Volunteer for Inclusion
Are you passionate about inclusion for all?
Everyone has something valuable to contribute to their community. Our Volunteer Inclusion Program (VIP) supports adults with intellectual disabilities in exploring their interests, building confidence, and finding meaningful volunteer opportunities where they can make a difference.
What is the Volunteer Inclusion Program?
The Volunteer Inclusion Program (VIP) is a program of Community Volunteer Connections, funded by Community Living BC. Since 1989, we’ve supported adults with intellectual disabilities in finding meaningful volunteer opportunities with local community organizations.
Whether someone is exploring micro-volunteering or looking for an ongoing volunteer role, we work alongside each participant to find opportunities that match their interests, strengths, and goals. We also provide individualized support to help participants and community organizations build successful, lasting volunteer experiences.
What do VIP volunteers do?
VIP volunteers contribute to their communities in many different ways. Some choose ongoing volunteer roles with local organizations, while others take part in group activities, micro-volunteering opportunities, and other one-time activities.
Our volunteers support a wide range of organizations and community initiatives. They welcome visitors at public events, assist in community kitchens, help with food service, support recreation facilities, and take on many other meaningful volunteer roles based on their interests and strengths.
The Volunteer Inclusion Program is passionate about building connections, fostering belonging, and strengthening our communities through volunteerism. Most VIP volunteers contribute between two and five hours each week, although opportunities vary depending on each person’s interests and availability.
Who can join the Volunteer Inclusion Program?
Participants in the Volunteer Inclusion Program are referred to Community Volunteer Connections through Community Living BC (CLBC). At this time, we are unable to accept direct applications.
To be eligible for the program, participants must:
- Be 19 years of age or older.
- Have an intellectual disability.
- Live in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, or Belcarra.
If you think the Volunteer Inclusion Program may be a good fit for you or someone you support, we encourage you to speak with your Community Living BC facilitator about a referral.
How Can I Support VIP Volunteers If I Don’t Have An Intellectual Disability?
There are many ways to support the Volunteer Inclusion Program, and one of the most meaningful is by getting involved with us.
One way to support the program is by introducing us to potential volunteer host organizations. If you know a community organization that values inclusion and is looking for volunteers, we’d love to connect with them and explore whether one of our volunteers might be a good fit.
To learn more about how you can support the program or refer a potential volunteer host organization, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at ac.snoitcennocreetnulov@reetnulov.
For Organizations
Interested in becoming a volunteer host?
The Volunteer Inclusion Program partners with nonprofit, public-serving, and grassroots organizations throughout the Tri-Cities to create meaningful volunteer opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities.
To become a volunteer host, your organization must:
- Operate in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, or Belcarra.
- Be a nonprofit, public-serving, or grassroots organization.
- Have a volunteer role description for the opportunity you would like to fill.
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer host, we’d be happy to talk about your organization and explore whether the Volunteer Inclusion Program could be a good fit.
How do I know if Our role is a good fit for volunteers in the VIP?
A successful volunteer placement starts with a shared commitment to inclusion. If your organization is interested in creating meaningful volunteer opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities, we’d love to work with you.
Our VIP Coordinator works closely with both volunteers and host organizations to provide individualized support, helping everyone feel confident and successful throughout the volunteer experience.
VIP volunteers bring a wide range of interests, skills, and life experiences. Like any volunteer, each person has unique strengths and may learn in different ways. As volunteers settle into their roles, our Coordinator provides support as needed and works alongside your organization to help create a positive and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
What can host organizations expect?
Hosting a VIP volunteer is much like hosting any other volunteer. Your organization provides the volunteer role, orientation, and day-to-day supervision, while the VIP Coordinator works alongside you to support the volunteer and help ensure a positive experience for everyone involved. We’ll be your primary point of contact throughout the placement.
You’re not doing it alone
The Volunteer Inclusion Program is built on partnership. Before a volunteer begins, the VIP Coordinator works with both the volunteer and your organization to ensure the role is a good fit. Throughout the placement, the Coordinator remains your primary point of contact and is available to provide guidance, support, and help with any adjustments that may arise.
Our goal is to create a positive volunteer experience for both the volunteer and your organization.
If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, please reach out to ac.snoitcennocreetnulov@reetnulov.