COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

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As stated in Ontario Secondary Schools, Grade 9 to 12: Program and Diploma Requirements, 1999 (OSS), every student who begins secondary school during or after the 1999-2000 school year must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement activities as part of the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

The purpose of the community involvement is to encourage students to develop an awareness and understanding of civic responsibility, the role they can play, and the contributions they can make in supporting and strengthening their communities.The Algoma District School Board welcomes the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions our students make in their communities.

NOTE: It is the responsibility of the student and his/her parent/guardian to ensure that the required volunteer hours are completed as part of the requirement for graduation.

TIMING

The work to fulfill this graduation requirement can begin at any time after a student enters Grade 9. A single forty-hour activity, or a series of shorter term activities totaling forty hours may be completed. It is recommended that students start to seek out volunteer opportunities in their Grade 9 year. Senior students with heavier course loads and part-time jobs may find it more difficult to complete their volunteer hours near the end of their secondary school education.

Students and parent/guardians are encouraged to purchase Student Accident Insurance, which is available through the school.

The Algoma District School Board expects that all community sponsors will provide students with appropriate instructions, put in place safety precautions and train and supervise student volunteers.

In spite of all precautions, Community Involvement Activities may still present various elements of risk. Incidents related to such activities may occur and cause injury through no fault of the sponsoring agency, supervisor, school board or the facility at which the activity or event is being held. Participants must assume these risks.

PRE-REQUISITE TO GRADUATING …
40 COMMUNITY HOURS

Eligible Activities

- an event or activity designed to be of benefit to the community;

- an event or activity to support a not-for-profit agency, institution or foundation;

- fundraising for non-profit agencies: canvassing, walk-a-thons, celebrity games, gift wrapping, gala events, flower sales;

- community events: winter carnivals, summer fairs;

- environmental projects: community clean-up, flower or tree planting and recycle programs;

- volunteering in a residence for seniors: serving snacks, helping with crafts, portering, visiting or reading;

- service on committees: advisory board, neighbourhood or regional associations;

- community projects; food banks, seasonal events;

- activities organized by clubs and youth organizations: drop-in centres, breakfast programs, after school programs, March Break programs, leaders in training, summer playgrounds and camps and child care centres;

- volunteer office and clerical work: reception, computer work,
mailings, newsletters, pamphlet delivery;

- arts and culture: galleries, performing music, library, museums and heritage sites;

- shopping for shut-ins;

- recreational activities designed for people with special needs;

- organizing and assisting with school activities outside of school hours.

GETTING STARTED

Please follow these steps to ensure that the volunteer community hours will be eligible for recording:

Step One:

Students under the age of eighteen should plan an activity in consultation with their parent(s) or guardian(s). The activity should be one that involves service to others. The activity must fall within the guiding principles the Algoma District School Board has established, and should be identified on the Board’s list of examples. The activity should be age and skill appropriate for the student.

Step Two:

Students should confirm the details of the activity (i.e. date, time, location) with the organizer or individual who will be responsible for the activity.

Step Three:

Students must complete the appropriate community involvement page, then have a parent or guardian sign (if under 18 years of age). A school official must authorize it prior to performing the activity.

Step Four:

Students are to complete their planned activity and should have the paper signed by the community sponsor. It should then be signed by the parent or guardian or the student if 18 years of age or older. Final approval of the volunteer hours is given with the signature of a school official. Students submit their community hours record to the Guidance Secretary to have it entered into the computer record.

Step Five:

These steps should be repeated until the forty-hour requirement has been fulfilled.

KEEPING TRACK

The final report card in January and June will show the number of volunteer hours completed to date by the student.

When the student graduates, the Volunteer Community Hours section on the official transcript receives a check mark noting it is completed for the SSD requirement.

FORM

Opportunities to Help in Our Community

Hmmm...never anything to do? Still need to get your Community hours? Here is a list to get you going!

DON’T FORGET —

YOU NEED APPROVAL

BEFORE STARTING ANY VOLUNTEER HOURS

Help on an election campaign

Help with City Clean-Up and just pick up litter

Fund-raise for Sea Cadets, School Yard Sales, etc.

Volunteer for Triathlon

Volunteer with Adventure Racing

Participate in Battle of the Bands or help organize, set up and take down equipment