Volunteer Programs
Volunteer Services provides a variety of programs to help students as they face real world challenges. Whether you are looking for a volunteer opportunity around campus, around the city or around the world, we can assist you to connect to groups and organizations who could use your help. Come chat with us about your interests and check out our resource boards and web site periodically to find current long and short-term volunteer positions. We would love to help you in your search for an exciting opportunity.
Organizations are also invited to contact us if you are seeking volunteers and want to get the word out.
The SU’s ten volunteer programs are designed to be flexible and work with your schedule. Some run the entire school year, while others are for specific months. Once you’ve made your choice we ask you to complete and submit our Volunteer Application Form.
Our current on and off campus volunteer programs and opportunities are described below.
Volunteer On Campus
Students Supporting Students – Our Programs Can Help You
Administrative Volunteer Program
Often students find it difficult to make the transition from school to the work world. While you may have excelled in academics, many employers value proven experience in an office setting.
You can gain professional office experience by working with our Administrative Volunteer Program. You’ll get practical, on-the-job training in a variety of areas, from database and file management to event planning. There are placements available in the Students’ Union Office and the Volunteer Services Office. Each placement comes with its own unique challenges and learning opportunities.
For this program volunteers must commit two hours per week throughout the academic year (September to April).
Campus Food Bank
The SU Campus Food Bank provides emergency food relief to members of our campus community. Since its inception in 1993, the Food Bank has become a major resource for those in need and we are always looking for volunteers to help us meet the demand.
By volunteering with the Food Bank you’ll gain practical, operational experience by organizing donations, stocking shelves, packing hampers, interviewing clients and organizing food drive events, all without ever leaving campus!
Campus Food Bank volunteers must commit one to two hours per week throughout the academic year (September to April).
Information Centre/Lost and Found
Are you a ‘people person’? Do you enjoy assisting others and providing information to campus visitors? When you volunteer at the Information Centre/Lost and Found, you’ll answer all kinds of questions from students, staff and visitors to the MacEwan Student Centre. You’ll also manage our lost and found service and keep the Information Centre updated with information on events and services. If you’re looking for volunteer experience that fits between your class schedule, this program is perfect for you!
Information Centre volunteers must commit two hours per week (between 10am and 4pm) throughout the academic year (September to April).
QCentre: The SU Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity
Do you want to make the U of C a better place for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and/or queer community? Then get in on the ground floor and help us build the Q program. Volunteers will be trained to provide peer support and help us carve out a safe space for the LGBTQ community (and their allies) here on campus. As this is a new program, there will be plenty of opportunities to make your mark by organizing events, hosting discussion groups or coming up with something we’ve never thought of!
QCentre volunteers must commit two hours per week throughout the academic year (September to April).
Students for Literacy
Looking to make a difference on campus while developing your teaching skills? Help an adult (either a new Canadian or an adult with disabilities) learn English with Students for Literacy. We train and match you with a learner with whom you will work throughout the academic year. Volunteering with this challenging program may just be one of the most rewarding experiences of your university career.
Students for Literacy volunteers meet with their learners at mutually convenient times. Volunteers must commit one to three hours per week (including prep-time) throughout the academic year (September to April).
Volunteers are also needed to staff the ESL Station location. This drop-in program is conducted in a group setting and focuses on practical English skills like daily conversation.
Volunteer Tax Program
The Volunteer Tax Program takes place during tax season (February-April). Volunteers of this program assist members of the campus community complete their tax returns. Volunteers are trained by the Canada Revenue Agency, get to work one-on-one with actual clients and gain valuable skills to put on their resumes. Each volunteer will also receive a certificate from the Canada Revenue Agency at the end of tax season to recognize their efforts.
Volunteer Tax Program volunteers must commit to a minimum of four(4) hours per week during the eight week clinic (February to April).
Volunteer Off Campus
Students Supporting the Community - Linking our Campus Community
Into the Streets
If you are interested in volunteering beyond the campus community then Into the Streets is the perfect opportunity for you!
Through the Into the Streets Program you are given the opportunity to work with a variety of different social and cultural agencies within the Calgary community. Volunteer Services makes it easy to find the right group and make all the arrangements. Whether you want to work in a homeless shelter or with an arts association, chances are we have an opportunity to interest you. This is a great way to help out the local community, make professional and personal connections and learn about the many groups working to make Calgary a better place.
Into the Streets volunteers must attend three events per semester. Most opportunities are scheduled in the evenings or on weekends. All Into the Streets volunteer opportunities are off-campus, but we’ll arrange transportation (most often through carpools or public transit).
Alternative Spring Break
Spring break – while some students view this time as nothing more than an opportunity to sleep in and burn the midnight oil (sometimes needed after a heavy course load) – there is an alternative!
If the chance to make a difference in your community appeals to you, spend this year’s reading week volunteering. Through Alternative Spring Break the SU links volunteers with a variety of different community groups from homeless shelters to arts organizations in the Calgary area. We make all the arrangements including transportation. All you need to do is show up and be willing to get your hands dirty.
Alternative Spring Break runs for three days during February’s reading week at locations throughout the city.
Alternative Spring Break In The News
Via Global TV Calgary, February 21, 2012
Calgary Serves International
Does traveling to another country and making a true difference in a community excite you? Then check out this exciting international volunteer opportunity!
Calgary Serves International is an intensive, cross-cultural service-learning program open to students in all years and programs of study. This co-curricular (not for academic credit) experience allows participants to explore issues in an international community while contributing to volunteer projects and living with a host family. Since the program began in 2010, Calgary Serves teams have been traveling to Isla Chira, Costa Rica. Students have painted classrooms, built a wheel-chair accessible sidewalk and constructed a basketball court with the help of the community.
This program is run in partnership with the Centre for Community-Engaged Learning.
For more information on our upcoming program, please visit the Calgary Serves International site, drop by the Volunteer Services office, or email us at volunteer@su.ucalgary.ca.
Dr. Seuss in the Park
This program takes place in the summer months running from June-August and is perfect for those volunteers who enjoy working with kids.
Volunteers spend part of their summer spending “a day in the park” reading and doing crafts with kids. Dr. Seuss in the Park takes place in Riley Park, a short walk from the Sunnyside C-Train station.
Dr. Seuss in the Park volunteers must commit to at least one five hour shift (Saturdays, 11am to 4pm) per month (June - August).
Some great choices and great ways to make a difference. Click here to access our Volunteer Application Form.
