St Leonard's Society of Toronto

What services does your organization provide?
We provide one-on-one tutoring for program participants who need help with their homework. In addition a variety of workshops (resume building, problem solving, dispute and conflict management, self esteem building) are delivered throughout the school year. STEP organizes a variety of field trips and events throughout the year, including an annual drama production where students get the chance to show off their talents on stage.

Do you have any age requirements?
There is no specific age requirement to be a volunteer. Some students come to help tutor to gain hours for community service in order to graduate. However, I would say 16 years old would be the minimum age, and a criminal record background check is required.

Do you require language proficiency other than in English?
No, however, this is a multi-cultural environment, and having the knowledge of different languages is helpful, but not needed.

What time commitment(s) are you expecting from a volunteer?
We are very flexible when it comes to the time and the amount of hours our volunteers can work. However, the volunteer should not work less than 4 hours per week.

Are there any other requirements for being a volunteer?
You would need to purchase the criminal record background check, and once we receive it, the St. Leonards Society of Toronto will reimburse you when we receive the receipt. The volunteers must of course adhere to the rules of the STEP program and follow the guidelines.

Are there any specific skills and experience required?
Yes, the volunteer needs to be good in at least one subject. Example, English, reading, writing, science, biology, and law. Most importantly, the STEP program is really low on math tutors, so knowing elementary, middle school and high school math would be great, but not required. In addition, because these are "at risk" youth, we also seek counsellors to volunteer with us.

What type of volunteer positions are typically available?
We are always looking for volunteers for ALL SUBJECTS, especiallly math and counsellors. In addition, when we go on fieldtrips, volunteers to help chaperone the youth is always needed.

Is there any training provided for volunteers?
No, there is no formal traning to volunteer. A letter will be given to the volunteers to read, stating our guidelines, rules and regulations. In addition, the volunteers should also be aware of the boundaries they should not cross.

What are the typical volunteer activities occurring at your organization?
Most of it will be tutoring. However, throughout the year we put on various workshops, fieldtrips and fundraising activities that our tutors are always welcomed and encouraged to participate.

How will a person benefit from volunteering with St Leonard's Society of Toronto?
For students it is a fantastic way to gain your community service hours for school, and it helps you give back to the community. These youth are considered to be "at risk" and our volunteers play a significant role. Your volunteer work directly impacts the youth by providing a positive and pro-social environment. Volunteering one's time allows you to learn and develop new skills, be part of your community, boost your career options, meeting a diverse range of people, gain life experience, and gaining a sense of achievement.

Do you accept high school students?
Yes, but not anyone under the age of 16 years old.