LIVING

YOUTH - GETTING INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Once in Ontario, you will have the opportunity to set up a new social network. Use this time to try new things, meet new people and have fun! In this section you can learn where to volunteer, become a leader, get active in local politics, and participate in community recreation.

Volunteering

If you don’t know what kind of volunteer work you want to do, take a Volunteer Personality Test.

YouthConnect.ca provides a step-by-step guide to volunteering. Volunteer.ca also has information about volunteering.

To find a volunteer opportunity, consult your local volunteer centre for activities in your community.

CharityVillage.ca and MyVolunteerPage.com provide online postings of job and volunteer opportunities with charities across Canada.

WorkSmart Ontario can tell you how to stay safe while volunteering.

Here are a few province- or country-wide volunteer programs to get you started on your search. This list is not inclusive so you may want to research others on your own.

• Katimavik: a federal volunteer program that sends youth volunteers (age 17-21) to regions across Canada
  
• Kids Help Phone: trains youth to become Student Ambassadors and support other youth
• CultureLink: gives you the opportunity to help other immigrants settle in Canada
• Environment Canada: links to environmental volunteer opportunities
• The United Way: has local youth volunteer programs that allow volunteers to improve the lives of their fellow community members

Leadership

Youth in Motion provides opportunities for youth to enhance their leadership skills and make valuable career connections.

YouthCanada.ca provides links to leadership and volunteer opportunities across Canada.

Tiny Giant mobilizes youth on a variety of issues.

Find out what resources are offered at your local youth centre.

If you are 18, you can register to vote. If you aren’t 18 yet, you can still get involved in politics by contacting your local member of municipal, provincial or federal politics.

Learning

If you want to find English as a Second Language programs geared toward youth, consult your local language centre. You can also learn either of Canada’s official languages while travelling, through the Council of Ministers of Education language exchange programs.

If you would like to continue learning your home language, find out how to do so here.

You can find additional learning resources at your local library.

Recreation

Communities across Ontario are home to community centres, parks, cultural attractions, clubs, teams and lessons. To find the one that’s right for you, look around your community. Or, consult this list of Ontario-wide recreational opportunities.

For local sports activities, visit Active2010. You can also learn about getting active at Pause-To-Play.

To get information on funding and more for budding artists, visit YouthConnect’s Get Creative listings.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Ontario

YMCA

4-H

Cultural group listings

Cultural event listings