All high schools students must complete 40 hours of community involvement by the time they graduate from Grade 12. Students may begin to accumulate volunteer hours in the summer between Grade 8 and Grade 9. Please refer to the
slide deck on Community Involvement Hours for an overview of this graduation requirement.
The flexibility provided during 2022/2023 for Community Involvement Activities is no longer in effect as of September 1, 2023 . The Ministry has reverted back to the original guidelines for these activities. Students that completed activities prior to September 1, 2023 that were allowed under COVID-19 accommodations will be counted.
Why Complete Community Involement Hours?
Community hours encourage awareness of civic responsibility and give students opportunities to make valuable contributions to their communities. Community involvement allows students to:
- Complete the 40 hour graduation requirement
- Develop civic engagement
- Provide valuable contribution to your community
- Develop skills (e.g., communication, interpersonal)
- Explore interests and connection to pathway and career opportunities
Community Involvement is designed to benefit the community - activities should help to improve the community and the lives of those who live within it.
Requirements for Completion of Community Involvement Activities
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Must have their activities pre-approved by their school if unsure
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Must complete hours outside of class time
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Must not be part of a credit course
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Must be activities completed in the community to benefit others
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Must be unpaid activities
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Must not replace the role of a worker that would normally receive wages
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Can be completed anytime between the summer going into Grade 9 and graduation
Parents/Guardian Guidelines
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Provide help to their child when they are selecting community hours and contact the community sponsor and school principal with any questions and concerns
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Sign the required document if your child is under 18
Parents Can Help Their Students With The Following:
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Ensuring the health and safety of the student
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Considering the location of activity and hours of operation
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Engaging and meaningful activities
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Selecting activities that meet the eligibility criteria
See this page for
Guidelines on Eligible and Ineligible Activities
How to Find Community Involvement Opportunities
- Please look at the secondary school guidance office bulletin board announcements or visit Volunteer Halton
Getting Started
Students must complete the Notification of Planned Activity on the
Record of Community Involvement Hours document which is available from their home school and then submit to their teacher advisor.
Steps to Completing the Hours
- Select an activity
- Confirm eligibility (including form) and obtain approval from the school using the
Record of Community Involvement Hours Form
- Complete activity
- Complete the remainder of the Record of Community Involvement Hours document, and have it signed by the community sponsor
- Submit the completed form to your school's guidance department
- Reflect on your community involvement activity and add to your resume in
myBlueprint
Tips for Success
- Begin Early: Students can begin their community involvement hours the summer after grade 8
- Be Professional: Be on time, dress appropriately and listen to instructions
- Be Safe: Ask for help and clarification if in doubt of what you've been asked to do
- Ensure Eligibility: Confirm
eligibility of activity in advance
Note: Guidance departments are closed during the summer - Submit Paperwork: Submit paperwork for each activity as it is completed
- Complete early: It is recommended that you complete your 40 community involvement hours before you begin grade 12
Considerations for Community Sponsors
Persons and organizations in the community can be asked by the student to sponsor a community involvement activity.
It is crucial that students are able to fulfill their community involvement activities in a safe environment. Any training, equipment, or special preparation that is required for the activity should be provided by the person or organization. The person overseeing the student's activity must verify the date(s) and the number of hours completed on the
Record of Community Involvement Hours document.
The board's
liability insurance will protect the students and the community sponsors that may arise from the student’s activities in the community involvement program for the 40 hours required.
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