Volunteering
 

Not sure if right section...


Looking to get involved in volunteering. Would like to use my skill set to enhance/mentor youth, assist a NFP on a strategic level (does not have to be a board role), or organizing/planning events. I would like to give back as well as to learn/be mentored along the way.

Where do I start looking?

already looked at govolunteer.ca but positions are mostly during day time - i work during the day.

Anyone else volunteer on here?

Big Brothers or Sisters? Churches? Anything to do with youth these days you will need criminal record check (which is only available during the day).

too bad you guys don't have an active JCI chapter in Vancouver anymore. JCI is a great organization for young adults to get involved.

I sit on the board of directors for JCI-Kelowna and am very actively involved with it in the community.

X2 for big brothers & sisters.

Not sure if it's what you are looking for, but tremendous respect for someone who takes time to better the life of a less fortunate child.

I looked into Big Brothers and most of their positions were "tutoring". Now I'm not sure how great my Math 8 algebra skills are...the last thing I want to do is teach a kid the wrong thing - so I didn't look further. Maybe I'll phone them and see!

I volunteered at my home church in the past, but I dont really count this as "volunteering" and are looking for something outside the church.

What about after work hour sports teams?

Not sure where you looked, but:

Volunteer as a Big Brother | Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver

You just have to go through the process. I've been out with one of my friends and his little brother of almost 2 years, been snowboarding, mountain biking, etc.

It's great if you want someone to do stuff like that with.

If I was able to devote the time, I would absolutely do it, unfortunately with how much I travel for work, I simply cannot guarantee that I can stay available for enough time.

The Canadian Cadet program? Either it be Air, Army, or Sea, I think if mentoring youth is what you're about, this would be a great place to do it.

Hospitals and seniors homes

I volunteer with Special Olympics and love it. They have roles directly working with the athletes and also more coordinating, organizing roles. They aren't all youth, some are adults. Volunteer hours are generally evenings and weekends. Special Olympics British Columbia | Enriching lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport

I am sure senior homes have a lot of youth or I guess depending on MG's definition of youth.

Ymca/ywca?

Oh one more thing to point out.. since it is volunteering, all the work (at least to start) will be mind numbingly boring.. you kind of have to stick with it and "pay the dues"... Good thing is the more challenging the situation is, the bigger the turn over.

You want to mentor youth, also try schools in the downtown Eastside, schools like Brittania, Templeton, Van Tech etc would do too.. though be prepared to bring along your blood pressure meds.

Also Broadway Youth Association, Urban Native Youth association... etc etc. depending on how "Dangerous Mind" you want to be.

Give Frontier College a try. They're always looking for volunteers!

Thanks all. Lots of choices. Will have to make some calls to find out what's best for my situation!

look and see if there are any service groups for young adults in van. As I said, you dont have a JCI chapter anymore. In Kelowna we have several groups that are like the Rotary but for people under 40. There has to be something down there too.