Volunteer Opportunities
We are a lively and enthusiastic group based in Ottawa, and we offer numerous events and programs year-round to support knowledge and skills for farmers, gardeners, educators, children, seniors, and anyone who is interested in eating healthy food and living in healthy environments.
Nearly all of our activities are coordinated by volunteers. You will have opportunities to learn about fundraising skills for charities and not-for-profits as well as organic agriculture locally and on a broader scale.
Senior Organic Gardeners
Lead Administrator
Become part of the SOG Leadership Team
Get to know all aspects of the program and the administration.
Participate in the SOG Leadership Team meetings taking part in discussions & decisions, taking notes and coordinating follow up, organising, record-keeping for easy access to all leadership team members housed centrally for program security;
Write regular reports for COG OSO Steering Committee, SOG Advisory Group and for Down to Earth E-News in conjunction with the Leadership Team.
Attend some COG OSO Steering Committee meetings as needed in person or virtually.
Enjoy attending occasional SOG events as possible to participate in the Vision at Work!
Financials Coordinator
Become part of the SOG Leadership Team
Get to know all aspects of the program and the administration.
Develop SOG Budgets in conjunction with the SOG Program Manager & the Fundraisers
(Grants and Local) overseeing, tracking, recording and approving all financial expenses & receipts in concert with the COG National office www.cog.ca and COG OSO local chapter Treasurer.
Prepare quarterly SOG financial reports for the COG OSO Steering Committee in conjunction with accounting at COG National Office and/or COG OSO treasurer.
Attend some COG OSO Steering Committee meetings as needed in person or virtually.
Enjoy attending occasional SOG events as possible to participate in the Vision at Work!
Organic Seed Sale Fundraising Coordinator
This volunteer position is an opportunity for a well-organized, experienced volunteer to take charge of the Annual Spring Organic Seed Sales Fundraiser for Senior Organic Gardeners. It is an opportunity to get to know Canadian Organic Growers – our local Ottawa Chapter and the organic sector as well as to make a huge contribution to the local fundraising for Senior Organic Gardeners.
Fundraising Coordinator
This volunteer position involves coordinating local fundraising from eco-friendly companies, associations and individuals to contribute to our Grassroots Local Funds as well as collaborating in the selection of grantors to whom SOG might apply successfully.
One year commitment required.
COG – OSO
Volunteer Your Time
We’re Looking for Volunteers!
Are you interested in volunteering with COG OSO? Have some free time to put towards a great cause? We’re looking for volunteers with the following skills/interests:
- Communications
- Volunteer coordinator
- Farmer outreach programming
- Community outreach/education
- Fundraising
- Special events
- Jack/Jill of all trades – Volunteer at large!
This is an excellent opportunity to use and develop your skills, connect with others who are passionate about growing, and work with a fun team. Please send us an email: cog.oso.chapter@cog.ca
We are always looking for volunteers. Get in touch if you wish to help!
General Information: cog.oso.chapter@cog.ca
Growing Up Organic: guo-ottawa@cog.ca
Senior Organic Gardeners: sog@cog.ca
Opportunities
We are always thrilled to welcome new volunteers. Are you looking for something that only asks a few hours of your time each week, or each month? Perhaps you have time in the summer, but not the rest of the year? Are you motivated to take on some leadership roles, or would you prefer pitching into a group where someone else took the lead?
As our programs continue to expand and people keep coming up with new ideas, our need for enthusiastic volunteers continues to grow. Growing Up Organic and Senior Organic Gardeners programs are terrific groups for volunteers with expertise in gardening plus experience in working with children and seniors.
Becoming a volunteer involves a few steps:
- Send a note to indicate your interest: cog.oso.chapter@cog.ca
- If you signed up at the COG OSO Booth, await a contact from the Chapter.
- Read the Backgrounder about COG OSO and fill out the application form that you receive
- Take part in a telephone or in-person interview and provide two references
- For some roles in COG OSO we ask you to provide us with or apply for a Police Check for which we can provide you a letter so that there will be no charge.
- Take part in the Orientation (including Awareness for working with Disabled)
- Keep in touch with our Coordinator of Volunteers from time to time
Welcome aboard!