Volunteer - Civic Changemaker

Why become a Youth CivicCorps Volunteer?

Youth CivicCorps breaks traditional barriers to volunteering by offering wrap-around supports and co-created experiences that centre your growth and lived experience. You’ll gain hands-on, resume-building experience, access personalized supports, and connect with peers, mentors, and community changemakers.

Participants are grouped into teams of 4–5 and matched with a pre-selected host organization. Over 12 weeks placement, your team will design and carry out a meaningful project that supports your host's mission, reflects your interests, and addresses a local urban issue.

What You’ll Receive:

• Leadership and civic training (online + in-person)
• Workshops on Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area urban issues
• 1-on-1 coaching with CivicAction staff
• Government of Canada certificate recognizing 120 hours of service
• Wrap-around supports like: transit and meal reimbursements, child/dependent care support, mental health counselling coverage, tech and accessibility support (as needed)
• Networking opportunities and connection to CivicAction’s leadership network
• A reference letter upon successful completion

What You’ll Do:

As a volunteer, your responsibilities will include:

• Project Planning: Work with Placement Hosts to develop a clear project plan, set realistic timelines, and track progress to ensure projects stay on track and meet their objectives.
• Project Execution: Participate in the execution and completion of a project related to housing and affordability with the support of a placement host organization. This could include anything from research initiatives, advocacy campaigns, community outreach programs, to event planning and execution.
• Collaboration: Work with a team of 4-5 volunteers on individual tasks within a collaborative environment, ensuring everyone feels valued and engaged.
• Communication: Regular team communication, meetings with your Placement Host, and regular check-ins with the Youth CivicCorps staff.
• Problem-Solving: Proactively identify potential challenges and work with your placement group to find creative and effective solutions.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Aged 18-30 (at start of placement)
• Living in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area
• Able to commit ~120 total hours (training + placement)
• Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
• Looking for meaningful ways to grow professionally and participate in civic action for their communities

Time Commitment:

6-month time commitment

• 3 months of pre-placement training, typically one session per week, March – May 2026
• 3 months of placement, typically one volunteer day per week, June – August 2026

Applications close: January 30, 2026 (8:00 AM)

Screening Process:

• Application form with 6 short answer questions, request for a resume & one recommendation letter
• Group Interview, screening for qualities such as motivation, leadership, collaboration, alignment and mindset, which will take place in February 2026
• Sign off on program policies and code of conduct

Orientation and Training:

• Program Kick Off: March 2026
• Volunteers will receive ~30 hours of training on leadership, well-being and collaboration

For questions, contact volunteer@civicaction.ca.

Apply now and become a Civic Changemaker!