Module 1
The Importance of Volunteerism
In this module, you will learn about the many benefits of volunteering and how they relate to community connectedness. You will have a chance to explore different volunteerism programs in your community, grants that are available to support community projects, and develop a volunteer project that meets needs in your community.
A lot of the time, students will say "I can't get a job...I don't have any experience!", and it seems that you can't get the job without the experience, or the experience without the job. Being in Grade 10 is a challenging time; a lot of students want to start gaining employability skills, but aren't sure where to start.
In this module, you will recognize the value of volunteering; not only does it directly benefit your community and those around you, but it adds to your experience and skills as well! Let's get started!
It's important to really take note of all the ways that volunteering can help you on your career path:
Volunteering gives you experience.
Most employers want workers who have at least some workplace experience. Volunteer experience shows employers that you can manage your time and complete your tasks. It also shows that you can get along with others and
Volunteering helps you
develop skills.
Volunteering gives you a chance to build on skills you already have and learn new ones. For example, as a volunteer you might be able to use your second language or public speaking skills. You could also learn a new computer program or develop new customer service skills.
Be realistic about your current skill level when you apply to volunteer. An organization may need people whose skill level is more advanced than yours in the position you want. Seek opportunities to develop your skills so that you can later qualify for a more challenging position.
Volunteering expands your network.
Your network is all the people you know and all the people they know. Volunteering gives you the chance to meet new people and expand your network. Keep a list of the contacts you make while volunteering. These include staff, board members, clients, other volunteers and suppliers. You never know who might help you and how.
Volunteering lets you check out an occupation or industry.
When you’re considering choosing a career direction, volunteering gives you a chance to explore different occupations and industry sectors. You get to know the people, challenges and rewards involved. You also gain a better understanding of the roles and jobs available. For example, as a hospital volunteer you’re exposed to a wide range of health care workers, from front-line nursing and doctors to program administrators.
Volunteer experience in a specific field or industry can make your resumé or application stand out. This holds true when you’re competing for a job or applying to a post-secondary program in that field. For example, volunteer experience at an animal shelter might increase your chances of being admitted to an animal health technology program.
Volunteering builds your confidence.
Maintaining your confidence is especially important if you’re new to the working world! It also helps when you are discouraged in your search for a new job. Volunteering can help you feel active, useful and productive.
Volunteering helps you get to know yourself.
Knowing your skills, accomplishments, interests and values is the foundation of career success. Volunteer experience can be a good way to learn more about yourself and your potential to grow and develop. It also gives you a chance to find out how other people view you and your strengths.
Volunteering is a win-win situation. By helping others, you have the opportunity to boost not only your career but also your own well-being. When you volunteer in a role that’s right for you, everybody comes out ahead.
How Can You Take Action?
Are you a PASSIONATE changemaker but just not sure which passion to focus on in order to create a successful service project?
You are not alone! Sometimes we feel called to act on so many fronts. The key to developing a successful project is focusing your passion, talents and resources. Explore your interests, the needs of your community and the resources accessible to you. Let your passion inspire you to action!
The following assignment is to help you start thinking of one of the possible themes you can focus on for your grade 12 capstone project. You will not have to implement this now but it is something you can work towards in the next two years.
ASSIGNMENT
Learn About the Canada Service Corps
Something that we should all know about is the Canada Service Corps program. Developed by the Government of Canada, the Canada Service Corps program gives youth the opportunity to serve their communities and their country in order to build a better Canada. The government will give you a grant to help turn your service idea into a reality!
In this assignment, you will read and complete the adapted Rising Youth Take Action Guide. By completing the guide, you will think about different issues in your community, skills you have to help those issues, use design thinking to think of radical ways to tackle the problems, and build a template for project design. Don't worry if you don't have an idea right now - this assignment is just a way for you to start thinking about needs in your community and how they can be tackled!
STOP! Make a copy of the document before you start the assignment!
Consider this worksheet your planning sheet. You will be using this information to develop a presentation that you will make before the end of the term. Remember- this is similar to what you will be doing in grade 12 for your capstone project... perhaps this will become you capstone project!
SUBMIT
Submit your completed assignment in your Flex block Google Classroom.
Due: Thursday, May 4