share your time - volunteer at firstu
It takes everyone to keep a church going! If you're a parent with an hour or two to spare while your teen is at Coming of Age, a recent retiree excited to have time to share, a new friend with a driver's license, a high school student with volunteer hours to fill, or someone who's handy with a hammer, a spreadsheet, a trowel, or a talking point, we want your input! If you want to get more involved in the day-to-day running of your church, but you're not sure if you have the necessary skills, don't worry, as long as you've got curiosity and commitment, you can learn everything you need on the job.
Below, you'll find events, campaigns, and committees who need YOUR time, skills and solutions!
Below, you'll find events, campaigns, and committees who need YOUR time, skills and solutions!
Volunteer Opportunities
Check out our volunteer listings, below. If something catches your eye, use the available contact information for fastest response OR email volunteers@firstunitarianottawa.ca if you're interested in taking part, or have questions about a specific posting! Remember to include the full title of the listing, along with your contact information, in your email. If you’re not able to make direct contact, the Volunteer Coordinator will facilitate contact. Please allow us a few days.
NOTE: In the email addresses below, in order to keep personal emails from being compromised, they are not shown as working address. Instead, we've used the word "[at] where the "@" sign should be. When emailing a given contact person, just use "@" instead of "[at]" when adding the email to your "to" field.
NOTE: In the email addresses below, in order to keep personal emails from being compromised, they are not shown as working address. Instead, we've used the word "[at] where the "@" sign should be. When emailing a given contact person, just use "@" instead of "[at]" when adding the email to your "to" field.
Sunday Mornings
Ushers and Greeters Wanted
Do you like running into old friends, and making new ones? We're looking for a few more people to act as Sunday morning greeters and ushers. You would need to be available one Sunday every several weeks, depending on numbers. The only skill needed is a welcoming smile. Childcare is available before the service if you need it. Email Barb at ryanbarb99[at]gmail.com if you'd like to be involved.
Help with Hospitality Hour
Now that we're offering coffee and tea after services again, our team would like a few more people to (a) help with set-up before each Sunday service (b) help serve tea/coffee and assist with clean-up afterwards. Volunteers traditionally sign-up about once a month (on a rotation basis). It's a great way to meet people. Childcare is available before the service if you need it while doing set-up. Email Tarrel at tarrelarmstrong[at]gmail.com if you'd like to be involved.
Elevator/Lift Operators Needed
We would like to set up a group of Designated Elevator Operators for Sunday morning services. You must be willing to be trained, or already trained, in proper operation of the elevator and care of the keys. Hours are from 10am to approximately 12 noon, i.e., until the last congregant needing help with the elevator has left. You would be required once every several weeks, depending on number of volunteers. Email Stan at welcome@firstunitarianottawa.ca if you'd like to be involved.
Do you like running into old friends, and making new ones? We're looking for a few more people to act as Sunday morning greeters and ushers. You would need to be available one Sunday every several weeks, depending on numbers. The only skill needed is a welcoming smile. Childcare is available before the service if you need it. Email Barb at ryanbarb99[at]gmail.com if you'd like to be involved.
Help with Hospitality Hour
Now that we're offering coffee and tea after services again, our team would like a few more people to (a) help with set-up before each Sunday service (b) help serve tea/coffee and assist with clean-up afterwards. Volunteers traditionally sign-up about once a month (on a rotation basis). It's a great way to meet people. Childcare is available before the service if you need it while doing set-up. Email Tarrel at tarrelarmstrong[at]gmail.com if you'd like to be involved.
Elevator/Lift Operators Needed
We would like to set up a group of Designated Elevator Operators for Sunday morning services. You must be willing to be trained, or already trained, in proper operation of the elevator and care of the keys. Hours are from 10am to approximately 12 noon, i.e., until the last congregant needing help with the elevator has left. You would be required once every several weeks, depending on number of volunteers. Email Stan at welcome@firstunitarianottawa.ca if you'd like to be involved.
