Volunteer (BC)
Make a difference in your community while building valuable skills. Find opportunities, get references, and discover volunteer roles that advance your career.
Volunteer Opportunity Hubs
These platforms help you find volunteer opportunities that match your interests, availability, and goals.
Volunteer BC
BC's official volunteer resource organization. Connects volunteers with opportunities across British Columbia and provides volunteer management resources.
How to Use:
- 1.Browse volunteer opportunities across BC regions
- 2.Search by location, cause, and time commitment
- 3.Access volunteer management and best practices resources
- 4.Find volunteer centers in your area
- 5.Connect with local organizations
GoVolunteer
Nationwide volunteer platform with strong BC presence. Search for volunteer opportunities by location, interest, and time commitment.
How to Use:
- 1.Browse opportunities by BC region or city
- 2.Search by cause (education, environment, health, etc.)
- 3.Filter by time commitment and availability
- 4.Read detailed descriptions and organization profiles
- 5.Contact organizations directly or apply through the platform
Idealist
Find volunteer opportunities, internships, and jobs in the social impact sector. Great for students interested in nonprofits. Note: Idealist is a US-based platform but includes some Canadian opportunities.
How to Use:
- 1.Search for 'volunteer' opportunities in your area
- 2.Filter by issue area (human rights, environment, education, etc.)
- 3.Set up job alerts for volunteer positions
- 4.Create a profile to save opportunities
- 5.Attend virtual events and networking opportunities
Campus Volunteer Center
Your university's volunteer center connects students with on-campus and community opportunities. Often includes service learning programs.
How to Use:
- 1.Visit your campus volunteer office or website (find this on your school's website - search for 'volunteer' or 'community engagement')
- 2.Attend volunteer fairs (usually at semester start)
- 3.Sign up for email newsletters with opportunities
- 4.Check for one-time events vs. ongoing commitments
- 5.Ask about service learning options for course credit
CharityVillage (Canada)
Largest online community for nonprofits in Canada. Find volunteer positions, board positions, and learn about the sector.
How to Use:
- 1.Create a free account
- 2.Search 'volunteer' opportunities by location
- 3.Filter by cause and time commitment
- 4.Browse board positions if you want leadership experience
- 5.Read organization profiles to learn about their work
United Way (BC Chapters)
BC United Way chapters coordinate volunteer opportunities in local communities. Great for getting connected to local needs. Note: Use United Way of the Lower Mainland (BC) or your local BC chapter - search 'United Way [your city] BC'.
How to Use:
- 1.Search for 'United Way [your BC city]' or 'United Way Lower Mainland' (for Metro Vancouver)
- 2.Visit your local BC chapter website directly
- 3.Browse volunteer opportunities in your BC community
- 4.Sign up for one-day events or ongoing programs
- 5.Attend volunteer orientation sessions
Online Volunteering Platforms
Many BC organizations offer virtual volunteering - perfect for busy students or remote learners. Skills-based volunteering available through CharityVillage and GoVolunteer.
How to Use:
- 1.Search for 'virtual' or 'remote' volunteer opportunities on CharityVillage or GoVolunteer
- 2.Look for skills-based volunteering (writing, design, social media, etc.)
- 3.Check time commitment (many virtual roles are flexible)
- 4.Filter by 'remote' or 'virtual' location options
- 5.Verify what tools/software you'll need
- 6.Start with shorter commitments to test the fit
How to Get a Volunteer Reference
Build relationships that lead to strong references for jobs and applications
1Choose the Right Role
Select volunteer positions where you can make a meaningful contribution and where supervisors can observe your work. Roles that match your career interests are ideal.
Tips:
- •Commit for at least 3-6 months (one-time events rarely lead to strong references)
- •Choose a role where you interact with supervisors regularly
- •Look for positions that use skills relevant to your career goals
2Build Strong Relationships
Develop professional relationships with supervisors, coordinators, and team members. Be reliable, communicative, and proactive.
Tips:
- •Show up on time and communicate if you need to miss a shift
- •Take initiative and ask for additional responsibilities when appropriate
- •Be professional and respectful in all interactions
- •Ask questions and show genuine interest in the organization's mission
3Ask for a Reference
When requesting a reference, give your supervisor time and provide context about where it's needed.
Tips:
- •Ask in person or via email 2-3 weeks before you need it
- •Remind them of specific projects or accomplishments you worked on
- •Provide details about the job/application (what skills are important, etc.)
- •Offer to draft a reference letter for them to review and sign
- •Say thank you and keep them updated on your progress
4Keep Records
Document your volunteer work so you can easily describe it on resumes and in interviews.
Tips:
- •Keep track of hours volunteered
- •Note specific projects, achievements, and skills used
- •Save thank-you emails or positive feedback
- •Take photos (with permission) for your portfolio if relevant
- •Update your resume and LinkedIn as you gain experience
Volunteer Roles That Build Career Skills
Maximize your volunteer experience by choosing roles that develop skills employers value
Communication & Public Speaking
Volunteer Roles:
- →Event coordinator or emcee
- →Workshop facilitator
- →Public outreach or education volunteer
- →Social media content creator
- →Newsletter writer or editor
Why It Matters:
Communication skills are top-ranked by employers. These roles build confidence in speaking, writing, and presenting.
Project Management & Organization
Volunteer Roles:
- →Event planning volunteer
- →Program coordinator assistant
- →Volunteer coordinator
- →Campaign organizer
- →Fundraising event planner
Why It Matters:
Shows you can plan, organize, manage timelines, and coordinate multiple stakeholders - essential for any role.
Leadership & Team Management
Volunteer Roles:
- →Team leader or captain
- →Board member (especially for student organizations)
- →Mentor or tutor
- →Training new volunteers
- →Committee chair or coordinator
Why It Matters:
Demonstrates leadership potential and ability to motivate and guide others - highly valued for promotions and management roles.
Digital Skills & Technology
Volunteer Roles:
- →Website design or maintenance
- →Social media manager
- →Data entry or database management
- →Video editing or graphic design
- →IT support volunteer
Why It Matters:
Technical skills are increasingly important. Volunteer work is a great way to build your portfolio and gain practical experience.
Customer Service & Interpersonal
Volunteer Roles:
- →Front desk or reception
- →Helpline or hotline volunteer
- →Community outreach
- →Client support or case management
- →Hospitality at events
Why It Matters:
Customer service skills transfer to almost every industry. Shows you can work with diverse people and handle challenging situations.
Data Analysis & Research
Volunteer Roles:
- →Program evaluation volunteer
- →Research assistant
- →Survey designer or analyzer
- →Grant writing research
- →Impact measurement volunteer
Why It Matters:
Data skills are highly sought after. These roles demonstrate analytical thinking and attention to detail.
Marketing & Fundraising
Volunteer Roles:
- →Marketing assistant
- →Fundraising event volunteer
- →Donor relations
- →Content creator (blogs, social media)
- →Public relations support
Why It Matters:
Marketing and fundraising experience shows business acumen, creativity, and ability to drive results - valuable across industries.