Youth & Volunteerism

Why is youth volunteerism beneficial for the community?
Why volunteer?
Volunteering in Windsor
Getting Involved: Where do I start?
Resources

Why is youth volunteerism beneficial for the community?

Community organizations are dependent on volunteers. It is essential for youth to volunteer within the community as many non-profit organizations depend on volunteers for their daily operations and activities. Young volunteers can lessen the workload and provide new insights in improving the condition of organizations and the community. In addition, public opinion and constructive feedback from youth often arise from their experience in volunteering.

Why Volunteer?

At a time where youth unemployment is at 20%, it is so important to diversify your resume. Here are some great reasons why giving back can be beneficial for you:

  • Develop your interpersonal skills
  • Gain valuable working experience
  • Discover or explore new interests
  • Enhance and improve your resume
  • Meet professionals in a field of interest
  • Help others and give back to the community
  • Acquire recommendations from organizers
  • Complete 40 hours of community service to graduate high school

Volunteering in Windsor

“The voluntary sector in Windsor and Essex County is made up of over 1,200 community organizations that exist to serve and benefit residents of the local community.”

- www.vsconnector.ca

Where do I get started?

Volunteer Database Menu – Windsor Essex

The Windsor-Essex County Volunteer Centre Database is an invaluable resource for volunteers seeking volunteer opportunities. It is a easy-to-use database with a useful search function that aids in finding a suitable opportunity for each individual. Opportunities are also easy to browse through as they are listed by organization and separated by areas of interests. Each opportunity is accompanied with a summary of the task and requirements followed by a brief description of the organization. A separate section for student volunteers provide a comprehensive list of different organizations that satisfy the OSSD volunteer guidelines.

Check it:
http://windsoressex.cioc.ca/volunteer

WE Volunteer Database

The WE Volunteer website was created by The United Way Centraide of Windsor-Essex County. It is a great website to read up on information regarding volunteerism. Information on volunteering, working with volunteers, and different organizations that are looking for help. Visit the tabs and links located at the top of the website for easy access to the content on the website.

Check it:
http://wevolunteer.ca/

Volunteer Opportunities – Youth Windsor-Essex

Youth.Windsor-Essex.info is a portal to various different organizations that offer volunteer opportunities. In addition to the local volunteer listings, Youth.Windsor-Essex.info also provides information on volunteer opportunities for provincial and national organizations that may not be included in the local database menu. A brief description is also provided for each organization.

Check it:
http://youth.windsor-essex.info/volunteeropportunities_detail.html

University of Windsor: Volunteer Internship Program

University of Windsor’s Volunteer Internship Program is available to all undergraduate students in good academic standing. The VIP works with over 150 non-profit organizations around the Windsor-Essex region to provide students with opportunities to obtain work experience while contributing to the community. Admission to the program will be based on academic standing, an application, and an interview. A detailed FAQ and additional information can be found by visiting the university’s website.

Check it:
http://www.uwindsor.ca/cce/volunteer-internship-program

University of Windsor: Social Justice – Volunteer Opportunities for Students

The Centre for Studies in Social Justice is another resource that highlights several volunteer opportunities. Each organization is given a detailed explanation with links for further information. The three organizations featured on this webpage are: Give a Heart to Africa, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windsor, and the Ontario Public Interest Research Group.

Check it:
http://www.uwindsor.ca/socialjustice/volunteer-opportunities

Volunteers: The Heart of Community Organizations

Volunteers: The Heart of Community Organizations is a factsheet created by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Though Windsor is a urban city, the following link is a good informative write up on volunteerism. The benefits of volunteering, rights and responsibilities of volunteers are given in depth explanations. It provides a general idea of what to expect as a volunteer and is a great source of information for all new volunteers.

Check it:
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/rural/facts/96-017.htm

Resources

http://www.givingandvolunteering.ca/files/giving/en/csgvp_highlights_2007.pdf

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