Leadership Richmond
Strengthening the Voluntary Sector
At RCRG, a big part of what we do is capacity building. When we say that, though, we’re often met with blank stares. What does it mean to build community capacity? Well, our focus, specifically, is the voluntary sector, where building capacity means growing Richmond’s volunteer base, and enhancing the ability of local non-profit organizations to recruit, train, and engage volunteers.
We carry out this work through Leadership Richmond, a program that’s constantly evolving to better promote and support a communitywide culture of volunteerism.
NextGen Volunteers
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Are you a young person looking to get involved in your community? If so, NextGen Volunteers is for you!
Through this initiative, we connect Richmond youth with tools, resources, and information to get them started on their volunteer journey. Based on your age and interests, we’ll help you find a volunteer role that’s both fun and rewarding!
Where to Begin
The best place to find local volunteer opportunities is our online Volunteer Now database. Featuring positions from dozens of non-profit organizations and community groups, the database allows you to search for causes you care about and then apply for any corresponding volunteer opportunities. Click here to see positions currently open to youth volunteers.
Each year, we also publish a brochure listing organizations that offer youth volunteer opportunities. Sorted by age, this resource is a great way to discover your first – or next – volunteer role! You can read a digital version here.
Finally, at RCRG, we often recruit youth volunteers for our Child Care Resource & Referral Centre, the Richmond Christmas Fund, and other programs. When openings are available, we’ll post them below.
Youth Volunteer Opportunities with RCRG
Keep checking this space for new postings!
Upcoming Volunteer Events & Activities
Throughout the year, RCRG hosts and participates in various events and activities that promote youth volunteering. The schedule below shows where we’ll be and how you can take part!
National Volunteer Week Volunteer Fair
April 22, 2026 | Richmond Public Library – Main Branch
Stay Connected
Want to receive updates on the latest youth volunteer opportunities? Sign up for VolunTEEN Connect, a quarterly newsletter where we highlight the many ways you can give back to your community!
If you have questions about volunteering, please contact Jennifer DeWolff, Coordinator of our Information & Volunteer Centre. She can be reached at 604-279-7118 or jdewolff@rcrg.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for becoming a volunteer?
The first step to becoming a volunteer is applying through Volunteer Now or by following the instructions listed in the posting. Once you’ve submitted your application, the organization will contact you with the next steps.
Typically, this includes an interview or meet-and-greet, where you’ll have the chance to learn more about the role and ask any questions. At this stage, the organization may provide instructions for completing a Criminal Record Check (required for many, but not all, positions), check your references, and schedule you for orientation and training. Once these steps are complete, you’ll be ready to start signing up for shifts.
The entire process can take a month or more, depending on the organization, so we encourage you to apply as soon as you see a role that interests you.
Who should I ask to be a reference?
When choosing a reference, select someone who can speak about you in a professional capacity – someone who can talk about your work ethic, skills, and abilities. Great options include teachers, coaches, or mentors. As a best practice, avoid listing friends or family members.
What should I do if I find an organization I like but they don’t have an appropriate role posted?
It’s always a good idea to reach out to the organization to express your interest in volunteering with them. On Volunteer Now, you’ll notice that every posting includes contact information. Take the opportunity to connect – let them know you’re passionate about their mission and eager to get involved. They may have upcoming opportunities or even roles that aren’t posted online yet.
What is a Criminal Record Check?
A Criminal Record Check is something many non-profits require from volunteers to help keep their clients, staff, and community safe. It’s a process where the police look up your name in their system to see if you have a criminal history. Depending on the type of work the organization does, you may be asked to complete either or both a Police Information Check (PIC) and/or a Criminal Records Review (CRR) before being eligible to volunteer with their organization.
The good news is that, here in Richmond, PICs are free and completed very quickly. The organization you are applying with will provide you with a letter to take to your local police station to have them run the PIC. Once complete, you will return the check to the organization.
Community
Under the umbrella of Community, we offer a variety of training opportunities for the non-profit sector – everything from two-hour workshops to our multi-week Volunteer Management Training Series. Whether you’re a seasoned non-profit professional, or are just getting started in the field, attending our training is a great way to gain new knowledge and skills that you can put into practice at your organization.
To view a complete listing of our workshops and courses, and to register, visit our Training Centre.