OPIRG McMaster only works because of our active and engaged base of volunteers.
How do you become an active volunteer with OPIRG?
You can start your volunteering by filling out our VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM, and arranging a meeting with our COORDINATOR of VOLUNTEERS (e-mail randy.opirg(at)gmail(dot)com or 905-525-9140 ext. 26026).
We have hour-long drop-in volunteer orientations on the following dates:
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September 14, 2010 - 5:30pm and 6:30pm in Room 230 McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC)
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September 15, 2010 - 12:30pm and 5:30pm in Room 224 MUSC
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September 21, 2010 - 12:30pm Room 224 MUSC
Volunteering at OPIRG McMaster could mean:
- being a volunteer director on our BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- joining an issue and action-oriented volunteer WORKING GROUP
You can use the links in the left menu under "Working Groups" to get an idea of what issues are being worked on: if you see something you like, you can contact the working group directly to find out when they meet and what they need help with.
Beyond these core volunteer areas, you can also:
- help OPIRG maintain and grow our RESOURCE CENTRE
- lend your talents to any number of "odd jobs" needing attention: making dynamic posters or stamping out opirg buttons with our button-maker; writing for our blog or newsletter, staffing an info table and display, taking photos or helping out at one of our many events. CHECK CURRENT VOLUNTEER POSITIONS below.
We strongly encourage all our volunteers to take the free workshops OPIRG offers each semester on CONSENSUS DECISION MAKING, and ANTI-OPPRESSION. Volunteers completing both workshops during their time at McMaster will be recognized with an OPIRG McMaster Certificate of Training in OPIRG Core Values.
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CURRENT VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
- Photographer - OPIRG's first annual Alternative Welcome Week is looking for snap-happy photographers who will take pictures of the various activities planned and post them on the facebook page -( with the consent of the photographed subject) - contact brian@opirg.ca if you can help out between September 13-19, 2010)
- Button-Maker. Help opirg mcmaster replenish our stock of OPIRG lapel buttons. You will learn how to use our button-maker and contribute to our outreach program. Daytime hours to suit your schedule.
- Book-Binder. We are looking for volunteers to help us develop a used-paper notebook making project. Daytime hours to suit your schedule.
- Print Newsletter Editor/Layout Designer: OPIRG publised a print "zine" featuring articles and images from our working groups, and community members twice a year. If you have talents or interest in layout and/or editing, we would love to hear from you. You wouild work with other volunteers, with an OPIRG staff person as an advisor.
- Web Writer: Seeking volunteers interested in developing their journalism and writing skills. TASKS: interviewing OPIRG Working Group Volunteers about the work they do, what motivates them, and what impact they are having on the issues that concern them. Work with Volunteer Coordinator to set up interview, write and edit work, and post on the opirg mcmaster blog. Hours are very flexible. Ability to use a digital camera an asset.
- Button-Design: if you hava a knack for layout, we need someone to create a new OPIRG McMaster button design, using our logo as a starting point. Using the design sizing guidlines, the volunteer will make a button design to fit the diameter of the button, and layout a template for printing. Orientation with Volunteer Coordinator Randy Kay prior to commencing.
- Table - Display staff: If you like meeting people and helping raise the profile of good (OPIRG) causes, OPIRG McMaster needs volunteers to help staff display tables in the student centre, and at local events. You are responsible to transport and set up the OPIRG display, and spend time there handing out literature, and answering general questions about OPIRG McMaster. A brief orientation is all you need to get started. Time committment depends on the event, and your schedule.
- Poster Putter-Upper - that's right: armed with tape and a staple-gun, you will traverse campus and place opirg posters on bulletin boards. Need an orientation on poster policy, with OPIRG's volunteer coordinator before heading out. randy.opirg@gmail.com
- VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM HERE
- CONTACT OPIRG MCMASTER COORDINATOR of VOLUNTEERS: Randy Kay 905-525-9140 ext. 26026 or e-mail randy.opirg(at)gmail.com
- TAKE A VOLUNTEER SATISFACTION SURVEY HERE
VOLUNTEER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
OPIRG's RESPONSIBILITY TO VOLUNTEERS
- to be treated as a co-worker and not just free help
- to be given a suitable assignment and to request reassignment when appropriate
- to know as much about the organization as possible
- to receive training for the job and the necessary tools, funds and/or space to do the job
- to receive continuing education for the job
- to have regular evaluation of one's volunteer performance
- to be given sound guidance and direction
- to be given promotion and a variety of experiences
- to be heard and to participate
- to be recognized and receive a letter of reference if necessary
VOLUNTEER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO OPIRG
- to accept assignments that you can handle (time and skill)
- to be sincere in the offer of service and believe in the value of the task
- to maintain the principles, dignity and integrity of OPIRG with the public respecting confidentiality when appropriate
- to carry out duties promptly and reliably and to notify the appropriate person when your obligations cannot be met
- to accept the guidance and decisions of the co-ordinator of volunteers and share ideas, concerns and evaluation with this person
- to be willing to learn and participate in orientation, training programs, metings and to continue to learn on the job
- to understand the function of the paid staff, maintain a smooth working relationship with them and stay within the bounds of your volunteer placement
- any fees or honorariums given for services while volunteering will be turned over to OPIRG
- use reasonable judgment in making decisions when there appears to be no policy and then, as soon as possible, consult with the appropriate person for guidance
WORKING GROUP POLICY- read it here