Volunteer FAQ
Q: How do I become a volunteer?
A: Visit the volunteer opportunities listings and apply for the position that interests you. Or, you can go to our Events Calendar and register for one of our stewardship and planting events. There is no need to fill out an application to participate in these events; just RSVP to the contact person.
Q: What kinds of things can I do? Do I have to make a long-term commitment?
A: Evergreen volunteer opportunities come in all shapes and sizes and vary by season, location, commitment and skills. We have three main types of volunteer opportunities. They range from helping out at one-time events such as festivals or a planting or stewardship activity, to longer-term opportunities such as office assistance or with regular programs.
Q: What is stewardship?
A: Stewardship is caring for the land in a way that maintains and improves it, and its communities, for future generations. Evergreen works on urban habitat restoration and local stewardship projects that create wildlife habitat and enhance biodiversity. Stewardship activities include planting native plants, removing invasive species and monitoring projects.
Q: How old do I have to be?
A: We’ve had volunteers as young as 2 or 3 years old! If you’re 14 or under, you need to come with a parent or guardian, and if you’re under 18, you need parental permission to volunteer (part of the application process).
Q: What if I don’t speak English very well?
A: Come help out. We’d love to have you! Volunteering at events is often the best way to get involved and can help you improve your English skills.
Q: Can I earn my community service hours?
A: Absolutely, as long as the role you’re doing is approved by your school. Just make sure you sign in and out when volunteering and bring along any paperwork you need signed. We can also provide letters on request.
A: It all depends on finding a good match. We will keep your application on file and keep you informed of current opportunities, and when you see something that interests you, just apply as outlined. We can’t guarantee you a volunteer role but hope you can get involved in some way.
Q: What does Evergreen expect of its volunteers? What can I expect of Evergreen?
A: Evergreen welcomes your participation and involvement as a volunteer and is committed to providing you with a positive experience as described below. The partnership between Evergreen and volunteers is a dynamic one where:
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Q: Do I have to have a Police Reference Check?
A: In certain cases where volunteers will be responsible for vulnerable persons (e.g. day camp), their involvement is conditional on an acceptable Police Reference Check.
Q: What is the training?
A: Volunteers will be offered an orientation to Evergreen, the volunteer program and the area they are volunteering in, along with any necessary training associated with the role. The level of orientation and training varies depending on the role, and the majority is “on the job”. Additional learning and development opportunities will be offered on an ad hoc basis.
Q: How does Evergreen appreciate and value its volunteers?
A: Evergreen is committed to providing ongoing support and recognition for our volunteers. These efforts include:
- A Big THANK YOU from Evergreen
- Seeking input and feedback from volunteers through surveys, informal feedback, etc.
- Communicating with volunteers regularly through our e-newsletter and other means
- Offering leadership opportunities to volunteers
- Inviting volunteers to recognition events and celebrations
- Recognition of volunteer contributions in key Evergreen publications
- Providing volunteers who help out for 20 hours or more with an Evergreen T-shirt
- Providing reference letters and confirmation of hours to volunteers on request (including community service hours), based on the record of their involvement on their sign-in sheets
