The Board of Directors represents the leaders of our agency and serves as a working board that oversees the long term strategic vision and overall health of the organization. Directors approve the organization’s philosophy and continually review the management’s performance while working toward agency goals. The Board of Directors will also annually review and approve plans for funding in view of organizational goals. Board members have a list of responsibilities that they renew every year during the annual election at our Annual General Meeting.

We are a not for profit registered charity organization. Directors participate in monthly meetings including administrative duties, fundraising initiatives, public events and approval of successful crime stoppers tips. 

ABOUT US 

Seeds of Diversity is a nationally-incorporated charity that engages Canadians to secure the future of food production and adapt Canadian food systems to new challenges of the next century. Through education and hands-on skills training, gardeners young and old preserve the  biodiversity and sustainability of our agricultural food systems.

Youth in Food Systems is a program of Seeds of Diversity that works to support youth in food systems learning, skills development, and agri-food career exploration through several in-person and remote projects across Ontario. 

THE ROLES

We are bringing youth on for each role within the youth-led blog team this year! Visit the blog to see it in action.

The roles within the blog team include Writers, Editors, Designers, and Publishers. Youth are invited to join in up to two roles at a time. 

WRITERS
Do you have a way with words, or just an interest in writing? We have an opportunity for you to write about food- and sustainability-related topics for the blog! It’s written for young people, by young people, to educate and inspire your peers. 

EDITORS
The essence of the blog lies in having high quality content, and that shouldn’t fall solely on the blog writers. Our editors are responsible for reviewing each post and providing suggestions and feedback before the posts get published. 

DESIGNERS & PUBLISHERS
The aesthetic of the blog is important for capturing readers’ attention. This means having a featured image for each and every blog post created; and publishing each post in a way that is user friendly and appealing. If you have a creative eye and want to produce final pieces that are inviting, this role could be the perfect fit for you! 

SEND SMILES AND SUNSHINE:

BECOME A VOLUNTEER LETTER-WRITER TODAY!

Are you passionate about spreading joy and brightening someone's day? Do you have a knack for writing heartfelt letters? Join our dedicated team of volunteers and make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors in aged care homes in the area and across Canada.  

WHAT WE DO 

We’re an all-volunteer organization that mails cheerful, personal, handwritten letters and cards to elders in care facilities and senior programs. Since April 2020, our dedicated volunteers have sent countless letters and cards in 30 languages, spreading joy and connection around the globe!

WHAT WE OFFER 

• A chance to make a direct and positive impact on the lives of seniors.
• Flexibility to volunteer from anywhere, anytime, year-round as an individual or with a team.
• A special program to verify service hours for students and professionals seeking community service credits. (Separate registration is required.)
• Tips and guidance for crafting personal and meaningful letters available on our website and social media platforms.
• An inclusive environment where volunteers are encouraged to share their own uplifting stories and experiences without making assumptions about the recipient's background or abilities.
• All ages and abilities are welcome! 

IMPORTANT DETAILS FOR VOLUNTEERS

• Ideal volunteer: Writes unique, friendly, conversational letters to connect with the reader and make them feel special. We offer ideas and sample letters on our blog and social media.
• You’ll mail your handwritten letters to one of our partner facilities. After you register with us and write some letters, log on to our user portal to choose a destination.
• We operate on a two-week cycle; please don't sign up for letters until you have the time and supplies to mail them. Every two weeks - e.g. September 15, September 29, October 13, etc. - our mailing list resets, and new requests for letters become available for you to claim.
• Expenses: Postage, writing materials, envelopes. You can send multiple letters in one large envelope to save on postage.
• You won’t know the name of the reader. Address letters as “Dear Friend.”
• This is not a pen pal program; while you may occasionally receive a response, most seniors don’t have the physical ability or resources to write back to you.
• We have no staff, physical office, or phone. Please email volunteer Lindsay for support.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Join our team of volunteers and commit to writing letters on an ongoing basis.
• Focus your message on sharing a bit about yourself to make each letter unique and special. Seniors tell us that these personal stories are their favorite part of the letter!
• Limit affirmations and general well wishes, as they can come across as impersonal when overused.
• Avoid sensitive topics such as religion, holidays, health and politics.
• Keep your message positive!
• While handcrafted cards are welcome, they are not required; your handwritten message is what matters most. It doesn't need to be fancy.
• Our partner facilities in Canada are requesting letters in 10 different languages: English, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian.
• Create a group activity for your friends, employees, co-workers, classroom or club members.
• Team up with a public library to host a letter-writing event.
• Post our flyer on social media and community bulletin boards at libraries, cafes, bookstores, stationery and craft stores, and apartment complexes.

WHY VOLUNTEER WITH US

• Make a direct and tangible difference in the lives of seniors who may be feeling isolated or lonely.
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive community dedicated to spreading kindness and compassion.
• Experience connection and satisfaction that comes from knowing your words have the power to bring joy and comfort to someone you've never met.

