> Services > Volunteer Services
Volunteers bring a wide variety of skills and talents to the ILRC. Volunteers are involved in every aspect of our organization.
There are many areas in which you could become involved as a volunteer at the ILRC:Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is elected by members of
the ILRC once a year. The Board meets once a month to provide guidance
and support to the operations of the ILRC. There can be up to 15 Board
members and they can sit on different committees within the
organization including Finance, Personnel, and Nominating.
Upkeep
With so many people coming and going, we are always in need
of volunteers to keep the ILRC clean and tidy. Upkeep involves
cleaning dishes, cleaning windows, stocking bathrooms, emptying waste
baskets and much more.
Maintenance
The ILRC is a not-for-profit community organization, so
we don't always have money to spend on maintenance. Maintenance
Volunteers assist with small repairs, painting the building, shoveling
walkways, gardening, sorting recycling, and shredding. In addition,
volunteers are part of or support the Debbie Prim Memorial Garden
Committee.
Events
Throughout the year there are many Events at the ILRC like
Open House, AGM, Summer BBQ and the Christmas Dinner & Dance.
Volunteers often remind members of these events through phone/TTY
calls, emails or in person. Volunteers help with organizing, coming up
with ideas for activities, figuring out what needs to be done and
doing it.
Office
Office Volunteers assist with day to day jobs like
photocopying, collating, binding, faxing, postage, stuffing envelopes,
distributing mail, general organizing, and preparing ILRC brochures
and promotional materials for distribution.
Reception
Reception Volunteers can usually be found at the Volunteer
Desk in the main lobby. Their job is to greet people as they come in,
assist people in finding where they want to be, answering phones,
directing calls, and taking messages.
Technical Computer Support
Tech Support Volunteers assist in the
maintenance of our computer systems and network. They work closely
with both the Adaptive Technology Coordinator and the Information &
Networking Coordinator.
CAP Volunteers (Computer Access Program)
ILRC CAP volunteers assist
people with learning to use a computer, helping out with our bi-weekly
computer workshops and assisting with technical support in the CAP
room.
Peer Match
Peer Match is about people sharing their experiences and
listening to others. Being able to solve a problem or resolve an issue
may be made easier when we have the chance to talk it over with
another person and find out what they did in the same or similar
situation.
Newsletter
Each season the ILRC produces a newsletter called "The
Black Spruce". Newsletter Volunteers brainstorm themes, come up with
article ideas, write articles, interview people, assist with layout
and prepare for distribution through photocopying, collating, folding
and stamping.
Alternate Formats
The ILRC is committed to ensuring full access to
information and resources. We offer information in a variety of
formats including Braille, large print, audio cassette, plain
language, captioned or signed videos, computer files/disks, etc. The
provision of materials in alternate formats is essential to full
participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Sign Language / English Interpretation
Sign Language / English
Interpretation Volunteers assist with communication during ILRC social
events so that we all get a chance to say what we want and to be
heard.
There are also volunteer opportunities within each of the ILRC service areas.
Information & Networking
Information and Networking Volunteers assist with researching new
technical/adaptive and health advances, updating and maintaining the
ILRC Resource Library, and searching for and reviewing new resources.
Individual Advocacy
Individual Advocacy Volunteers assist with supporting persons as they
advocate for themselves, advocating with people, attending and
supporting persons through meetings, writing letters, helping people
understand self advocacy and how it relates to them.
Peer Support
Peer Support Volunteers assist with developing, planning and
facilitation support groups, and events. Volunteers can support group
members and staff to develop personal development workshops. In
addition, volunteers help by typing, organizing, cleaning up after
groups, and much more.
Volunteer
Volunteers may support other volunteers with their orientation to the
Centre and skill development. Volunteer buddies support each other to
get the job done. Volunteers may discuss their volunteer experience
with others or check out other volunteer opportunities in the
community that are accessible to persons with disabilities.
Volunteers assist with adminstrative duties which include updating
the volunteer list and determining the number of hours that volunteers
work for the ILRC. Volunteers also assist with the planning of yearly
volunteer appreciation week events.
Research & Development
Research & Development Volunteers assist with bringing the IL
philosophy and principles to government and/or interagency initiatives
and committees. They research programs and services that are offered
in the community for respectful inclusion and access. As well they
assist with the identification of consumer needs.
Full Steam Ahead - Career Development
Full Steam Ahead Volunteers assist with developing resumes, cover
letters, employment proposals, job searches and career exploration.
Volunteers sit on the Full Steam Ahead Advisory committee.
Adaptive Technology
Adaptive Technology volunteers participate in the program's Steering
Committee, assist with technical support, share their knowledge of
adaptive technology and assist with the creation of alternate formats
for consumers.
We regularly provide feedback to our Volunteers as to their contribution ILRC. In addition, once a year during Volunteer Week, we celebrate our Volunteers at a Volunteer Appreciation Event (each spring).
We are always in need of v olunteers to help the Centre run smoothly. If you would like to volunteer please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Trudy Marshall for orientation, screening, and a discussion of your interests/ goals.
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