Event Opportunities
Memorial Receptions Need Volunteers
Memorial Receptions for First Unitarian members are held when requested. Most are on Saturday, Sunday or Friday. Our volunteers can choose to help with the set-up in Fellowship Hall before the service, or serve tea/coffee, or help with clean-up afterwards. Others may prefer to donate foods specifically requested such as squares, fruit or sandwiches. Family and friends appreciate the reception and the volunteers meet new people while working as a team with the goals of caring and giving. Join us! Commitment is 1 to 2.5 hours. Lead time is 10 days to 2-3 weeks in advance. Days & times vary with chosen date & time of a memorial service. Contact evelyn.algar[at]rogers.com to get involved.
Memorial Receptions for First Unitarian members are held when requested. Most are on Saturday, Sunday or Friday. Our volunteers can choose to help with the set-up in Fellowship Hall before the service, or serve tea/coffee, or help with clean-up afterwards. Others may prefer to donate foods specifically requested such as squares, fruit or sandwiches. Family and friends appreciate the reception and the volunteers meet new people while working as a team with the goals of caring and giving. Join us! Commitment is 1 to 2.5 hours. Lead time is 10 days to 2-3 weeks in advance. Days & times vary with chosen date & time of a memorial service. Contact evelyn.algar[at]rogers.com to get involved.
On-Going opportunities
Help Keep the Ajashki Project Moving
The Ajashki project is looking for volunteers to help in two areas:
Van Drivers for Occasional Unitarian House Outings
For about the last two years a team growing out of the FirstU Men’s Breakfast Group has been providing support to Unitarian House by driving their van to take residents on outings. These are either on Tuesday or Thursday mornings from 0900 to 1130 or afternoons from 1300 to 1430. Special event trips are also occasionally scheduled. Those helping say they have found these to be pleasant and easy outings with interesting people. It would be helpful to add a few more people to assist with the driving schedule so that each volunteer would have only one or two assignments per month. Some training will be provided, but a special license is not necessary. If you are interested, please contact Larry Jones, Cell: 613-299-2770 or email: joneslf[at]magma.ca.
Casual Photographers Needed for Congregational Events
If you are handy with a camera and are good at composing shots, we'd love you to document as many of our events as you are able! This could be a shared position as well – the more the merrier! Contact Jen at omr@firstunitarianottawa.ca for details and to get involved!
Join the FirstU House Band
We are looking for enthusiastic singers, musicians of all kinds and of all ages to join our FirstU House Band, whose performance focus is contemporary music. There will be opportunities to perform at Sunday services, Open Mic events, and other special events. If you are interested, please contact David Hudson at davidhudson2446[at]gmail.com OR Lisa Sharp at owl@firstunitarianottawa.ca.
Get Close to the Earth
The Friends of the Meditation Garden always needs gardeners. We work cooperatively to maintain the north and south gardens; a weekly list of tasks is shared along with suggested work dates for group work. Independent work occurs at any time. Time for breaks (group chat) is allocated some weeks; we are a friendly helpful group. Most tools, gloves etc., are provided. You can work independently or with group. This will take about two hours per week in the summer and fall. The time is flexible but the team usually meets on Wednesday and/or Friday mornings weather permitting. Contact margaretelinton[at]gmail.com to get involved.
Seeking Drivers for Ajashki Participants
The Ajashki Food Security and Climate Change Learning Centre is seeking additional drivers to transport program participants. You would be making a big difference by making it easier for urban Indigenous youth to access this valuable program. Until the end of September, participants need to be dropped off at FirstU at 10:00 and picked up at 4:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We pay your mileage! If you can help even once or twice a week, please get in touch by emailing Jen B at jabalcom[at]gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
The Ajashki project is looking for volunteers to help in two areas:
- to repair bikes that have been donated to the program
- to help write grants
Van Drivers for Occasional Unitarian House Outings
For about the last two years a team growing out of the FirstU Men’s Breakfast Group has been providing support to Unitarian House by driving their van to take residents on outings. These are either on Tuesday or Thursday mornings from 0900 to 1130 or afternoons from 1300 to 1430. Special event trips are also occasionally scheduled. Those helping say they have found these to be pleasant and easy outings with interesting people. It would be helpful to add a few more people to assist with the driving schedule so that each volunteer would have only one or two assignments per month. Some training will be provided, but a special license is not necessary. If you are interested, please contact Larry Jones, Cell: 613-299-2770 or email: joneslf[at]magma.ca.
