share your time - volunteer at firstu
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It takes everyone to keep a church going! If you're a parent with an hour or two to spare while your kids are at after-school activities, 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! |
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Volunteer Opportunities
Check out our volunteer listings, below. If something catches your eye, use the available contact information for fastest response OR email [email protected] 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.
Social Justice
Grant Writers for Ajashki
Did you know that FirstU's Ajashki youth employment program relies on grants to keep afloat? If you have experience in writing grant proposal budgets or program evaluations - or even a talent for writing persuasively - we would welcome you in our Circle of Support. Tasks include: researching grant opportunities to see if we might qualify; drafting grant proposals with the help of program staff/volunteers while using information in previous applications; drafting grant evaluations based on program activities; and helping develop processes to capture program outputs and outcomes (for grant evaluations).
To find out more about this opportunity to contribute to an exciting reconciliation project, please contact [email protected].
Housing Affordability Circle
FirstU is going to co-own a 16-story apartment building on our campus and we are committed to ensuring there are funds to subsidize some units for low income individuals and families. Join the Justice Equality Action Group in creating a concrete action plan for making this a reality. If you'd like to help, please contact: lisasharp[at]rogers.com.
Food Cupboard Volunteers
Can you spare two hours once a month on Sundays after church to support our new FirstU grocery support program? We need volunteers to help visitors access the food cupboard and to organize the shelves. For information, contact: lisasharp[at]rogers.com.
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 [email protected] if you'd like to get involved.
Help Keep the Ajashki Project Moving
The Ajashki project is looking for volunteers to help in the following areas:
Did you know that FirstU's Ajashki youth employment program relies on grants to keep afloat? If you have experience in writing grant proposal budgets or program evaluations - or even a talent for writing persuasively - we would welcome you in our Circle of Support. Tasks include: researching grant opportunities to see if we might qualify; drafting grant proposals with the help of program staff/volunteers while using information in previous applications; drafting grant evaluations based on program activities; and helping develop processes to capture program outputs and outcomes (for grant evaluations).
To find out more about this opportunity to contribute to an exciting reconciliation project, please contact [email protected].
Housing Affordability Circle
FirstU is going to co-own a 16-story apartment building on our campus and we are committed to ensuring there are funds to subsidize some units for low income individuals and families. Join the Justice Equality Action Group in creating a concrete action plan for making this a reality. If you'd like to help, please contact: lisasharp[at]rogers.com.
Food Cupboard Volunteers
Can you spare two hours once a month on Sundays after church to support our new FirstU grocery support program? We need volunteers to help visitors access the food cupboard and to organize the shelves. For information, contact: lisasharp[at]rogers.com.
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 [email protected] if you'd like to get involved.
Help Keep the Ajashki Project Moving
The Ajashki project is looking for volunteers to help in the following areas:
- to repair bikes that have been donated to the program
- to provide rides for participants (we pay your mileage)
Sunday Mornings
Elevator Operators Needed
There are currently 4 Designated Elevator Operators and we are seeking 2 volunteers to act as Designated Elevator Operators for Sunday services to assist our fellow congregants with mobility issues in using the elevator. Duties include:
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
If you are looking for a way to meet and work in a friendly, small group environment, please consider joining our team. We are a dedicated group of volunteers who prepare hot/cold beverages and snacks before the service and do the clean-up, after the gathering in Fellowship Hall. People traditionally sign-up on a rotation basis to assist, either before or after the service, every 4-5 weeks. Childcare is available before the service if you need it while assisting with set-up.
Email Tarrel at tarrelarmstrong[at]gmail.com if you'd like to be involved.
There are currently 4 Designated Elevator Operators and we are seeking 2 volunteers to act as Designated Elevator Operators for Sunday services to assist our fellow congregants with mobility issues in using the elevator. Duties include:
- Arriving at the Service for 10 AM and staying until 11:45
- Assisting members requiring the elevator with entering, operating, and assisting with exiting the elevator. There are on average 6users of the elevator service on Sunday Service days.
- Training for operating of the elevator is provided.
- Committing on a month by month basis to being on the schedule. Currently the 4 team members are scheduling one Sunday service per month.
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
If you are looking for a way to meet and work in a friendly, small group environment, please consider joining our team. We are a dedicated group of volunteers who prepare hot/cold beverages and snacks before the service and do the clean-up, after the gathering in Fellowship Hall. People traditionally sign-up on a rotation basis to assist, either before or after the service, every 4-5 weeks. Childcare is available before the service if you need it while assisting with set-up.
