VOLUNTEERS WANTED!

Here are some opportunities:

Workshop facilitators

Do you have a craft or special talent or skill to share with others?  Why not host a workshop, activity or interest group.  Bring in your ideas and we can help make them happen. Please call the MFRC at 896-6900 ext. 2157 if you have a skill or talent.

Translation Assistance

A volunteer translator may be required at times to assist the MFRC staff in providing information regarding programs and services in other languages.  This position would require the accurate translation of text (written and verbal) of the services and programs provided by the Goose Bay MFRC.  Sometimes translation assistance is required for our website, The Helping Hand Newsletter, advertising for certain programs, tours of the Centre, and our Welcoming Committee.  The MFRC would request volunteers as required based on specific language needs of the military community.  For more information or if you would like to volunteer please call Holly at 896-6900 ext. 2159.

Special Events (Family Fun Days, Ladies Social Evening)

Volunteers are an important aspect that ensures the success of a Family Fun Day or any other special event held throughout the year.  A family function typically would include activities for children and youth such as bouncy castle, balloon typhoon, face painting, arts and crafts.  Many functions include food concessions handing out popcorn, cotton candy or running the BBQ area.  There is always a need for people to assist with setup and take down of tables, chairs, food areas, barbeques, supervise bouncy castle and clean up.  All volunteer positions would involve an orientation to the job which may include how many children at at time in the bouncy castle or how to fill the popcorn machine.  The coordinator of the event typically gives volunteers a choice of area to be involved with or would rotate volunteers through different positions throughout the day.  Volunteers must be friendly, outgoing, approachable and able to supervise children when monitoring certain youth activities.

Volunteer Training

The Volunteer Coordinator will sit down with the individual and figure out what volunteer work he/she is interested in. After completing the Volunteer Profile Form, Court Records Check, Volunteer Contract, Oath of Confidentiality and Police Records Check, the volunteer will be able to volunteer for programs and services at the MFRC.  The volunteer can now avail of any future training opportunities that the MFRC or the community may offer. The Volunteer Coordinator meets with all volunteers on an individual basis to ensure their needs are met.

Volunteer Recognition

Annually the MFRC holds a Volunteer appreciation event to recognize all the hard work of the volunteers throughout the year.  This event is usually held during Volunteer Appreciation Week.  An invitation is delivered to all volunteers to attend the brunch or supper.  The volunteers are presented with a certificate and a gift. We always receive positive feedback from volunteers who attend, they appreciate how they are recognized.

How the Board of Directors plays a crucial role in the success of the MFRC

• The GBMFRC is an incorporated not for profit charitable organization funded by Director Military Family Services (DMFS)

• Governed by a Board of Directors of which 51% of the Board of Directors must be civilian spouses/partners of military members.

• This structure allows for the voice of the military spouse/partner to be heard and enables the Centre to truly meet the needs of the community.

• The Board approves the Military Family Services Program (MFSP) Funding Application, the budget and participates in the vision for the future.

• The Board is responsible for establishing the organization's vision and direction.

• The Board is responsible for the agency's future.

• The Board is responsible for sustaining itself through ongoing prospective Board Members.

• Participates in and approves Governance and Personnel policy.

• Attends Board Orientation & Board Development Training.

• Participates in developing recommendations/making decisions on governance issues.

• Attends regular Board Meetings and special meetings/events as required.

The Basic Roles of a Board Member:

• Provide leadership within the organization.

• Represent the organization and the membership in important matters.

• Assist in the planning of the goals of the organization.

• Enhance the organization's image in the community.

• Provide support to the Executive Director and Staff in carrying out their professional duties.

What can being a Board Member do for you?

• Better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a Board of Directors.

• Opportunity to develop your skills in administration, leadership, public speaking, financial management, critical thought processes and teamwork.

• Possibility of opportunities to attend Professional Development workshops and MFRC Conferences.

• All employers look for work in the volunteer sector on the resumes of potential employees.

Other Opportunities include:

• Program Facilitators / Instructors

• Reception Work

• Family Week

• Photocopying

• Pre-teen Activity Nights

• Needs Assessment Survey

• Translation

• Web Page

• Computer Work for Handbooks / Newsletter

• Activity Nights

• Lending Closet Upkeep / Repair

• Block Party

• Board of Directors

• Photographer

• Workshop Facilitators

The MFRC has rewarding volunteer opportunities for youth such as:

• Skating Party

• Block Party

• Family Fun Day

• Preteen Activities

• Youth Centre Committee

• Youth Centre Journalist

• Youth Welcoming Committee