Casual Photographers Needed for Congregational Events
If you are handy with a camera and are good at composing shots, we'd love you to document as many of our events as you are able! This could be a shared position as well – the more the merrier! Contact Jen at omr@firstunitarianottawa.ca for details and to get involved!
Join the FirstU House Band
We are looking for enthusiastic singers, musicians of all kinds and of all ages to join our FirstU House Band, whose performance focus is contemporary music. There will be opportunities to perform at Sunday services, Open Mic events, and other special events. If you are interested, please contact David Hudson at davidhudson2446[at]gmail.com OR Lisa Sharp at owl@firstunitarianottawa.ca.
Get Close to the Earth
The Friends of the Meditation Garden always needs gardeners. We work cooperatively to maintain the north and south gardens; a weekly list of tasks is shared along with suggested work dates for group work. Independent work occurs at any time. Time for breaks (group chat) is allocated some weeks; we are a friendly helpful group. Most tools, gloves etc., are provided. You can work independently or with group. This will take about two hours per week in the summer and fall. The time is flexible but the team usually meets on Wednesday and/or Friday mornings weather permitting. Contact margaretelinton[at]gmail.com to get involved.
Seeking Drivers for Ajashki Participants
The Ajashki Food Security and Climate Change Learning Centre is seeking additional drivers to transport program participants. You would be making a big difference by making it easier for urban Indigenous youth to access this valuable program. Until the end of September, participants need to be dropped off at FirstU at 10:00 and picked up at 4:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We pay your mileage! If you can help even once or twice a week, please get in touch by emailing Jen B at jabalcom[at]gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
ADMINistration and coordination
Ride Coordinator Needed
Are you Interested in helping people get rides to church or to appointments? Our Caring Network needs a person to create and manage a list of congregants who are available to provide rides. The list is to be used by our Caring Contacts when requests come to them. Contact maryan.ohagan[at]rogers.com or davidhudson2446[at]gmail.com if you're able to coordinate rides!
Are you Interested in helping people get rides to church or to appointments? Our Caring Network needs a person to create and manage a list of congregants who are available to provide rides. The list is to be used by our Caring Contacts when requests come to them. Contact maryan.ohagan[at]rogers.com or davidhudson2446[at]gmail.com if you're able to coordinate rides!
committees and teams
Interested in a rewarding and meaningful role in First U's Caring Network?
Our whole congregation forms The Caring Network, with a volunteer executive who carry out activities on a monthly or as needed basis, and meet 3-4 times a year. A replacement for that executive's retiring volunteer Coordinator is needed.
Responsibilities of the Coordinator take about 4 hours per month. A main focus is to support the volunteer Caring Contacts that serve each month. Caring Contacts respond to requests from within the Network for Caring Cards, phone calls or visiting. The coordinator works collaboratively on goals and activities with members of exec and liaises with other committees as needed. For more information contact Maryan at maryan.ohagan[at]rogers.com.
Social Justice Action Network
Our group oversees many of FirstU Ottawa's social justice activities, such as work with refugees, the environment, mental health, poverty, global justice and more. We are looking for people who are interested in joining us in these activities; or in helping with the coordination of these groups. It takes a few hours a month. Dates of meetings and events to be set. Contact Lisa at owl@firstunitarianottawa.ca to get involved.
Join the FirstU Communications Team
Are you interested in helping to promote FirstU to the wider community? We need people to help market one-time events within FirstU and to the wider Ottawa community. We are also looking to increase our core Team size, which meets about once monthly, to help develop guidelines and policies on communicating events and coordinating with staff to successfully promote our community. Our regular meetings are held online, on the 2nd Thursday of every month, typically from 4:30PM-6PM. Contact communications@firstunitarianottawa.ca if you'd like to join us!
