October 2014 | 2 Get Involved: Volunteer! Help others Deepen your understanding of Canadian society Gain Canadian work experience Earn job referrals Enhance your skills and experiences Make friends

October 2014 | 3 Where to Volunteer In the community: Non-profit organizations/charities Hospitals Parent associations at schools Newcomer service organizations Sport and social clubs Arts and culture organizations Ratepayers’ associations Municipal boards and committees

October 2014 | 4 Municipal Boards and Committees Boards: Set policies, by-laws and direction Committees: Look into, report or act upon a specific matter Members are: Elected, nominated or appointed Elected officials, municipal staff and community members Scope: Limited authority Term is defined and is usually same as the Council term

October 2014 | 5 How to Join a Board or Committee Check with local municipality for boards and committees that interest you Complete a volunteer application Attend an interview with staff and/or board members Attend training and/or orientation

October 2014 | 6 Non-Profit Organizations Arts and culture organizations Charities Community and social service organizations Environmental organizations Professional or community organizations Organizations providing services to newcomers Sport, athletic, or social clubs Products or services without making a profit Activities improve or benefit a community This is what they provide:Examples include:

October 2014 | 7 How to Volunteer Find an organization where you can add value Complete a volunteer application Attend an interview with staff and/or board members Attend training and/or orientation, as required 211: Helpline and online database of Ontario’s community and social services YorkInfo: Community Information and Volunteer Database

October 2014 | 8 More Information For more information on local government and how you can get involved, visit or (click on “Municipalities”)