CEVF 2013 Recap - Part 10

The 2013 Community Engagement and Volunteer Fair was one third of The BIG Fair, which also included Career and Professional School components. This year, the annual event was held over a period of three days, with one at the Surrey campus and two at the Burnaby campus. It included approximately fifty volunteer organizations which came out to recruit student volunteers and spread the message of their cause.

Girl Guides of Canada - West Coast Area

What qualifications do you look for in potential volunteers?

Volunteers must be leaders. All volunteers must go through an interviewing process with a district commissioner as well as provide a background check.

How long would a volunteer commitment be with your organization?

Volunteers are involved usually from September to June with an option to keep going.

What advice would you give to a student who is looking to volunteer?

Find out if you like kids - go with what you like!

Let's Talk Science

What qualifications do you look for in potential volunteers?

Enthusiasm and a basic knowledge of science. Though it does depend on who you are chosen to mentor (groups range from K-12).

How long would a volunteer commitment be with your organization?

A minimum of 2 volunteer opportunities a semester. This organization works well around those with busy school schedules.

What advice would you give to a student who is looking to volunteer?

Be prepared to commit - treat volunteering like a job.

KidStart

What qualifications do you look for in potential volunteers?

Volunteers must be: 19+ years of age, caring and open-minded. Volunteers must go through an interview process as well as a background check and will be trained on the job.

How long would a volunteer commitment be with your organization?

Commitments are 3 hours a week for one year. Volunteers have the opportunity of being trained in CPR and conflict resolution within this time frame.

What advice would you give to a student who is looking to volunteer?

Be fun, be willing to make the community a better place. 

Women Against Violence Against Women

What qualifications do you look for in potential volunteers?

18+ years of age, interested in the topic. There is a standard background check for all applicants.

How long would a volunteer commitment be with your organization?

First with an 11 week training program (which is basically a mini women’s studies course), followed by either a) 100 hours of volunteer work (if you are involved with the crisis telephones) or 2 events per month (if you are involved with outreach). 

What advice would you give to a student who is looking to volunteer?

Volunteer for something you’re passionate about; be genuine and do something  that’s relevant to your life. 

Schools Building Schools

What qualifications do you look for in potential volunteers?

Students that are keen and engaged regardless of age.

How long would a volunteer commitment be with your organization?

From one semester al the way to their entire university career. The group is trying to recruit some SFU-Alumni to be involved as well.

What advice would you give to a student who is looking to volunteer?

Find a passionate group of people who you get positive energy from.

Canadian Blood Services

What qualifications do you look for in potential volunteers?

Friendly! The group needs people to be greeters within clinics (to help others while they give blood).

How long would a volunteer commitment be with your organization?

Shifts within clinics are four hours long. There is also an four hour training session required to start. Volunteers range from being involved for a few months to a lifetime.

What advice would you give to a student who is looking to volunteer?

Be passionate.