Assistance with the Environmental Action Group articles in the Spire
The Environmental Action Group generally contributes two 450-word articles on environmental issues to each edition of the quarterly Spire (March, June, September, December). Our communications person is looking for a volunteer who would be responsible for finding two appropriate contributors for each edition. The volunteer could be one of the contributors if they wished. Some editing skills may be required. The hours are flexible but articles must be turned in for review by the EAG Organizing Committee by the 13th of the month preceding publication (ie the 13th of Feb, May, August, November). Contact Donna at EAWG@firstunitarianottawa.ca if you'd like to get involved.
Finance Committee Members Needed
You don't need a finance degree, or deep skills with Excel, to join the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee recommends financial policies to the board, and develops the annual budget for their approval, plus we're responsible for FirstU's investment policy, and work with the Financial Manager to monitor the annual audit and keep track of FirstU's spending. If you've enjoyed attending the extra budget sessions before our AGMs, and want to get deeper into the nitty-gritty of FirstU's finances, we'd love to hear from you. If you enjoyed high school math, you have the skills you need. We typically meet one evening per month, but there will be a task or two that need to get done between meetings. Please contact treasurer@firstunitarianottawa.ca to get involved.
Our whole congregation forms The Caring Network, with a volunteer executive who carry out activities on a monthly or as needed basis, and meet 3-4 times a year. A replacement for that executive's retiring volunteer Coordinator is needed.
Responsibilities of the Coordinator take about 4 hours per month. A main focus is to support the volunteer Caring Contacts that serve each month. Caring Contacts respond to requests from within the Network for Caring Cards, phone calls or visiting. The coordinator works collaboratively on goals and activities with members of exec and liaises with other committees as needed. For more information contact Maryan at maryan.ohagan[at]rogers.com.
Social Justice Action Network
Our group oversees many of FirstU Ottawa's social justice activities, such as work with refugees, the environment, mental health, poverty, global justice and more. We are looking for people who are interested in joining us in these activities; or in helping with the coordination of these groups. It takes a few hours a month. Dates of meetings and events to be set. Contact Lisa at owl@firstunitarianottawa.ca to get involved.
Join the FirstU Communications Team
Are you interested in helping to promote FirstU to the wider community? We need people to help market one-time events within FirstU and to the wider Ottawa community. We are also looking to increase our core Team size, which meets about once monthly, to help develop guidelines and policies on communicating events and coordinating with staff to successfully promote our community. Our regular meetings are held online, on the 2nd Thursday of every month, typically from 4:30PM-6PM. Contact communications@firstunitarianottawa.ca if you'd like to join us!
Assistance with the Environmental Action Group articles in the Spire
The Environmental Action Group generally contributes two 450-word articles on environmental issues to each edition of the quarterly Spire (March, June, September, December). Our communications person is looking for a volunteer who would be responsible for finding two appropriate contributors for each edition. The volunteer could be one of the contributors if they wished. Some editing skills may be required. The hours are flexible but articles must be turned in for review by the EAG Organizing Committee by the 13th of the month preceding publication (ie the 13th of Feb, May, August, November). Contact Donna at EAWG@firstunitarianottawa.ca if you'd like to get involved.
Finance Committee Members Needed
You don't need a finance degree, or deep skills with Excel, to join the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee recommends financial policies to the board, and develops the annual budget for their approval, plus we're responsible for FirstU's investment policy, and work with the Financial Manager to monitor the annual audit and keep track of FirstU's spending. If you've enjoyed attending the extra budget sessions before our AGMs, and want to get deeper into the nitty-gritty of FirstU's finances, we'd love to hear from you. If you enjoyed high school math, you have the skills you need. We typically meet one evening per month, but there will be a task or two that need to get done between meetings. Please contact treasurer@firstunitarianottawa.ca to get involved.
