow program guidelines
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Follow the structured program manual and communicate clearly
Requirements
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Strong communication skills
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Willingness to follow the program manual
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English, Spanish, or Russian language skills welcomed
Training
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Self-paced online training
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In-person shadowing before leading independently
Next Steps
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Check Upcoming Trainings: Find a training that fits your schedule.
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Submit Your Volunteer Application: Complete our volunteer application to begin your journey with IL Pathways at AgeOptions. Our team will follow up with next steps once we receive your submission.
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Lead Workshops for Your Organization: Interested in facilitating workshops through your agency? If your organization is not yet a Delivery Partner, visit our Delivery Partner Page or contact us to learn more.
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Attend Training & Get Certified: Complete the required leader training sessions to earn your Class Leader certification.
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Start Leading: Once certified, you can begin scheduling and leading workshops. Volunteer leaders will be notified of opportunities in their area.
FAQ
A: We offer evidence-based workshops focused on self-management and falls prevention. Explore all available programs by viewing the Program Page. Volunteer opportunities are listed above. To find upcoming leader training sessions, visit the leader training schedule.
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.
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.
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.
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.