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Volunteer Continuum – Different Opportunities

There are an exciting variety of volunteer roles. Some are more hands-on. For example, some positions may be with “working boards” at smaller organizations where the volunteer is helping out because of limited staff resources.

Others roles will be more governance or policy board oriented. Knowing what your expected involvement may be helps to ensure that you and the organization get the most out of the opportunity.

Hands-On - Working

1. Single Activities
  • Helping at events
  • Requires time when it is available
  • Involves DOING
2. Roles or Committees
  • As a member or chair of a committee of a working board
  • Requires ongoing commitment
  • Requires working with other volunteers to DO (eg plan and executive annual events)
3. Working Board
  • As a member or chair of a working board
  • Requires ongoing commitment
  • Requires working with other volunteers to DO (eg., plan and execute an annual plan of activities)
  • May use subcommittees of volunteers for some activities

Governance

4. Governance Board Committees
  • Staff support is provided to assist the committees in fulfilling their mandates
  • Operate under the powers, duties, and functions delegated to them by the board (e.g., Terms of Reference)
  • Committees assist the Board in discharging its responsibilities
5. Policy Governance Board
  • The board oversees the President / CEO
  • Governs by establishing policies and parameters and monitoring organizational accomplishments