Get Involved     Get Involved as a Member     Rules and Regulations     Get Involved as a Volunteer

Home / Get Involved / Get involved as a Volunteer

Volunteers are the heart and soul of Ability Online. We couldn't and wouldn't exist without them. They come in all shapes, sizes and personalities, and they have a varied mix of life skills, roles and perspectives. Together, they contribute a vibrant diversity to our organization that makes it an exhilarating place to be.

Most of our volunteers are online volunteers, which means they volunteer their time to log into Ability Online from wherever in the world they happen to be, and take on a support role, as needed. To ensure they can excel in the tasks and responsibilities they have taken on, Ability Online provides support, training and information for volunteers, as required. Once online, they may monitor a discussion group, answer questions from a member or parent who needs guidance, help someone find information they're looking for, direct someone to a particular area of the site, assist with homework help in an area where they have special expertise. or many other activities. Ability Online is committed to excellence in the delivery of its programs and services, and we like to think it shows. Well, we couldn't do it without our volunteers.

People often ask why they should consider volunteering. The truth is that there are different reasons for different people. However, all the reasons have one thing in common - they reflect a positive outlook on life. Check out the reasons people volunteer at Ability Online. Try them on for size and see which ones fit the cut of your jib. Start with these words.

"I volunteer.

• Because I can meet new people and make friends from different places, cultures and age groups."
• Because I enjoy the freedom and possibilities I've discovered on the Internet, and I'd like to share my passion with others - especially those who might benefit most from it."
• Because it allows me to explore my strengths, learn more about myself and experience the personal growth that comes from this."
• Because I've got special skills, and I want to put them to good use."
• Because I can gain new and different skills that will help me get more out of life."
• Because I want to give back to a world that has given me so much."
• Because I want to learn more about others in my community, and how I can help them."
• Because getting positive feedback for what I have to offer enhances my self-confidence."
• Because I want to make a difference in an area that has affected me personally. I know and love someone with a disability, and I believe in what Ability Online is all about."
• Because I can make the world a better place - not a bad thing, considering we all have to live in it together!"

One thing's for sure, nobody ever volunteered because they expected to have a bad time doing it. Volunteering is fun. It's empowering, enriching and enlightening. So, dive right in. The water's warm!

Volunteer Host - This is someone who watches over our online environment, is a resource for questions and concerns that may arise, and upholds the spirit of Ability Online during their watch. Please note that to be an online host, you have to have been an online member for a minimum of 6 months, and must be at least 16 years of age. We'll wait for you - don't worry!

Volunteer Mentor - The word actually comes from Homer's Odyssey. When Odysseus set out on his journey, he asked his friend, Mentor - a wise and experienced teacher to watch over his son, Telemachus. So, a mentor is an experienced adviser and supporter. At Ability Online, a volunteer mentor is someone to whom members can turn for specialized advice and support that comes from their life experience. Mentors have learned a lot, and lived to tell the tale!

Specialty Volunteers - Some of our specific online programs rely on behind-the-scenes volunteers to provide information and content and also answer member questions. At the moment, we are grateful to high school students and/or teachers who are interested in assisting us with our Homework Help program, as well as Human Resource professionals who may be able to help with our Job Readiness program. For more information, contact us at information@abilityonline.org

Technical Volunteer - This is an individual with the specialized expertise to help in the ongoing development and troubleshooting of our online environment. We all know and love people like this. They make technology simple for the rest of us! As we grow, our needs in this area are increasing.

Event Volunteer - This is someone who is willing to lend their time and energy to being part of the team that organizes special events for Ability Online. We get involved in all kinds of different things from fundraising events at the Molson Indy to information displays at charity trade shows. You'll need stamina and a ready smile to take on these tasks!

Committee Volunteer - This is someone who is particularly interested in bringing their skills to one of the Board committees, e.g. Fundraising, Marketing, Program Development etc. Good ideas and patience are useful here.

For any kind of volunteering with Ability Online, the first step is to get to know us, and then decide what role you might want to play. For close encounters of the right kind, contact us at information@abilityonline.org or fill out our Volunteer Application Form.

Volunteer Application Form