Volunteer Leaders Program

2007-2008 CPAWS Calgary/Banff is committed, through our strategic plan, to a large amount of wilderness conservation work in Southern Alberta. An effective Volunteer Leaders Program (VLP) will bridge the gap between limited staff, and the volunteer base that is broad, diverse and demanding more engagement in conservation work.

For more information: What is the Volunteer Leaders Program? Expected outcomes Training structure The ideal Volunteer Leaders Program participant CPAWS expectations Benefits to participants Application process

What is the Volunteer Leaders Program?

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society - Calgary/Banff Chapter will identify, recruit, train and involve volunteer leaders on an annual basis, to organize and direct various conservation campaigns and projects. This will increase the capacity to do more conservation work. CPAWS will support participants' leadership and conservation skills development and in return participants will apply their skills within CPAWS and potentially in the greater conservation community.

Back to top
Return to Main menu

Expected outcomes of the Volunteer Leaders Program

• CPAWS Volunteer Leaders understand how to work within the organization and with other volunteers and design appropriate projects in collaboration with CPAWS staff for execution by volunteers.

• CPAWS has the tools, resources, and infrastructure to learn from its experiences and continually improve an efficient and effective Volunteer Leaders Program.

• Volunteer Leaders are implementing meaningful projects; working to the standards of staff and CPAWS; and receiving appropriate support.

• Volunteer Leaders are establishing and nurturing volunteer bases specifically working on conservation campaigns throughout Southern Alberta.

• CPAWS is better able to meet conservation challenges through effective collaboration with volunteer resource people.

• More volunteers are connected to CPAWS in various localities and are broadening their understanding of environmental protection issues.

Back to top
Return to Main menu

Training structure

• Regularly scheduled training sessions
  Speakers representing government, corporate and non-profit sectors, lead workshops specifically related to leadership skills, fund development, conservation principles, and tools for conservation including: political systems and advocacy, stakeholder relations, campaign planning, economics and corporate sustainability.

• Resources and recommended reading
  CPAWS staff provides resources and a compilation of materials on leadership and conservation. Specific readings accompany the training sessions. CPAWS staff members are available one-on-one as needed to support each participant on various aspects of their work.

• Evaluation
  CPAWS will determine results of the program through ongoing evaluation based on the objectives and timelines as well as annual formal evaluations. Results are compared from year to year in order to work towards continuous improvement.

Back to top
Return to Main menu

The ideal Volunteer Leaders Program participant …

• expresses a passion for wilderness and a deep desire to make a positive difference,
• has knowledge and/or experience in leadership and conservation work,
• possesses experience working with CPAWS or another comparable environmental or conservation group,
• exercises excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills,
• demonstrates responsibility and initiative to search for new opportunities for fundamental change and growth,
• shows potential for being a leader,
• is committed to participating in all CPAWS Volunteer Leaders Program activities and training sessions.
• has experience in program planning or project management.

This program actively recruits from the diversity of people comprising the CPAWS volunteer base and viewpoints that make up CPAWS. We welcome applications and inquiries from anyone who demonstrates leadership qualities and is committed to creating a new generation of conservation leaders in our community.

Back to top
Return to Main menu

CPAWS expectations of participants

• Attendance and participation in all training sessions and meetings - approximately 2 evening training sessions/ 6 hours per month for meetings as well as some additional weekend sessions. A detailed schedule will be provided upon acceptance into the Program.
• Commitment to an average of 10 hours of volunteer work per month in addition to the training sessions.
• Reading and reviewing articles and resources according to the schedule.
• Providing ongoing evaluation throughout the program, through written and verbal reports
• Fundraising of $500 over the course of the year, with a percentage directed to a specific conservation project or campaign.
• Participation in an additional year of the Program, acting in a mentoring role for new Volunteer Leader Program participants.

Back to top
Return to Main menu

Benefits to Volunteer Leaders Program participants

• Receive training from leaders and CPAWS staff
• Gain hands-on opportunities to learn and apply knowledge and skills
• Receive ongoing support and direction for projects and campaigns from CPAWS staff
• Assist CPAWS in fulfilling our mission:
  • To enhance understanding of Canada's wild ecosystems,
  • To promote understanding of ecological principles,
  • To reform Alberta's protected areas legislation to provide meaningful protection,
  • To encourage individual action to accomplish these goals, and
  • To achieve protection by working cooperatively with government, First Nations, business, other individuals and stakeholders.
• Receive a certificate, letter of reference and recognition upon completion of the program
• Meet existing conservation leaders and many other people working in the environmental and conservation sector.

Back to top
Return to Main menu

Application process

Candidates who are interested in applying for a Volunteer Leader Position are invited to complete the following process:

1. Complete the application form. Click here to download it in PDF format (~75K).

2. Attach the following documents:
   • Resume which includes educational, professional and community experiences, as applicable
   • 3 references and one letter of support submitted by an employer, teacher, or supervisor. The reference should speak to character, professional and/or community initiative and leadership, and attest to suitability for the CPAWS Volunteer Leaders Program (VLP).
   • Responses to CPAWS VLP questions (included with application form).
   • Signed and dated commitment statement (in application form).

3. Eligible candidates will be contacted by the CPAWS Outreach Manager for an interview.

For more information please contact:

Lynda Holleman
Outreach Manager
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
Calgary/ Banff Chapter
1120 - 1202 Centre St. SE.
Calgary, AB T2S 0M1
lholleman@cpawscalgary.org
Telephone: (403) 232-6686
Web site: www.cpawscalgary.org
Fax: (403) 232-6988

Back to top
Return to Main menu