Katimavik’s National Experience is an amazing opportunity for any Canadian citizens, permanent residents or landed refugees aged 17 – 25 who are looking for 22 weeks of creative learning, community engagement, Truth and Reconciliation, and self-discovery! Youth will live in a group with up to 10 of their peers in two separate communities throughout the course of the program. During the program they engage in 32 valuable volunteer hours a week, learn how to manage a house, make lifelong friends, and gain confidence that they themselves can make an impactful difference in our country. This is a fully funded opportunity where participants’ travel expenses, living accommodations, food costs, and daily needs are covered. All they will need to bring is their dedication, empathy, and commitment to making a better world!

Some of the topics and skills that Participants will be challenged to learn about include:

• The history of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the importance of Truth and Reconciliation;
• The benefits and impact of civic engagement;
• Professional work skills in a variety of sectors, depending on volunteer placements;
• Cooking skills, house maintenance, and practical life skills;
• Conflict resolution, communication, and how to strive within a team environment;
• Environmental protection and sustainable development;
• English or French as an additional language;
• Leadership, advocacy, and project management skills;
• Canada’s cultural, geographic, and linguistic diversity.

Would you like to join a community that is helping individuals to leave poverty behind?

Led by YWCA Muskoka, Circles® Muskoka is a community collaborative committed to the reduction of poverty by harnessing the power of relationships. Circles® Muskoka helps families and individuals (Circle Leaders) living on lower income and in poverty by assisting them to increase their resources; reasons and relationships to move from surviving to thriving in their lives.

Benefits

Growing your professional network
Feeling like you are making a difference
A sense of meaning and purpose
Supporting others to reach their goals
Participating in personal development workshops
Strengthening your interpersonal and communication skills
Becoming part of a community and sharing a meal 3 evenings a month
Making new friends and having fun!

Responsibilities 

• Maintain confidentiality
• Be an active listener and offer support and encouragement when appropriate
• Provide encouragement towards meeting goals
• Build meaningful relationships with Leaders
• Share life experiences and advice when asked

Role requirements

• Attend at least one Circles meeting per month
• Pass a police background check
• Attend a Bridges out of Poverty’ workshop and Ally training session
• Being open to building friendships across economic lines

Teen Mentors commit to spending consistent weekly time with a child (mentee) being a friend, role model, and confident. Teen mentors meet one-to-one with an assigned mentee and participate in games, activities, crafts, conversation, and goal setting. Teen mentors listen to their mentees, provide support and guidance, help them to build communication and social skills, and develop a friendship based on trust, respect and fun. This is a partnership with BGC North Simcoe.

Volunteers can assist with a variety of activities and programs including:  

• Evening Bingo games
• Small Group Programs (cards, reading, knitting)
• Special events and Entertainment
• Special Interest Presentations
• Community Bus Outings  
• One to one friendly visits
• Hair dresser & In home Wellness appointments
• Spiritual Visits
• On call Palliative Visits 

• Participate in the operation of the shelter (shifts - evening, night, breakfast)
• Carry out the many tasks required for the seamless functioning of the shift/program.
• Interact with guests throughout the duration of the shift (unless it’s quiet/sleep hours).

Integral part of the women’s healing journey and helping survivors move forward to a safe, positive and healthy tomorrow. Topics to be considered (but are not limited to) are Finance and Budgeting, Goal Setting, Time Management, Meal Planning on a Budget, Stress Management, and Importance of a Healthy Work/Life Balance. You will be provided with an outline of guidelines. 
 
Working collaboratively with the Program Manager and Health & Wellness Coordinator, the Workshop Facilitator will work toward the following, as a volunteer: 

• Demonstrated experience required (paid or volunteer)  
• Various professional backgrounds are welcome 
• Have internet capabilities to deliver the workshop virtually through Zoom. 
• When developing workshops you will:  
  
  • have a heightened awareness and understanding that trauma comes in all forms  
  • Understand that we have all experienced trauma in some form 
  • Be sensitive to the fact that each person experiences trauma differently 
  • Avoid making assumptions about a person’s past experiences 
  • Always consider the ways in which race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, age, ability, education, language, geographic location, socio-economic status, etc reflect the information and dialogue throughout your presentation
   
• Deliver to a high standard, in often challenging circumstances, both ethically and professionally and are able to work collaboratively in a culturally diverse organization.  
• You will demonstrate a commitment to the organization’s mission and values

Youth Justice Committee's (YJC) bring together youth 12-17 who have been involved in the criminal justice system, their parent(s), and trained members of the community. In this role: 
* you would attend YJC meetings to determine appropriate and meaningful ways for the youth to make amends for their actions.  
* ensure that the youth is aware of the purpose of the meeting, and discuss police report information. 
* explore perspectives of all parties, including the youth and others represented at t he meeting, such as community members, community agency representatives, and the parent(s). 
* present and agree upon appropriate sanctions for the youth. 
* provide information and referrals to supportive community agency programs. 
* respect the confidentiality of the youth and other YJC members.

