Please take the opportunity to visit the websites below, to assist you in meeting your volunteer needs and aspirations.

Information Markham & Volunteer Centre

Volunteer Canada Website

If you are unable to find volunteer opportunities on the website yourself or should you need assistance navigating through our website, print and complete the Volunteer Application provided. The Screening and Guidelines Form is for you to read and retain for your records. Upon receipt of your completed application, which must be signed on both sides of the double-sided application form, a Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to schedule an appointment for an interview. It could take approximately 2 weeks to contact you to schedule an appointment. Should you wish to expedite this application, do not hesitate to contact us and we will endeavor to assist you.

Our Volunteer Coordinators are available on Monday mornings from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and on Wednesday afternoons from 12:30 pm until 4:30 pm for telephone or personal consultations. All appointments will be scheduled during these times. You may also contact Information Markham & Volunteer Centre 7 days a week, Monday to Friday (8:30 am to 9:00 pm) and Saturday and Sunday (9:00 am to 4:30 pm).

Thank you for your interest in volunteering.

Screening: Protecting Clients and Volunteers

Because everyone has a right to know that their loved ones are in good hands, most organizations that involve volunteers have a screening policy, to protect the vulnerable people the organization serves. It also protects the volunteers. Many volunteer organizations use Volunteer Canada’s Safe Steps program to screen applicants. The steps are:

  1. Determine the risk.
  2. Write a clear position description.
  3. Establish a formal recruitment process.
  4. Use an application form.
  5. Conduct interviews.
  6. Follow up on references.
  7. Request a police check, when appropriate.
  8. Conduct orientation and training sessions.
  9. Supervise and evaluate.
  10. Follow up with program participants.

I only want to help. Why is screening necessary?

Safety is important! An organization has a responsibility to protect its clients, staff, volunteers and community. It must do everything reasonable to protect them from people who may harm them. Screening helps achieve this end. Regardless of who applies for any given volunteer position, certain screening measures should be applied. Screening is based on what someone does or wants to do for an organization.

Volunteer Guidelines:

  • What kind of time commitment are you willing to make? Are you looking for a regular/weekly volunteer commitment or a short-term/one-time opportunity?
  • Would you like to volunteer with other people or by yourself?
  • Would you like to volunteer from your own home or would you prefer to volunteer at an organization?
  • If you would like to volunteer away from home, where is the best location for you? Near your home, your work, your child’s day care?
  • Do you have specific skills or talents you would like to share with an organization?
  • Would you like to develop a specific skill?
  • What are your personal goals? Would you like to re-enter the workforce? Meet new people?

Questions I need to ask as a volunteer:

  • What is the organization’s mission?
  • What volunteer work will I be doing? What are the opportunities for advancement and variety?
  • May I see a written job description?
  • What is the required time commitment of the volunteer position? What is the time period of the position?
  • What skills will I be able to use/develop?
  • Do I have a trial period? How long is it?
  • Will my out-of-pocket expenses be reimbursed?
  • How many volunteers are involved in this program/the organization?
  • Does the volunteer position require you to run any background checks on me?
  • Can I be sued for any activities I may be involved with during my time as a volunteer here?
  • Who is my supervisor?
  • How is your organization funded?
  • When can I start?

Application Number _____-______

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

Last Name: ______First name:______

Address: ______City/Town:______

Postal Code: ______Closest main intersection: ______

Day Tel: ( ) ______Evening Tel: ( ) ______

Email Address: ______

Volunteer work desired: ______

How did you learn about Information Markham and Volunteer Centre? ______

Would you be interested in being contacted for a special event in the future? Yes  No 

Age range:  15 years and under 16-18 19-25 26 and over

Reasons why you would like to volunteer: ______

______

Preferred Location: ______

Transportation:  Public  Private Access to Car

 Long Term Commitment  Short Term Commitment

Hours Available: Day______Evening______Weekend______

Qualifications/Special skills/Languages spoken: (please attach photocopy of resume)

______

Education/ Last year completed: ______

Applicant’s Signature ______Date ______

*Parent’s Signature if under 16______Date ______

*Please Note: This application cannot be processed until parent’s signature is provided.

INFORMATION MARKHAM AND VOLUNTEER CENTRE

Volunteer Application

Authorization for Collection and Release of Personal Information

I, , authorize Information Markham and Volunteer Centre to collect personal information, appropriate to the position applied for, concerning my academic background and employment history.

I understand that the information obtained will be confidential but may be shared with relevant organizations in order to obtain an appropriate volunteer position.

I understand that my name may be forwarded to an agency, and I may be contacted by them regarding the volunteer position.

I have also read the Screening and Guidelines Information Sheet provided.

As the sole responsibility of Information Markham and Volunteer Centre is referral, the signing of this document waivers Information Markham and Volunteer Centre of any damages that may occur as a result of a volunteer placement to an agency not having liability insurance.

______

Day / Month / Year Applicant’s Signature Parent’s Signature if under 16 years

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Interviewed by ______Date______Type: Personal  Telephone 

Comments:

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______