In December 2006 the Ontario Public Service has launched a new volunteerism initiative: "The "Community Learning Program". This new initiative is a one year pilot program with six Ministries and 8,000 employees. It will allow Ontario Public Service staff up to one paid work day per year to learn more about volunteerism, gain a broader understanding of the role that the voluntary sector plays in supporting individuals and communities, and provide an opportunity to develop skills and/or competencies in support of their individual learning plan.
This exciting program will provide opportunities for:

• OPS employees who have not been involved in volunteerism to develop a connection to the voluntary sector while furthering their learning and development goals.
• OPS employees who already have a connection to the voluntary sector to expand their support while furthering their learning and development goals.
• OPS employees to work in teams to organize an event that supports their learning and promotes positive outcomes for organizations that rely on volunteerism to achieve their goals.

Participating ministries include the ministries of Community and Social Services, Citizenship and Immigration, Culture, Tourism, Environment, and Health Promotion. 
Opportunities can vary from one person or a team. Such examples of events are:
Example: Agency A is holding its most important yearly fundraising event. Individuals will contribute to their area of interest including coordinating activities and logistics with others, assisting with registration of participants and filling out tax receipts.
 Example: Agency B is hosting a fair to promote the various initiatives underway to support recent immigrants. Individuals will promote and support the event by providing information to supporters on the various initiatives and how they can get involved, selling cards, collecting donations and liaising with the public. Some customer service and working with the public experience is required. Training will be provided in one group orientation prior to the event.
Why Community Literacy Agencies might choose to participate:

• Potential pool base – The six participating ministries have a combined total of approximately, 8,000 employees spread throughout the province.
• Connected individuals – Many OPS employees volunteer their own time and skills in the voluntary sector. This is an opportunity for those employees to continue developing their skills with minimal additional training or supervision on the part of your agency. 
• Partnership Building – Further enhance the partnership of building and sustaining healthy communities between the OPS and community agencies
• Education – It is an opportunity to educate and build relationships with skilled public servants.

Interested OPS employees will contact their local volunteer centre, who in turn will have the name of the local regional literacy network.  Please visit the Volunteer Canada website to locate your local volunteer centre. http://www.volunteer.ca/volcan/eng/content/vol-centres/regions.php?p=11

We recognize that there may not be a lot of "one day" volunteer opportunities, but agencies may want to think creatively to encourage new volunteers and meet your needs at the same time.

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