Community Involvement

Every student who begins secondary school in Ontario is required to complete 40 hours of community involvement in order to receive a diploma. The purpose of the community involvement requirement is to encourage students to develop awareness and understanding of civic responsibility and of the role they can play and the contributions they can make in supporting and strengthening their communities.  By being involved in their communities and serving others, students can develop transferable skills and explore different sectors and potential career opportunities as well as deepening their understanding of their role in society.  These activities help to prepare students for work and civic life in a globalized, digital age. 

Community involvement activities are part of the school's program and may take place in a variety of settings, including businesses, healthcare institutions (including hospitals and long-term care facilities), not-for-profit organizations, public sector institutions including the offices of local, provincial or federal representatives, First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities or organizations, and informal settings, such as religious, cultural events and community activities.

The requirement for all students to complete community involvement activities is outlined by the Ontario Ministry of Education Policy/Program Memorandum No. 124, which says:

• students must complete a minimum of 40 hours of total service (accumulation of community involvement hours may begin in the summer after Grade 8),

• the activity must be included in the list of eligible activities, and,

• the hours must be completed by the end of Grade 12 to be eligible to graduate with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Students should plan to accumulate a minimum of 10 hours each year. However, students are encouraged to complete their hours before the start of their Grade 12 year as this is a busy year which may include part-time jobs which affect one’s ability to do volunteer work. A single activity or a series of short-term activities totalling 40 hours may be completed. A Community Involvement Record should be submitted no later than the first week of January or June to ensure completed hours can be recorded on a semester's final report card. 

Roles and Responsibilities of Students

In consultation with their parents, students will select an activity or activities from the board’s list of approved activities, or choose an activity that is not on the list, provided that it is not an activity specified on the ministry’s and the board’s lists of ineligible activities. If the activity is not on the board’s list of approved activities, the student must obtain approval from the principal before beginning the activity.

During the activity, students must demonstrate a positive work ethic and respect for others. This includes being on time, listening to instructions, following through, and maintaining confidentiality.  Students must also ask questions, if they don't understand something, to ensure they are working safely and correctly.

Students must submit their completed community involvement hours Activity Record to their principal, or to another school contact designated by the principal, at appropriate intervals as determined by the principal.

Roles and Responsibilities of Parents/Guardians

Parents/guardians should provide assistance to their child in the selection of their community involvement activities. Parents are also encouraged to communicate with the community sponsor and the school principal if they have any questions or concerns. A parent must sign the community involvement hours Activity Record if the student is under the age of eighteen years.

Roles & Responsibilities of Community Sponsors

Community Sponsors should provide, to the student, any training, equipment or special preparation that is required for the activity that they are pursuing.  It is crucial that students are able to fulfil their community involvement requirements in a safe environment.  A sponsor must verify the date(s) and the number of hours completed by signing the student’s community involvement hours Activity Record.

When supervising a student with disabilities and/or special education needs, the individual or organization must ensure that a student receives any necessary accommodations and support to participate in the activities fully. Consultation with the student, their parents/guardians, and any relevant professionals may be required to determine the best approach to supporting their community involvement activities.

Eligible Community Involvement Activities

Community involvement activities may take place in a variety of settings, including businesses, not-for-profit organizations and public sector institutions (including hospitals and libraries). Eligible activities may include an event or activity designed to benefit the community and/or support a not-for-profit agency, institution or foundation that conforms to the ethical standards of the RCDSB and the Ontario Ministry of Education.

Students are encouraged to think about creative ways to support the community that do not put themselves or others at risk. Some examples of possible activities are: 

• Assisting Non-Profit Organizations with fundraising (i.e. canvassing, organization of walk-a-thons), awareness campaigns, sports/recreation (i.e. coaching, helping to organize Special Olympics, track meets and summer games), office/clerical work (i.e. volunteer activity in reception, computer work);

• Community Events & Projects including helping to organize carnivals and parades, participating in organized food drives or support services for community groups such as 4H Clubs or local community service clubs;

• Environmental Projects including community clean up, flower/tree planting, recycling, and general beautification activities;

• Assisting Seniors including serving snacks, helping with activities, or participating in visiting and reading programs;

• Committee Work such as participation on advisory boards and neighborhood associations;

• Religious Activities including participation as a volunteer in programs for children, Sunday School assistance and special events;

• Youth Programs including the assistance with the operation of youth programs such as 4H, Scouts Canada, Girl Guides, Drop-In Centre activities, breakfast programs and camps;

• Work with Animals such as involvement with animal care, horseback riding programs or volunteer assistance at a local petting zoo;

• Arts & Culture such as organizational assistance at an art gallery, performing arts production, cultural celebration, or in a community library program;

• Activities for Individuals by providing assistance to people in need such as with shopping, tutoring, light snow removal (no use of snowblower), housekeeping, writing letters, hospital visitation; and,

• School Community Service by helping out with extra-curricular activities such as organizing tournaments, assisting other students, library assistance, being a member of the technical crew for school productions, participating in school governance, fundraising, organizing drama and art events.

If you have any questions about Community Involvement Hours, including whether or not an activity is acceptable, please contact your Principal or designate. Please note that a principal is not obligated to approve a project at the local level.

Activities not identified on the Board’s list of Approved Activities must obtain pre-approval and signature from the Principal, or designate, on the student's Community Involvement Activity Record before starting the activity. If completed without permission and permission is subsequently denied, the activity or event will not be counted toward the student’s community involvement requirement.

Ineligible Community Involvement Activities

The Ontario Ministry of Education has developed a list of activities that may not be chosen as community involvement activities and that are therefore ineligible activities. An ineligible activity is an activity that:

• 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 jewellery, 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), or,

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

In addition, the RCDSB has determined that any activities that do not comply with the regulations made under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, the ethical standards, policies, procedures, and regulations of both the Ministry of Education and the RCDSB are ineligible.

If you are unsure about an activity’s eligibility, please contact your school’s Principal or designate. 

Requesting Approval for an Unlisted Activity

In the event that a student would like to participate in an activity or event that is not within the eligible activities, the student must obtain approval from their Principal or designate before starting the activity. If completed without approval, and permission is subsequently denied, the activity or event will not be counted toward the student’s community involvement requirement. 

Insurance Information for Students & Community Sponsors

The RCDSB's liability insurance carried with the Ontario School Boards' Insurance Exchange (OSBIE) will provide coverage for students and Community Sponsors from any lawsuits that may arise from the students' activities in the community involvement program during the 40 hours of required volunteer work.  The RCDSB expects that all community sponsors will provide students with proper instruction, put safety precautions in place, and train and supervise students. 

The RCDSB’s insurance does not cover the sponsors for lawsuits that arise from their negligence, or for student injuries in the workplace. The liability insurance of the community sponsors would be expected to respond to cover the sponsors for suits arising out of their negligence. Sponsors are responsible for ensuring that their liability insurance protects them for their involvement in the program

It is recommended that students involved in the program purchase Student Accident Insurance, which is available through our schools.