Volunteer Tax Preparers will help people in Grey Bruce to file their taxes. 

Grey Bruce Community Volunteer Income Tax Program provides volunteers in locations all across Grey and Bruce County.  Volunteers will be need to be matched (and affiliated) with a local CVITP community organization. 

Please find the locations for local Grey Bruce CVITP community organizations here: https://brucegrey.cioc.ca/record/GRE0364?Number=0 

Volunteers may have different roles as Tax Preparers depending on their level of skill and/or interest.  Volunteer tax preparer may volunteer at in-person or virtual clinics; or file individually online.  In some cases, individuals can work from their homes with a Coordinator who drops off and pickups paperwork for filing. 

For a detailed description of the job description go here: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/cvitp-taxes-volunteers.html

Or you can speak directly with a local Grey Bruce CVITP community organization to learn more about the work. Each 

Since 1953, Empower Simcoe has specialized in providing a wide range of programs and services for people and families throughout Simcoe County. Our inclusive culture empowers all of us to Be, Belong and Thrive. If you are looking for a volunteer role where you can make a difference and feel proud of the work you do, you've come to the right place.

The Empower Simcoe Foundation is a registered charity established in 1998 that directly supports the activities of Empower Simcoe. Funds raised by the Foundation support people with intellectual disabilities and their families. We also raise funds for special projects which respond to community needs and further our mission to enhance the quality of all lives.

Join us in Making a Difference! Empower Simcoe is seeking passionate individuals to join our Foundation Board of Directors, with a specific focus on candidates who bring fundraising experience, as this expertise is essential to advancing our financial sustainability and expanding our outreach efforts.  The Foundation Board of Directors provides governance oversight in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. Our Board provides support and guidance to our leadership team, sets the fundraising targets and revenue generating strategies, assists in identifying potential donors, assists in ensuring adequate administrative support and helps to reinforce our Mission, Vision, and Values. This is a volunteer position.

Mission: Empower people to lead a full and inclusive life, by providing the highest quality of services. We are a welcoming organization that provides everyone with the opportunity to Be, Belong and Thrive.

Vision: We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a self-fulfilling life.

Values: ACCOUNTABLE - We work mindfully to empower every individual's goals.

RESPECT - We treat everyone with dignity, deserving of our full attention and commitment.

COMMUNITY - We are accepting of all people and give each a voice.

DRIVEN - We strive to constantly move forward, while celebrating successes.

Time Commitment

As a member of the Foundation Board, you will be expected to commit to a 2-year term, with the possibility of extending up to four (4) terms. Members should be prepared to dedicate approximately 3-4 hours average/month depending on activities (includes Board and Committee meetings, participation in events, meeting preparation and follow up). All individuals applying must be at least 18 years old. Members must also live and/or work in Simcoe County.

• Participation in monthly board meetings
• Participation in development and training opportunities to enhance your skills
• Advisement and evaluation of board's fundraising policy in which board members indicate the amount they expect to contribute to the organization in the coming year and how they will participate in the fundraising efforts of the organization
• Participation in external community activities and events that contribute to increasing Empower Simcoe's visibility and reputation
• Participation in and support fundraising activities for organization
• Remain informed of the programs and services provided by the organization and publicly support them.
• Support the CEO and Empower Simcoe's Board of Director colleagues to oversee our strategic direction, provide input and reports on fundraising efforts and revenue-generating strategies.

Training

Board members participate in the annual board retreat and ongoing training sessions.

What you bring to the team

Our volunteer Foundation Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated community members who offer diverse skills, experience and perspectives. We are particularly interested in individuals who possess unique life experiences and have a genuine desire to give back to their communities.  Ideal candidates will have backgrounds in areas such as fundraising, event planning, housing development, marketing, entrepreneurship, or banking. 

We welcome individuals with previous board experience or those eager to gain such experience, along with an understanding of not-for-profit governance.  We seek members who appreciate the complexities and needs of the individuals and families we support. 

You will contribute your unique experience and perspective to our team. Your involvement will not only be meaningful and rewarding but will also allow you to grow professionally. Together with your colleagues on the Foundation Board of Directors, you will make a significant difference to our organization and the people we serve in Simcoe County.

Empower Simcoe is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone feels respected and valued. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or disability. Applications are encouraged from those who reflect the diversity of our community.

SUBMIT APPLICATION BY:

Internal 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2025

External 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 10, 2025

We thank all those who apply for this position. However, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any issues with the application process, please contact the People and Culture Department at kmcnaught@empowersimcoe.ca.

Posting #24-201

Volunteer tutors are needed to help adults to improve their reading, writing, math and digital skills. 
 
NOTE: We ask potential tutors to commit for one year so that they can come alongside a student for that length of time - once students make the decision to improve their skills, they need a tutor who is willing to work with them to increase not only their knowledge but their confidence and self esteem.