Kitsilano Neighbourhood House values volunteers and their commitment to share their skills, knowledge, ideas, time, and enthusiasm!

KNH volunteers are active at all levels in the organization, from the Community Board to administration, and from direct service programs to program planning. The Kits House Volunteer Team donates thousands of hours each year to support Kits House in its programs and activities. Without volunteer support, many of our programs simply would not exist.

GETTING STARTED

To get started, carefully read through the sections on this page to make sure you are a good fit with the programs offered here at Kits House and that the timing of KNH programs is a fit with your own schedule and availability. Most KNH programs happen on weekdays, during the day, when staff are working. There are very few evening or weekend volunteer opportunities.

Kits House volunteers are independent and self-directed! Kits House volunteers use a volunteer management software called “Better Impact” for scheduling in for shifts in programs and activities. *All volunteers are expected to learn how to use the software and to self-schedule.

If you choose to proceed with onboarding as a Kits House volunteer, click on the red Become a Volunteer button and follow the instructions to complete the online volunteer registration.

- - When you register you are creating your volunteer profile on Better Impact Software!
  - Keep track of your username and password as you will need these to access the Better Impact volunteer software when the volunteer onboarding process is complete.
  - Once you have registered as a volunteer the Volunteer Coordinator will send you the access code for the online portal to apply for a criminal record check specific for Kits House.
  - Kits House does not accept criminal record checks issued to other agencies and all volunteers are required to apply for a criminal record check specific for Kits House or to use the online portal to “share” an existing criminal record check. There is no charge to the volunteer for the criminal record check. Criminal record checks must be renewed every three years from their issue date.
  - It takes approximately 4 weeks to complete onboarding as a KNH volunteer – mostly due to the time it takes for your criminal record check to clear through.

*If you are not a computer person, or have a barrier to using technology, we have a few options for helping you to learn. Please connect directly by emailing the Volunteer Coordinator at faithg@kitshouse.org

Pandemic Information

Kits House adheres to all public health orders that may be in effect as we continue to transition back to regular programming and volunteer opportunities that compliment those programs. To keep everyone safe we ask that volunteers who participate in indoor activities are double vaccinated, and practice social distancing. Masks are optional, but encouraged, inside Kits House public spaces.

Do the Kits House programs with volunteer opportunities work with your schedule?

Evening and weekend programs at Kits House are limited! Most program/volunteer opportunities occur weekdays, during office hours, when staff are working.

Do Kits House programs fit with what you would like to do as a volunteer?

Prior to registering as a Kits House volunteer browse our website and familiarize yourself with the programs offered and to see what interests you.

Do you have time to volunteer?

Active Kits House volunteers are expected to contribute a minimum of 4 hours per month. (2 shifts)

Become a Volunteer

After you register as a volunteer you will receive a “Next Steps” email from the Coordinator of Volunteers with further onboarding instructions, including how to get a criminal record check specific to Kits House.

Volunteer Opportunities

Kits House volunteers are self-directed, and choose which opportunities and shift times that they want to schedule in for. This is done by using the Better Impact Volunteer Software – you are setting up your profile for this when you register as a volunteer.

Fully on boarded KNH volunteers receive email about current volunteer opportunities as they arise – so you can expect a few emails each week once you are an accepted and fully onboarded volunteer! Volunteers can also see and view all the regularly scheduled volunteer opportunities through the Better Impact volunteer software and sign up for available shifts in programs or activities of their choice.