Volunteer Training

Train to Become a Volunteer Peer Support Worker

There are opportunities for volunteer peer support workers. Training has recently become free.  It's a self-paced course with 16 modules, and after completing it you receive a certificate, which you can then list on your resume.

Learn more about training to become a peer support worker.

Volunteering Opportunities

Looking for a volunteer position? Common resources to find volunteer vacancies are GoVolunteer and Charity Village. But there are many other organizations open to volunteers - scroll down through the list of volunteer opportunities below

Work in Healthcare?

Want to become a Peer Supporter for Healthcare Workers?
Volunteering as a Peer Supporter is a rewarding experience. You’ll learn new, useful skills and support others in need.
Mandatory requirements to be a Peer Supporter with Care to Speak:
  • Volunteers must live within British Columbia.
  • Volunteers must be working or have worked in the healthcare sector
  • Volunteers must be able to work one shift per week during operating hours (Monday – Friday, 5pm to 9pm, or Monday- Wednesday from 10:00am to 2:00pm Pacific Daylight time).
  • Volunteers are expected to commit to a one-year term
  • Volunteers must complete an online training program prior to starting
  • Interested applicants should have experience, be empathetic, non-judgmental, open-minded, and open to feedback

Community Engagement Advisory Network
CEAN  is a group of public volunteers who add their voice to planning and decision-making at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH).

CEAN members are involved in projects across all of VCH’s health service areas. The common driver in all the projects is that patient/public input improves the decisions that are made, the quality of care, and ultimately, health outcomes.

To get involved, first register online. Then you will be contacted to have a brief phone interview and attend a volunteer orientation. Following the orientation, volunteers are emailed weekly lists of potential opportunities for bringing the patient experience to Vancouver Coastal Health projects.  

It's not unusual for them to be seeking people with lived experience of mental illness.  It's a rewarding way of volunteering!

Contact them for more info and confirm the upcoming orientation dates with them at ce@vch.ca, and register via the link at the button below.

 S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

When you volunteer with S.U.C.C.E.S.S., you are making a positive impact directly in your community. S.U.C.C.E.S.S. offers innovative programs and services to promote belonging, wellness, and independence of people in all stages of their Canadian journey.

Types of Positions:
  • Special Events: Help with event setup and take-down, answer questions from event attendees, etc.
  • Better at Home: Support seniors in the community by offering friendly visits, transportation, or assistance with grocery shopping
  • Help Lines: Answer calls and provide emotional support to callers
  • Income Tax Clinic: Help seniors and other community members fill out their tax returns
  • Mentors: Offer guidance on everything from careers, self-confidence, and leadership
  • Front Desk Assistants: Greet and welcome people who visit S.U.C.C.E.S.S. service centres
Benefits of Volunteering:
  • Expand your knowledge and skills
  • Gain new experiences
  • Connect with others and build new friendships
​Search for current opportunities and complete an Application Form.

Patient Voices

The Patient Voices Network is a community of patients, families and caregivers working with health care partners to improve our health care system.

The inclusion of patient voices provides new perspectives and greater understanding for both patient and health care partners, leading to more informed decisions. This community shares a common purpose to include the patient voice in problem solving and decision making to improve BC’s health care system.
​Here are the typical steps for patient partners:​​
1. Sign up2. Attend an orientation
  • It’s free, quick, and can be via telephone, webinar, or in person.  The session reviews how PVN works, engagement opportunities available, expectations, and how you can help.
3. Ongoing support
  • Attend webinars and other learning opportunities hosted by PVN that will prepare you to have a meaningful impact when participating in engagement opportunities.
  • We have many resources that can help you, too.
4. Monitor engagement opportunities5. Apply for an engagement opportunity
  • When you spot an opportunity that matches your interests and availability, fill out its online RSVP form. The responses are shared with the health care partner so that they can identify the patient partner that best fits the opportunity’s goals. Engagement leaders will follow up with everyone who submits an RSVP form, regardless of the selection decision.
6. Participate in an engagement opportunity
  • If you are selected for an opportunity, you will be introduced to the health care partner lead and supported by an engagement leader throughout your patient partner commitment.
  • You will also have opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification.
7. Receive feedback
  • You’ll receive feedback as well as information about the results and outcomes of the initiative. 

Love Art?  Volunteer at Gallery Gachet

Gallery Gachet is a unique artist-run centre located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Gachet is a collectively-run exhibition and studio space built to empower participants as artists, administrators and curators.

Gallery Gachet holds orientation sessions and training sessions for all volunteers, but especially those who may be interested in becoming a member of the Gallery Gachet Collective.

Their Volunteer Membership Program offers access to our facility and programs in exchange for volunteering with us. It also offers a wide range of opportunities for learning at all levels and the development of skills, including communication, exhibition coordination, non-profit organization management, professional development for artists, and arts administration. Members have found success in transferring their new-found skills to other areas of their lives.

Examples of some volunteer opportunities include:
  • Gallery Hosting
  • Preparation of the gallery space, exhibitions and assistance with gallery openings
  • Administrative support, assistance with publications and communications initiatives

Volunteer Benefits:
  • Attend workshops free of charge
  • Receive newsletters with information about exhibitions, workshops and other events
  • Access the gallery and computer stations during open hours
  • Access to supervised open studio times
  • Opportunities to join one of the various committees 

Those who are interested in attending either the Volunteer Orientation and/or the Volunteer Training Sessions are encouraged to contact us at volunteer@gachet.org or at 604.687.2468.

Volunteer with the City of Vancouver 
The City of Vancouver offers a variety of volunteer opportunities around the city. Through volunteering, individuals can
  • Share your skills to improve your community and do something meaningful
  • Meet new people who share your interests
  • Gain experience or learn new skills you can use in a job or other areas of your life
​
Volunteer opportunities may include:
  • Day camp and instructor assistants 
  • Community Association committee members
  • Assist with Snow Angels, parks and beaches, neighbourhood cleanup, and other programs
  • Volunteer Gardening with the Green Streets Program:
    • ​Simply weed, water, complete garden maintenance, and add your own plants if you wish
    • Work with the City throughout the year​ 
  • Event workers 
  • Adapted and integrated programs 
  • Emergency Preparedness assistance programs
    • ​Including first responder positions, roles in education, radio operator networks, etc.

How to Get Involved:

Movie Fan? Volunteer at The Cinematheque!
The team of volunteers is a huge factor in the Cinematheque experience. They assist is various aspects of the organization, from public-facing roles to helping with the film reference library, delivery of program guides and posters, and assisting with  Learning & Outreach programs.

What's expected from you?
  • Commit to one four-hour shift per week

What will you get in return?
  • An Inter-theatre Film Pass [gives you admission to regular film screenings at The Cinematheque and Vancity Theatre!]
  • Free popcorn and fountain drinks
  • An invitation to the annual Volunteer Appreciation Party

If you want to become a part of this experience, just a few volunteering options include:
  • Front-of-house activities such as the box-office, greeting,  ushering, concession, and selling merchandise
  • Day-to-day assistance in the administrative office

You will be provided with an orientation. Join in and meet a diverse and friendly bunch of co-volunteers with a shared love of movies. Interested? Apply through the Volunteer Enrollment Form.

Contact Information: 
Phone: 604-688-8202

Volunteer with MDABC

Volunteers are an essential part of MDABC and they contribute in a variety of ways. MDABC provides training and support to get you started, and once as we get to know you we will provide written and verbal references to future employers. 

Volunteer Opportunities:
Peer Support Group Facilitators and Cofacilitators:
  • Requirements: excellent listener, have experienced a mental illness, have solid recovery under your belt, be able to support people wherever they are in their recovery 
  • Able to commit to at least one year
  •  Facilitator training will be provided either in the MDABC office or online, and
  • Facilitators also receive a manual and ongoing support
  • To apply: complete an Application Form
Information and Speakers Bureau Roles: Community Engagement Program:
  • Currently at capacity, check back later

For more information about volunteer opportunities, email nicole.j@lookoutsociety.ca. 

Love Live Theatre?  - Pacific Theatre
Pacific Theatre has volunteer opportunities for energetic and movie-loving individuals.

Three different types of volunteer positions:
1. Concessions – Includes selling concessions, assisting management, handing cash, and using the POS system
2. Programs – Includes handing out programs, assisting management, and helping patrons to their seats
3. Tickets - Includes ripping tickets and assisting management and patrons

Benefits:
  • Free tickets to that night's show
  • Gain experience and letters of reference
  • Make new friends and connections
  • Discounted concession items

Application and Requirements:
  • To apply, complete the Intake Form
  • Arrive 1 hour before the scheduled performance
  • Consistently make shifts and be on time

Location: 1440 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver
Email: linnea@pacifictheatre.org

Vancouver Coastal Health 

Volunteers with Vancouver Coastal Health complement the care provided by professional staff in acute care. long term care, or community volunteer programs. As a volunteer, you can gain personal satisfaction from helping others, obtain experience relevant to your future employment or educational plans, meet new people, and learn more about the health care system.

Details:
  • Most volunteer programs run weekdays during business hours, with limited evening and weekend positions
  • Must be fully vaccinated
To apply:

Love Live Theatre?  - The Arts Club
Volunteers are an integral part of the Arts Club and have proved to be invaluable its success.

Benefits:
  • Meet new people with similar interests
  • Learn new skills, build up your resume, and network
  • Become involved in the local theatre, arts, and not-for-profit community
Types of Opportunities:
  • Assisting with special events and fundraisers
  • Office administration
  • Helping with many other unique projects
  • Selling raffle tickets
  • Technical setup for shows
  • And more!
Requirements and Application:Contact Information:
  • Phone: 604-687-5315
  • Email: info@ArtsClub.com
  • Location: #203-162 West 1st Ave., Vancouver

Love Live Theatre? - Firehall Arts Centre

Do you want to see free professional dance and theatre performances?  Want to be part of a dedicated volunteer group?  Want to interact with the best theatre staff and patrons in the city?

Become a Firehall Arts Centre Volunteer Usher!
As an usher you play a very important role before, during and after each performance.

Requirements:
  • Volunteers should be outgoing, friendly, reliable, and responsible 
  • First-come-first-serve basis: A notice is sent out when opportunities arise, a sign-up sheet is posted with show information, and volunteers can choose which shifts they want to sign-up for.
​Location: Firehall Arts Centre, 280 East Cordova Street
Email: firehall@firehallartscentre.ca

Coast Mental Health

As a Coast volunteer, you can share your time, skills, interests and energy to support clients on their path to realizing their potential, while overcoming individual challenges. Together with other members of the Coast team, you can help clients define and meet their own social, psychological, physical, recreational and spiritual goals.
Coast Volunteer roles:
  • Those who are considering or are already going to school for and/or working in the health care sector, social work, mental health rehabilitation and want to develop skills and experience 
  • Those who enjoy accompanying individuals or groups on outings, day-to-day tasks such as doctor’s appointments or grocery shopping
  • Those who love feel-good, personally rewarding volunteer experiences!
  • Individuals who are respectful of confidentiality, personal boundaries, and limits, have self-awareness and a healthy, stigma-free outlook on mental health etc.
Requirements:
  • Must be 19 years of age
  • Able to commit to a period of six months
  • Have a clear Criminal Records Check for Vulnerable Persons
  • Have an annual flu shot
  • Ability to respect confidentiality and maintain personal boundaries
​Apply through the online Application Form.

Email: valri.pawlik@coastmentalhealth.com

Love Helping Animals? Volunteer with Vokra

Volunteers are an integral part of our organization. Without them, we couldn’t rescue and find loving homes for the more than 1,400 kittens and cats VOKRA takes in each year. There are several ways to participate in our organization, with different weekly time commitments. Volunteers are expected to commit to at least 6 months. 

Volunteer Positions:
Positions at Operations Centre:
  • Medical Team: Managing the health of our kitties. Experience as a vet assistant/tech or nurse is strongly preferred
  • Driving: A variety of hours with a requirement for flexibility in times. We really need reliability here to drive kitties to vets/fosters or deliver supplies to fosters
  • Front Desk: Keeping the front desk of the VOKRA Ops Center running efficiently including some reception and organizational duties 
  • Cat Care: Feeding of cats and cleaning of the facility for cats housed temporarily at the VOKRA Ops Center. Reliability is essential.
​Adoption and Foster Related Positions:
  • Adoption/Foster Counsellors: Interview potential adoptors/fosters, match them with kitties, communicate with different parties, send out paperwork
  • Adoption Papers: Meet with adopters to review contracts, process fees, schedule meetings
  • Foster Coordination: Manage foster kitties and help them get adopted, deal with any problems that arise, arrange meetings 
Other volunteer positions are also available!

To Apply:

Volunteer with the Food Networks

There are volunteer opportunities at the community Food Networks around Vancouver. These Networks include Neighbourhood Houses, Community Gardens, and Community Centres. 

Types of Positions:
  • Cooking and kitchen roles
  • Food distribution and delivery
  • Drop-in Roles
  • Helping in community gardens
  • Stocking shelves, moving boxes, sorting food
  • And more! 
To Apply:
  • Contact the Food Network in your area to explore available positions. 

Rogue Folk Club
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Rogue Folk Club. They give their time, energy, and passion to assist the folk community. 

Types of Volunteer Roles:
Concert Volunteers - tasks include helping backstage, selling memberships, box office, running the bar, setting up and cleaning upInventory and Supplies - pick up and deliver supplies, such as desserts, beverages, equipment, etc.Fundraising and Grant Writing - help write grants and share your ideas Press Gang - spread the word about shows, chat with members of the community, put up posters, etc.Board Volunteers - sit on the Board and help the organization meet its strategic initiativesBenefits:
  • Special volunteer nights and potluck parties
  • Compensation for extra effort with free tickets to concerts
  • Opportunities to meet the performers, to gather with fine like-minded people, and to participate in the building of our thriving series of concerts 

Volunteer Opportunities with VPD

1. Community Policing Opportunities:
  • 12 Community Policing Centres in Vancouver 
  • Staff and volunteers work together to create crime prevention programs and initiatives to address local crime and safety concerns
  • To get involved, contact a Policing Centre ​ ​
2. Block Watch:
  • Become a part of your local Block Watch Group to help reduce crime and create a safer neighbourhood
  • Approximately an hour per week, plus annual meetings
  • Receive online training and valuable information about community safety and crime prevention
  • More information is available here
3. Community Crime Watch:
  • Volunteers act as extra sets of eyes and ears on the street for officers on patrol. They patrol in teams, using their own cars and equipped with radios, and report any suspicious or criminal activity to their police coordinator.
  • *The program is not currently accepting applications.*
  • For more information, visit the website or email Mark.Bouchey@vpd.ca ​
4. Speed Watch:

YMCA Volunteer Postings Currently Accepting Applications
BC YMCA offers a wide range of programs and services throughout the Lower Mainland with volunteer opportunities to match their passion, skills and availability. Opportunities include leading exercise classes, coaching and refereeing sports leagues, mentoring young people, admin, etc. 
​
Areas of interest may include:
  • Health, fitness and recreation
  • Child, youth and family development
  • Employment training
  • New immigrant programs
  • Camp and outdoor education
  • Governance and fundraising

Apply through the YMCA Volunteer Application Form.
Email: volunteer@bc.ymca.ca

Arts-Related Volunteer Postings

Do you love the arts?  BC Alliance for Arts + Culture posts volunteer positions sent to them by their members and non-members. Volunteer roles range from Board Memberships to Festival Directors to Open Mic Hosts, and more.

Current opportunities include:
  • Vancouver Writers Festival
  • Vancouver Short Film Festival
  • Community Arts Council of Vancouver 
  • Seymour Art Gallery
  • And more!
​
Phone: 604-681-3535

Botanical Garden and Conservatory

A wide range of volunteer opportunities are available with the Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association, both at VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory. Over 1000 volunteers contribute their time and talents in education, visitor experience, special events, governance, administration, fundraising and special events. 

Apply For A Volunteer Position:
1. Explore current opportunities
2. Complete the volunteer application form
3. Read the volunteer handbook

Contact Becky at:
Phone: 236-476-3481
Email: btinsley@vandusen.org

Citizen Committees with the City of Vancouver

Vacancies on civic agencies, boards, and committees occur periodically throughout the year. Individuals can volunteer to help shape COV policies and services to better serve everyone in our community.

Types of positions include:
  • Different types of committees, such as planning committees, advisory and design panels, arts and culture committees, etc.
  • Board Member positions
Details
  • Applicants of all ages, abilities, genders/gender identities, racialized identities, ethnicities, ancestries, sexual orientations, income levels, residency statuses, and other lived experience are encouraged to apply 
  • Some positions are open to individuals who are not Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents 
  • Positions are looking for individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, etc.​
Contact Information:
Email: civicagenciesinfo@vancouver.ca
Location: 3rd Floor, City Hall, 453 West 12th Ave

Love Gardens? - Volunteer Opportunities at UBC Botanical Garden

As a UBC Botanical Garden Volunteer, you have opportunities to gain knowledge, share your skills, meet other nature and plant enthusiasts, and meet people of all ages and demographics. 

