Have Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers!
Read below to see answers to our most commonly received questions.
How do you get started volunteering?
It’s easy. It starts with creating a volunteer profile in our database. Within two business days after you submit everything (don’t forget to get the waiver signed), you can expect an email notifying you that you’ve been approved. From there, sign into your profile and go to the “Opportunities” tab to explore and sign up for your choice of hundreds of upcoming volunteer opportunities.
Are the projects safe?
Organizations and parents can sometimes hesitate to involve youth volunteers because of the perceived risks. We address this by vetting projects for suitability and safety and by having a first-aid certified Youth Central staff member manage risks and supervise the youth onsite while they volunteer.
Can you accommodate youth with disabilities?
We want all youth in Calgary to benefit from volunteering. We’d love to work with you to figure out which opportunities are the right fit, and to put a plan together to include ensure everyone is included in a safe and positive way. Just email info@youthcentral.com.
Will shy or quiet youth fit in?
All our programs include youth with all different types of personalities. Our model ensures that there is always a trained staff member present to facilitate discussions and encourage engagement so everyone feels comfortable and participates. In program evaluations, youth often comment that the safe space created by staff helped them build confidence and overcome shyness.
How do you see if you're signed up for a volunteer project?
Log in to the volunteer profile and select the “Schedule” tab. There, you can see all the volunteer projects signed up for along with details on location, timing and any other special instructions.
If you need a volunteer t-shirt, how do you get it?
The easiest way is to ask the Team Leader when they reach out five days before the project. You can also pick up a shirt at the Youth Central office during office hours.
How do you cancel after you've signed up for a project?
To cancel, youth should reach out to their Team Leader, or call 403-266-5448 or email info@youthcentral.com at least 72 hours before the project is scheduled to start.
What is a no-show?
A no-show occurs when a youth signs up for a project and doesn’t provide 72 hours’ notice of cancellation with a valid excuse.
No-shows impact other project members, our partners, and youth who could have participated in their place. We monitor no-shows to help youth learn responsibility and time management, ensuring they understand the importance of commitment.
Too many no-shows can result in being denied reference letters or having your account suspended. See our Volunteer Code of Conduct for more detail.