Volunteer Opportunities 2021
With over 150 volunteers supported by 6 part-time staff, volunteers are the very foundation of the Council on Aging! They are essential to sustain the COA’s leadership role through various initiatives, activities and events.
Board Members
If you’re looking to make a difference at a Board level, The Council on Aging of Ottawa is looking for new Board members. Interested in advocacy work on behalf of older adults in Ottawa? Or providing information and education for older adults on life transitions? Or perhaps you’re interested in leading fundraising initiatives? Our Board members provide leadership and support to staff and our many volunteers who work together to make Ottawa an increasingly Age-Friendly city.
Are you passionate about volunteerism? Do you enjoy connecting with others and finding ways to utilize their skills and abilities for good? If so, our Board position of Chair of Volunteers may be just what you are looking for.
You’ll be working with staff, Board, and volunteers to provide leadership in this important element of our organization. With roughly 150 dedicated volunteers currently working in the areas of engagement, advocacy, administration, and fundraising to improve the lives of older adults in Ottawa, you have an amazing team to start. You will support the recruitment, onboarding, support, and recognition of volunteers to maximize retention and satisfaction.
If you are ready to roll up your sleeves and work with some dedicated individuals toward creating an increasingly Age-Friendly city, click here to download the form and apply. We look forward to talking with you.
Committee Chairs and Working Group Leads
Committee Chairs and Working Group Leads provide leadership and direction to their specific committee to achieve its work. They work closely with and are supported by committee members, staff, the Board, and others in the community. They are knowledgeable regarding the issues that their committee represents.
At the COA we believe all older adults can, and should, be socially engaged and have opportunities and support services in their community to connect them with others and needed services. The Social Inclusion Committee works to identify issues of at-risk groups in particular, and possible actions that can be taken.
As Chair of the Social Inclusion Committee your facilitation and organizational skills will ensure the committee is focused on achieving its goals. Your passionate leadership and oversight of the logistics of the committee’s operations will ensure a smooth operation. Workplans, with the assistance of the Advocacy Chair and senior staff, are developed by you and the Committee each year. Collaboration with COA Committees, City staff, and other organizations is key to making an impact in combating isolation and loneliness while creating opportunities for inclusion and connectedness.
French and English language skills would be an asset. We also recognize the diversity of the population we serve and encourage applicants who reflect this diversity. Click here to download the form and apply. We look forward to talking with you.
Co-Chair, Pedestrian Safety and Walkability Sub-committee
Have you ever wished that city streets and sidewalks were safe and accessible for seniors and people with disabilities year-round?
As Co-Chair of this committee, you would work with another volunteer, a COA staff member, and a team of dedicated volunteers to coordinate the Snow Moles Program and assessments (audits) of the walking conditions in Ottawa neighbourhoods,. The purpose of this sub-committee is to raise awareness and promote improvements in walkability, pedestrian safety, and accessibility for all ages.
French and English language skills would be an asset. We also recognize the diversity of the population we serve and encourage applicants who reflect this diversity. Click here to download the form and apply. We look forward to talking with you.
Action Committee Members
Committee Members play an active and engaged role on their committee, contributing relevant knowledge, skills, and expertise and carrying out specific activities aimed at determining and furthering the priorities of their committee.
- LTC Working Group
- Home and Community Care Working Group (Lead and members)
Income Security Committee (full)
- Pedestrian Safety and Walkability Sub-committee
- Older Drivers Sub-committee
- Rural Transportation Working Group
Housing Committee (full)
- Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) Working Group
- Advocacy Working Group (full)
French and English language skills would be an asset. We also recognize the diversity of the population we serve and encourage applicants who reflect this diversity. Click here to download the Application Form - Committee Member. We look forward to talking with you.
Featured Volunteer Opportunity: Older Drivers Sub-committee
Driving, although not the sole mean of transportation, gives seniors independence and flexibility. Despite some health changes as we grow older, safety for ourselves and others is a priority on the road.
As a sub-committee, we stay ahead of new developments and topics such as technology, highway traffic act, Ministry of Transportation initiatives, and more.
We will set-up and participate again in CarFit events when public health measures allow it.
Do you want to act or have a say? Do you want to make a difference? Join us!
Click here to download the Application Form - Committee Member. We look forward to talking with you.
NOTE: Information will not be shared and will only be used to contact you about volunteering opportunities. We respect your privacy.
Questions?
Contact: coa@coaottawa.ca
613-789-3577 Ext. 102
