Since September 1999, all students in Ontario have been required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement as part of the secondary school diploma requirements. Effective July 1, 2011, students will be able to start accumulating community involvement hours in the summer before they enter grade 9. (Guidelines for Community Involvement ).

You will be surprised by all of the interesting community groups and organizations that need and want your help. Effective July 1, 2011, students will be eligible to start accumulating community involvement hours in the summer before they enter grade 9 by volunteering, for example, at a local church, library, hospital or at one of the many registered agencies and organizations in the community. You may also complete your 40 hours of community involvement in a more informal manner by assisting neighbours in a volunteer capacity – just check with your guidance counsellor for a complete list of eligible activities.

Before starting your volunteer activity please download the Community Involvement Notification and Activity Completion Sheet and obtain the approval of your school Principal/designate. Community Involvement Forms are also available at your school. Completed forms must be signed and submitted to your secondary school to ensure your community involvement hours are recorded.

Discover Volunteer Opportunities in Ottawa

One of the best resources for a quick list of student volunteer opportunities can be found at Volunteer Ottawa. Visit their web site at www.volunteerottawa.ca. or, call 613-736-5270

Here are a few national volunteer sites that often carry youth volunteer opportunities in the Ottawa area:

 Volunteer Canada
 Youth Employment Strategy
 Charity Village
 Oxfam Canada
 The Boys and Girls Club of Canada
 Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)