Details:
  • Open to all ages and abilities, from students to seniors
  • Open to many different talents and interests
  • Training is provided
Types of Volunteer Positions:
  • Friends of the Garden
  • Healthy Harvest Volunteers
  • Community Event Volunteers
  • Garden Media Support
  • Apple Harvest Volunteer
How to Apply:

Volunteer with Fraser Health

Fraser Health offers various volunteer opportunities that allow individuals to share their talents, develop new skills, and help strengthen their community. 
Volunteer Positions:
  • Spiritual Care
    • Provide emotional and spiritual support to patients and families
  • Patient Advisors
    • Help by providing feedback and insights, sit on committees and boards and focus groups
    • Policy development and program feedback
  • South Asian Health Institute
    • Provide culturally relevant health information to South Asian communities
  • Fraser Health Crisis Line
  • Positions at Fraser Health Hospitals and Health Centres

BC SPCA Volunteers

BC SPCA has a wide range of volunteer opportunities to inspire and engage community members, with opportunities at various locations around BC. 

Types of Positions:
  • Onsite roles at Animal Centres: maintenance, cleaning, animal care, driving, admin, etc.​
Requirements:
  • Minimum 6 month commitment
  • Mandatory online and onsite training
  • Different positions for individuals 19+ and youth aged 12-18
  • Individuals who do not have experience with cats and dogs will start of caring for smaller animals

Canadian Mental Health Association 

CMHA Vancouver-Fraser is a volunteer-driven organization that depends on the help of volunteers to promote mental wellness, provide services to those in need and carry out our vision of mentally healthy people in a healthy society. Volunteering with CMHA provides the opportunity to build skills, learn more about mental health and meet new people, while helping build a more caring community. Volunteering at CMHA is a wonderful way to help decrease the stigma associated with mental illness. By raising awareness, volunteers are actively promoting acceptance towards all mental health issues.

Kids Up Front

Kids Up Front Vancouver is an organization that provides experiences to children, youth, and families facing barriers in the Greater Vancouver area. Having access to local events (like hockey games and music performances) and activities (like arts and crafts workshops) gives a child a much-needed avenue to uplift their spirits and self-esteem. Volunteers can help with operational tasks such as social media, program coordination, outreach, data entry, and more!

Current Volunteer Positions:
  • Outreach Assistant: Tasks include research, communication with different parties, follow-up, data entry, and more
  • Administrative Assistant: Tasks include processing files, data entry, sending out letters, fundraising, etc.
How ​To Apply:

Dress for Success

Dress for Success Vancouver works to uplift women and gender-diverse individuals and inspire them to live up to their own unique potential. The organization relies on a community of committed volunteers to make this work happen. They have many opportunities for individuals to get involved, fulfill their passion, use their skill sets and experience, and have a meaningful impact. 

Opportunities include:
  • Administration
  • Mentoring, workshop facilitation, and event planning
  • Styling and client outreach
  • And more!
Reach out and get involved!

Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House

Volunteers’ contributions to the DTES NH community are meaningful and deeply appreciated! They help the NH provide the best quality programs to the community. With a small staff team, the NH relies on volunteers to keep their community programs running.

Opportunities available:
  • Raffle ticket sales
  • Cooks and kitchen assistants
  • Community kitchens
  • Program leads and assistants
  • Administration and office roles
  • and more!

Apply through Volunteer Connector.
​
For more information, email volunteer@dtesnhouse.ca and include any relevant info (such as your availability)

Platforms and Databases to Search for Volunteer Opportunities

Connects people with volunteer opportunities throughout the Greater Vancouver area. They offer an online database with the most current volunteer opportunities. 

Charity Village

Charity Village as a great website for those seeking jobs with charities and nonprofits. It's also a great resource for frequently-updated listings for volunteer positions.

Volunteer BC

Volunteer BC is the voice of volunteerism with the goal of promoting the value of volunteerism and building healthy BC communities.
Their programs help British Columbians mobilize their talents as volunteers, offer educational opportunities, and provide useful tools and ways to address critical community needs.

Volunteer Canada

Volunteer Canada was established to provide national leadership and expertise on volunteer engagement to increase the participation, quality, and diversity of volunteer experiences. They collaborate with volunteer centres, businesses, non-profit organizations, government and educational institutions to promote and broaden volunteering.

Their programs, research, training, tools, resources and national initiatives assist volunteers across Canada. Volunteer Canada also hosts webinars on volunteer engagement and related issues.

Individuals can search through a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, including positions for groups, newcomers, and older Canadians. 

Volunteer Match

One of the web’s largest and most popular volunteer recruiting platforms, which serves thousands of nonprofits and a million interested volunteers.

Search through hundreds of local volunteer positions and filter based on your skills, experience, and interests. The platform hosts a wide variety of social causes and organizations.