GET STARTED

1. Register with us on our website at https://www.lettersagainstisolation.com/ and choose the registration option that applies to you:

• individual
• student (for students requesting community service hour verification, including student clubs)*
• group

2. Contact Lindsay if you have any questions.

3. THE FUN PART: Write some friendly letters!

4. When you're ready to mail them, log into our web portal and choose a destination facility.

5. Keep an eye out for our email newsletter every Sunday, and connect with us on social media: LinkedIn • Instagram • Facebook 

*Students and professionals requesting official documentation for community service credit should review our Community Service Guidelines and then complete our Registration Form. You’ll work 1:1 with a member of our Student Liaison Team. You will be asked to submit photos of your work for verification. We award one hour of community service credit for every four letters written & sent that meet our guidelines.

Join us in spreading kindness and smiles to senior citizens. Your words will make all the difference!

Designing social media content for our platform that are engaging with current trends and opportunities to increase brand exposure for our company.

• Collaborate in teams and or with other staff members and volunteers.
• Propose ideas to improve DFCC's social media platforms.
• Provide support for designing flyers, and posters while being informed of trending topics.
• Create and plan the contents of the volunteer and or youth monthly newsletter. It can incorporate feature articles, updates and highlights of DFCC's activities and achievements. 
• Create weekly quotes either inspirational or informative to engage followers.
• Writing blog posts about our initiatives and events 
• Identify community needs and recommend new topics

MG Canada requires a volunteer help our project lead with editing and writing short health related arcticles for our website. MG Canada is a registered charity that promotes awareness for myasthenis gravis patients and caregivers in Canada.. The volunteer would work virtually with our projecte lead, approx 2-3 hours a week on articles that they are comfortable with editing and re-writing, as we have archived articles that wefreshing.

Counselor Assistant will assist with helping the camp staff lead children and youth in Theatre Arts activities such as creating plays, dance, visual art, drama games.  Secondary Co-op students as well as high school volunteers will obtain credit for volunteer time.  

Reporting to the Fund Development Team, assist in managing various administrative tasks related to our fundraising efforts.

• Prepare thank-you letters and cards to donors to express appreciation for their contributions
• Conduct research to create potential donor request lists
• Ensure timely and accurate delivery of acknowledgment materials to donors
• Track donor acknowledgements and contacts in donor management system
• Assist in maintaining a donor management system
• Assist the FD Team in day-to-day activities

Reporting to the Fund Development Team, assist in reaching out to potential donors, sponsors and partners via email and/or phone to support fundraising campaigns.   

• research into potential donors, partners and sponsors for financial and/or in-kind donations
• initiate and maintain communication through email and phone
• effectively convey CCD's mission, values adn fundraising goals
• provide information and encourage participation
• provide the FD Team regular updates on outreach activities and progress
• report any feedback, concerns or opportunities for improvement to campaign strategies

Write friendly, personal letters in Italian to senior citizens in aged care homes and programs. Spread joy to someone in their native language!

• Demonstrate empathy and kindness, connect with elders and help them realize that they are special and appreciated.

• Supply your own stationery and ensure adequate postage to mail your letters, or arrange to hand-deliver them.

• Your words will be read and cherished by elders who likely won’t have the physical ability or resources to respond to you.

• This is a remote opportunity. You’ll volunteer from home on your own schedule as your own pace.

Get started whenever you're ready by registering on our website as an individual, student, or group. We offer a program for students and student clubs requesting verification of their letters for community service credit.

• Promoting our programs and workshops on social networks and monitor engagement (e.g. comments and shares)
• Creating and distributing marketing copy to advertise our projects
• Writing blog posts about our inititatives and events 
• Ultimately, you will help us reach our target audience by delivering both useful and appealing online information regarding our events, workshops and programs.
• Identify community needs and recomend new topics

Requirements:

• A student involved in the above areas of study, seeking to get hands on experience

   Or:

• Anyone with experience and a willingness to get involved with community work.

The links below will provide more information on our organization:

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/theculturalempowermentproject?utm_source=qr&igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D

If you have a special volunteer interest, please specify

The links below will provide more information on our organization:

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/theculturalempowermentproject?utm_source=qr&igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D

Members to join board committees * Fundraising/Financial * Policy & Procedure * Board Development

Become a Volunteer today!

 Revera, we’re so thankful to have dedicated volunteers working in our retirement communities. Whether our volunteers are supporting recreation activities, helping out at a special event, or offering companionship to a resident, these acts of volunteerism and kindness make a big difference in the lives of the people who call Revera home. Inquire today about how you can get involved.

• Assist with recreation activities & events
• Support with meals & dining experience
• Participate in organized programs & clubs
• Develop relationships & visit with seniors
• 1-2 hours per week or spend a day with the rec staff