Ministry guidelines have established eligible and ineligible activities for the community involvement requirement. The organization you are volunteering for must meet the following criteria listed below.

Eligible Activities

• supports not-for-profit agencies, institutions or foundations

• structured programs to promote tutoring, mentoring, visiting and coaching

• promotes environmental awareness

• promotes and contributes to the health and wellbeing of any group

• affiliated with a club, religious organization, arts, cultural association, or political organization with the goal of making a positive contribution to the community

Ineligible Activities

• is a requirement of a class, course, or program in which the student is enrolled (e.g., cooperative education course, experiential learning activities) 

• takes place during the time allotted for the instructional program on a school day. However, an activity that takes place during the student's lunch breaks or “spare” periods is permissible. 

• contravenes the minimum age requirements to work in or visit a workplace stated in regulations made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 

• contravenes any other applicable legislation, regulation, or policy 

• contravenes the policies and procedures of the organization that is supervising the student’s community involvement activities 

• would normally be performed for wages by a person in the workplace 

• involves the operation of a vehicle, power tools, or scaffolding 

• involves the administration of any type or form of medication or medical procedure to other persons 

• involves handling of substances classed as “designated substances” under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 

• requires the knowledge of a tradesperson whose trade is regulated by the provincial government 

• involves banking, the handling of securities, or the handling of valuable items such as jewelry, works of art, or antiques 

• consists of duties normally performed in the home (i.e., daily chores) or personal recreational activities 

• involves activities for a court-ordered program (e.g., community-service program for young offenders, probationary program) 

• involves activities that promote discrimination, harassment, or puts the safety of the student or others at risk.

 If you have questions about eligibility, please speak to your guidance counsellor or principal.