Email Tarrel at tarrelarmstrong[at]gmail.com if you'd like to be involved.
committees and teams
Help with One of FirstU's Most Valuable Resources – Our Staff
Join the Personnel Committee to help the board monitor, review and propose policies related to the congregation's human resources. The committee reports to the board and coordinates a periodic audit of human resource procedures and a periodic staff compensation study. It is available to the board, minister and supervisory staff to assist and advise regarding personnel matters and policies. It's not involved in the direct management of staff. Its membership includes the minister, the Director of Finance and Human Resources, a representative from the board, and 3-4 members of the congregation. It meets two to three times a year, usually via Zoom. To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Chuck S at chuckshields[at]rogers.com.
Help us build a Rich and Dynamic Adult Learning and Growth Team
Be a part of our renewed Adult Learning and Growth Team. We act as a catalyst to initiate events/ programs and also to coordinate our various activities, including preparing a seasonal calendar of events and programs. Bring your interest, your enthusiasm and your skills and helps us build a rich adult learning program. Roles range from bringing ideas, reviewing learning proposals, facilitating courses or workshops to preparing the seasonal calendar and requires a few hours, monthly. Please contact Eva at evaberringer[at]hotmail.com.
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. Currently, we meet only on an as-needed basis, but typically from 4:30PM-6PM. Contact [email protected] if you'd like to join us!
Join the Personnel Committee to help the board monitor, review and propose policies related to the congregation's human resources. The committee reports to the board and coordinates a periodic audit of human resource procedures and a periodic staff compensation study. It is available to the board, minister and supervisory staff to assist and advise regarding personnel matters and policies. It's not involved in the direct management of staff. Its membership includes the minister, the Director of Finance and Human Resources, a representative from the board, and 3-4 members of the congregation. It meets two to three times a year, usually via Zoom. To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Chuck S at chuckshields[at]rogers.com.
Help us build a Rich and Dynamic Adult Learning and Growth Team
Be a part of our renewed Adult Learning and Growth Team. We act as a catalyst to initiate events/ programs and also to coordinate our various activities, including preparing a seasonal calendar of events and programs. Bring your interest, your enthusiasm and your skills and helps us build a rich adult learning program. Roles range from bringing ideas, reviewing learning proposals, facilitating courses or workshops to preparing the seasonal calendar and requires a few hours, monthly. Please contact Eva at evaberringer[at]hotmail.com.
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. Currently, we meet only on an as-needed basis, but typically from 4:30PM-6PM. Contact [email protected] if you'd like to join us!
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!
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
FirstU Archivist
Are you interested in the inner workings and the history of the Congregation? As well, do you have basic computer skills (particularly as regards Excel), and do you enjoy work that calls for attention to detail? If so, being the congregational archives volunteer might be something you would enjoy. Brian Cowan, after about ten years of involvement in archival tasks is retiring from these tasks due to his age and health concerns, but he will be available to communicate the job procedures to the new volunteer. The work consists mainly in sorting and electronically cataloging important church documents and then filing these documents in their appropriate places. As well, the job involves pulling archival documents for authorized persons who request them. On average, one would be looking at about 10 to 15 hours a week of work time. If this is an undertaking that would interest you, please contact Jen at [email protected].
Gardening Assistance
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. We work about two hours per week in the summer when available . The time is flexible but the team usually meets on Wednesday and/or Friday mornings weather permitting.
Contact MargaretELinton[at]gmail.com for more info.
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.
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 Mary Ella at maryellakeblusek[at]gmail.com OR Lisa at [email protected].
Are you interested in the inner workings and the history of the Congregation? As well, do you have basic computer skills (particularly as regards Excel), and do you enjoy work that calls for attention to detail? If so, being the congregational archives volunteer might be something you would enjoy. Brian Cowan, after about ten years of involvement in archival tasks is retiring from these tasks due to his age and health concerns, but he will be available to communicate the job procedures to the new volunteer. The work consists mainly in sorting and electronically cataloging important church documents and then filing these documents in their appropriate places. As well, the job involves pulling archival documents for authorized persons who request them. On average, one would be looking at about 10 to 15 hours a week of work time. If this is an undertaking that would interest you, please contact Jen at [email protected].
Gardening Assistance
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. We work about two hours per week in the summer when available . The time is flexible but the team usually meets on Wednesday and/or Friday mornings weather permitting.
Contact MargaretELinton[at]gmail.com for more info.
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.
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 Mary Ella at maryellakeblusek[at]gmail.com OR Lisa at [email protected].
