Community Involvement Hours

Community Involvement

Every secondary school student in Ontario must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement before graduation.

Grade 8 students are encouraged to earn a minimum of 10 ours of community involvement during the summer before entering Grade 9. Students can earn all 40 hours if they wish.

There are many fun and exciting ways to get involved.

Did you know students graduating from Grade 8 are encouraged to begin earning a minimum of 10 hours of community involvement during the summer before entering Grade 9? Interested students can earn all 40 hours if they wish.

Volunteering gives students an opportunity to explore career options, prepare to enter the workforce, gain valuable work experience, network, build self-esteem and confidence, discover strengths and develop skills.

There are many fun and exciting ways to get involved right here in your own community. The information below highlights community involvement requirements, including the process, benefits and tips on getting started.

What is the process?

Please review the following steps before starting your community involvement activities:

STEP 1 – Planning and Approval

• Learn more about the community involvement requirement by talking to your teachers, visiting your Guidance Office or by reading the helpful information on this page.
• Get a copy of the Student Community Service Activity Sheet.
• With the help of your parents/guardians, read Rainbow District School Board’s Community Involvement Policy and find eligible community involvement opportunities in your area.
• Have your community involvement activity choices approved by a school official.

STEP 2 – Taking Action and Recording Your Activities

• Complete your required community involvement activities.
• Ensure that all activities are recorded, dated and signed by you, your parents and your supervisor.
• Check to see that all hours and activities are properly recorded on your Student Community Service Activity Sheet.

STEP 3 – Submitting and Checking

• Submit your Student Community Service Activity Sheet to your guidance counsellor.
• Check your next report card to see that your community involvement activities have been updated and checked as complete.

Remember… students are required to complete 40 hours (or more) of community service as soon as possible – ideally before completing Grade 10.

Benefits of Getting Involved

There are many great reasons to get involved in your community. You can:

• make positive contributions to your community
• learn more about an organization and its functions
• explore different pathways and career options
• get ready for the workforce
• gain valuable work experience
• network and get potential job opportunities
• discover your strengths and develop your skills
• build self-esteem and self-confidence
• meet new people and make new friends
• stay active
• have fun

Remember… The more hours you complete, the more attractive your résumé will be to prospective schools and employers.

Useful Tips

Before you begin, you may wish to:

• Take the time to consider what you want to do and what you want to learn.
• Search for community involvement opportunities in your community.
• Visit your Guidance Office for more information and community service postings.
• Find eligible community service activities that match your personality, interests and skills.
• Make sure that your community service activities meet ministry and school guidelines.
• Send your cover letter, résumé and police background check (sometimes required) to prospective community sponsors/community service supervisors.
• Meet with your community sponsor/community service supervisor ahead of time to ask questions and tour the organization.

Volunteer Job Board

Looking for a volunteer position within your community? Here are a few to get you started:

Opportunities on Manitoulin Island:

* Club members will be given first preference.