Are you looking for ways to contribute back to the community?  Are you concerned about social issues?  The Edmonton Social Planning Council is seeking volunteers to help out in its research and outreach endeavors.  Our volunteer opportunities look a little different than many other service organizations in the community.  As an organization we focus on social research, but do community work from time-to-time.  We are dedicated to encouraging the adoption of equitable social policy and educating the public regarding the social issues that impact them on a daily basis.  The ESPC will try to align your particular interests, availability, and skills with the various volunteering opportunities.

• Research Reviews

The ESPC produces a bi-monthly Research Update (see example) intended to provide agencies and organizations within Edmonton’s non-profit sector with information, summaries, and reviews of new research and publications that are important to their work.  This project involves providing assistance with preparing the Research Update.  Tasks would include reviewing some of the new materials and publications in the ESPC Resource Library and choosing one or two items of interest with the guidance of the Resource Coordinator, and writing a clear, concise, and useful review of chosen materials to be published in the Research Update. 

Skills required: research, writing, analyzing, and summarizing

• Fact Sheets / Factivist

The ESPC releases a theme-based Fact Sheet once a month.  It is a brief compilation of facts on a double-sided letter-sized sheet that is distributed to government departments, social agencies, and front-line workers.  The Fact Sheet is an excellent way to research and summarize important issues that is widely read by the Edmonton community.

 The Factivist is a quarterly publication that is also themed-based.  Past Factivists have highlighted seniors, wages and training, and immigrant issues.  Submissions are usually in the area of 600-800 words each. If you want to have the chance to investigate interesting topics and write a piece for a wide audience, consider writing for the Factivist.  Issues are released four times a year – Winter (February) Spring (May), Summer (August), Fall (November).

Skills required: research, writing, summarizing

• Film / Book Reviews

Have you recently seen an interesting film or read a compelling book that relates to social justice issues?  If you have a film or book in mind, this is a simple way to contribute to the ESPC.  The ESPC is interested in sharing your thoughts and pique the interest of viewers and readers.  Submissions are usually in the area of 250-400 words. 

Skills required: enjoy reading books or watching movies, writing, summarizing

• Community Partnerships

The ESPC is involved with various community organizations in Edmonton who are in need of volunteers at certain times of the year.  We will let you know when upcoming or new events need our help.

Skills required: people skills

Homeward Trust – Homeless Connect

Homeless Connect Edmonton is a broad-based community-inspired initiative, providing free appropriate services (i.e. dental, legal, clothing) to people experiencing homelessness and those at risk of becoming homeless.  The event takes place in a weekend day in May and in October at the Shaw Conference Centre.  Volunteers are needed for various tasks including registration, orientating, and data entry. 

Homeward Trust – Homeless Count

The Homeless Count is a short 1-minute survey that takes a demographic snapshot of Edmonton’s homeless population.  Since the methodology has not changed over the past 10 years, the Count has been able to trace homeless trends over that past decade.  In October 2011, about 350 volunteers will be needed to help conduct the survey in various parts of the city.  This is a great way to interact with those who are homeless and take part in a larger effort to end homeless in Edmonton.

Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness – Homefest

Starting in 2003, Homefest is a music festival that gathers the Edmonton community together in order to raise awareness for homeless issues affecting our fellow citizens.  Every year, Homefest attracts local folk and roots musicians for an afternoon of entertainment.  Money that is raised from Homefest is donated to agencies that directly address housing needs in Edmonton.  The event is entirely volunteer based, and help is always welcomed.

Urban Core Support Network – Inner City BBQ

Every summer (mid-late July) a community BBQ is held at the Giovanni Caboto Park (108 Avenue and 95 Street) for residents and community members of the inner-city.  Free music and food is made available.  Children’s safety fair activities are provided, which include bike and helmet use, first aid, and pedestrian safety.

• Board of Directors

The Edmonton Social Planning Council is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors.  All Directors are members of the Council who are elected to the Board at the Annual General Meeting. Directors can serve a maximum of 2 consecutive 2 year terms of office.  This is a great way to get involved in the governance aspects of a non-governmental organization.

Skills required: interest in governance

• Youth Internship Program

Have a great idea for a social justice project, but don’t know how to get it off the ground?   Want to develop research and community organizing skills?   Are you passionate about making your community a better place?  If you have an idea for a social justice project or research, and are between the ages of 15 and 25, then we’re looking for you!  We can support you to make it happen.

Skills required: research, writing

Applicants must be between 15 to 25 years of age.

• Research Team

The ESPC acquires projects throughout the year that may require help in conduct various tasks including interviewing people, sending out surveys, entering data, and reviewing literature.  Being an ESPC researcher is a great way to sharpen your research skills while at the same time working on meaningful community-oriented projects.

Skills required: qualitative and/or qualitative research skills

• Fundraising Team / Special Events

The ESPC is a not-for-profit organization with registered charitable status.  As a result, ESPC is able to issue income tax deduction receipts for donations which are approved by the Canadian Revenue Agency guidelines.  We are looking for individuals who have an interest in becoming part of a team which will plan and participate in special events which increase the awareness of ESPC while also raising money.  We are looking for creative individuals who are interested in developing new, imaginative and fun fundraising activities.

Skills required: fundraising and/or special events planning

Sign up to become a volunteer today!

If you have any questions, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .