Did you know students must complete 40 hours of volunteer work to graduate?
Beginning in September 1999, students entering grade 9 must complete 40 hours of volunteer work as one of the new ministry requirements for their high school diploma. The aim is to encourage students to become actively involved in making positive contributions to their community.
Students are encouraged to complete the 40 hours of community service as early as possible in high school-ideally by the end of grade 10. Ministry guidelines have established eligible and ineligible activities for the community involvement requirement-students and parents must follow these guidelines. With your help, your teen is responsible for completing the 40 hours of volunteer work, independent of the school.
Here are some ways to get started:
- help your teen identify his or her individual interests
- find ways to link your teen's interests with volunteer activities by researching with your teen the volunteer opportunities available in the local community. Make sure the activity is eligible
- visit the Peel board web site at www.peel.edu.on.ca for more information on program requirements
- contact the Volunteer Centre of Peel--905-306-0668--to help your teen find a volunteer position in the community
- call community agencies serving youth to find out about volunteer opportunities
- talk to school counsellors who may be able to recommend suitable placement opportunities
- search the internet for volunteer opportunities. Some sites match volunteer positions with people who want to volunteer. Check out the list of web sites on this tip sheet before you start your search
What types of organizations have volunteer positions?
Voluntary sector organizations often work within one of these areas: environment, faith, social services, health, arts and culture, and sports and recreation. There are also community agencies that are dedicated to the advancement of equity-seeking organizations (e.g. Aboriginal people, women, the homeless and persons with disabilities).
Volunteer opportunities are also available in the public sector. Some examples include recreation programs (T-ball, hockey and swimming), federal parks, school-based but not course-related programs and activities, festivals and events.
Exploring volunteer opportunities
With so many opportunities to choose from, finding the right position may seem a little overwhelming. That's why it's a good idea to start with your teen's interests. For example, if your teen likes working with children, a volunteer placement at a daycare or an elementary school might be a good choice. Or, if your teen likes the outdoors, look for opportunities at local parks and historical sites. Here are some other places you might find interesting volunteer opportunities:
- amateur theatre groups
- local radio and cable stations
- community celebrations, fairs and festivals
- art galleries
- sports centres
- libraries
- animal shelters
How to select a volunteer placement
Volunteering can play an important role in your teen's personal growth. Given the chance, youth will flourish in the non-judgmental and supportive environments offered in community organizations.
Before selecting a volunteer placement, you and your teen should visit the organization to help ensure the experience will be rewarding. How? Make an appointment with the organization's volunteer co-ordinator to get your questions answered. To help you get started, here are some questions to ask staff:
- What is the organization's mission?
- What types of volunteer opportunities are available?
- Can I see a written job description for the volunteer position?
- What is the required time commitment for the position?
- What skills will my teen use and develop?
- Who is my teen's supervisor?
- How many volunteers work with the organization?
- Will my teen be screened for this position?
- Does your insurance policy cover young volunteers? Does the policy place age restrictions on certain assignments?
After meeting with staff at the organization, talk to your teen about his or her feelings about the position. You and your teen should discuss answers to the following questions:
- Will this position offer an interesting and rewarding experience?
- Are you comfortable with the people at the organization?
- Does the volunteer opportunity fit the amount of time my teen can give?
- Are there opportunities to learn new skills?
- Is the location of the volunteer position easy to get to?
Keep on track
Once you and your teen have selected the best placement, enter your choice on the Activity Record form in the first section entitled Notification of Planned Community Involvement Activities. To ensure the placement is eligible, your teen must return this form to the homeroom teacher/advisor. Your teen will need to make a photocopy of the form for your records.
As your teen completes each volunteer activity, fill in the second section of the Activity Record form entitled Completion of Community Involvement Activities. This section is your teen's "work diary" and is a record of the completed 40 hours of volunteer service. Sign the completed form, make a photocopy for your records and return the completed form to the school. This information will be recorded on your teen's official school transcript.
Where can I get more information?
There are many web sites that will provide more information on volunteering. Here are some sites you can visit:
www.volunteer.ca
www.voe-reb.org
www.pch.gc.ca/cyberstation
www.idealist.org
www.pco-bcp.gc.ca/volunteer
For more information on completing the community involvement requirement, talk to your teen's homeroom teacher/advisor or the guidance department, or contact Program Services at the Peel board at 905-890-1010/1-800-668-1146, ext. 2348.
