A Club Volunteer is a member contributing their time and efforts to the operation of the club through various roles. Examples of such roles include being an Event Coordinator or taking on other administrative volunteer roles, such as Photo Historian, Newsletter Editor, Content Editor, Assistant Treasurer, etc. Check out this link Volunteer Descriptions for more information on the various positions.
Volunteer positions do not get paid (that's why you're volunteering!), but the rewards for volunteering are many, including:
- Giving back to your community (and feel good about yourself)
- Getting to participate in the activity you want to do, when and where you want to do it
- Guaranteed to get on the event you've set up
- Gratitude from other club members who got to participate in the same activity
- Looks good on your resumé
- Developing greater leadership skills
- Being officially classified as a Volunteer Member (much cooler-looking with a star next to your name as opposed to being a Regular or Premier Member)
HOW TO QUALIFY TO BE A VOLUNTEER:
Before volunteering for the Calgary Outdoor Club, we ask that you:- Be a member in good standing. i.e. You are not suspended, have not had disciplinary warnings.
- Have attended at least five COC outdoor events, preferably including participating in a carpool, all within the last six months. (The more events you have attended, the better! This gives you a better idea of what you want to do as a Volunteer).
- Have zero "No-Shows" on your account (see our Cancellation Policy for more information).
- Provide a referral from two or more people currently on our Volunteer team (perhaps the coordinators of some events you've attended) who can vouch that they think you'll do a good job volunteering.
- Once we affirm that you will be a good fit for your chosen role, you will then become a Volunteer-In-Training (see Becoming a Volunteer FAQs {link to below}, it is good practice for the navigation of the website and understanding of duties you'll have to do).
I'M READY TO VOLUNTEER WHAT'S NEXT?
Step 1:Read the below Commandments (aka Volunteer Regulations) so you know what is expected of you.
- Thou Shalt Understand our Policies and Procedures, and Follow Them
- Thou Shalt Follow the Club's Safety Policy
- Thou Shalt Follow the Club's Rules and Etiquette Guidelines
- Thou Shalt Follow the Law
- Thou Shalt Collect Waivers for ALL events
- Thou Shalt Provide Accurate Web Site Data
- Thou Shalt Follow Our Difficulty Ratings
- Thou Shalt Not Discriminate
- Thou Shalt Consider Others When Changing Events
- Thou Shalt Not Switch to Dogs Allowed
- Thou Shalt Not Line Jump
- Thou Shalt Keep Reasonable Group Sizes
- Thou Shalt Not Set Up Events for Unapproved Coordinators
- Thou Shalt Not Post Co-Hosted Events
- Thou Shalt Do No Harm (or at least do everything you can to minimize harm)
E-mail the Volunteer Coordinator with your application to be a Volunteer, confirming that you've read and understand the rules & regulations, the role you would like take on (like being an Event Coordinator or Photo Historian) and the names of your references (minimum of two, the more the better, but don't get carried away).
Step 3:
When your club history and references checks out, the Volunteer Coordinator will then provide detailed information about how and what you need to do to get started on your various duties, including supporting you through our processes (but we won't feed you) and the latest information on the whole "starring process" (i.e. joining our volunteer team).
VOLUNTEER WANNABE FAQs
1. How long does it take to be an Event Coordinator?It depends; some take a week, others three months or more. It's your time, so it's up to you on how fast you want to qualify. In the beginning, we will assist you to organize three outdoor events on a probationary basis so you become familiar with the rules and processes within the club and website. Once you've done your three events and we're happy with your performance, we'll give you a Star and you'll become a full fledged Event Coordinator (which allows you to organize whenever you want).
2. What if I don't want to be an Event Coordinator, but am willing to help out in other Volunteer roles such as being a Photo Historian or a Training Coordinator?
We'll have you understudy the current Volunteers in the role you want and when they think you're ready to do the job by yourself, we'll give you your Star. But remember you won't be allowed to organise activities until you've done the above steps (see FAQ #1).
3. Is there a minimum time requirement?
For Event Coordinators, we ask that you organise at least one event every few months to maintain your Volunteer status. We understand that some folks only organise seasonal activities such as skiing or hiking (and then we wonder what they do the rest of the year).
4. What is the Star?
Volunteers get a little star next to their name on the club's website to acknowledge their volunteer status.
5. Can I be rejected as a Volunteer?
Yes, that is possible. This could be due to your references not checking out, having done insufficient outdoor events, or you have some negative past history with the club. As a Volunteer, you're also a Club Representative and therefore are expected to maintain the highest possible standards for the club.
6. Can I loose my status as a Volunteer?
Yes, if you haven't followed the rules and regulations.
7. Ok, I'm ready to Volunteer, what's next?
If you are ready to get going, e-mail the Volunteer Coordinator Team at: volunteer@calgaryoutdoorclub.com. State your full name, user name, volunteer position desired, how many outdoor events you've done and the names of your references (remember, a minimum of two, the more positive references the better!).