Volunteer Fairs
Upcoming volunteer fairs
McGill Volunteer Fair
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
3480, Mctavish Street, 3rd floor
Shatner Ballroom
Click here to register.
Concordia Volunteer and Leadership Fair
Thursday, October 7, 2010
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Library Building
1455, de Maisonneuve West
Contact person: Ann McLaughlin
Tel.: 514.848.2424 ext.3985
About the 2009 McGill Fair...
Over 60 organizations participated in McGill's annual back-to-school volunteer fair on September 24th, 2009. A wide range of organizations were present, some for the first time, others who had participated in the past! Over 700 people walked into the Shatner Ballroom to find volunteer opportunities or just to learn about diverse Montréal community organizations.
Thanks to all the participating organizations and to the student volunteers who worked hard to make this event such a success. The populatiry of the Fair is constantly increasing so stay tuned for the Fall 2010 edition!
What is a volunteer fair?
Volunteer fairs are public events featuring from 15 to 50 kiosks representing community organizations seeking volunteers. Regardless of the number, we make sure that several different types of volunteering are represented.
People who want to find out more about volunteering, or who are interested in becoming volunteers, can visit the different kiosks and talk to representatives of the recruiting organizations. It's a good way to learn more about the organizations that interest you, what services they offer and the kind of volunteers they are looking for.
Tips for a successful kiosk
Stand up! Getting up and staying up is one of the best ways to get someone's attention. Manning a kiosk should not entail sitting with your arms crossed! Don't hesitate to get up and walk around your kiosk. To prevent any temptation, take your chair away!
Smile!
A smile goes a long way! By smiling to passers-by, you're sending them the message that you are available to talk. In doing so, you will encourage self-conscious people to come forward, and brighten up all the others!
Dress up your kiosk!
No matter how interesting you are, you need material to make your kiosk interesting! People who are in a hurry, or who are shy, will often grab leaflets to read at a more appropriate moment. You also need to think about visibility. Use posters, photos, or a banner, in front or behind you. Your kiosk has to stand out if you want to attract attention!
Appeal to your audience!
We rarely think about it, but it is necessary to adapt a kiosk, according to its location and intended audience. The approach you take with high school students, for example, would be very different to the one you would use with baby-boomers.
Plan your attack!
Planning a kiosk is like planning an attack: you have to have a strategy. Initiate contact with a quick survey or a surprise question. Distribute leaflets. Be creative! Any strategy is good to get noticed. But make sure you respect the event organizer's rules or guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who comes to the fairs?
Most visitors to the fairs are people who want to find out more about volunteering with an organization. Some sign up on the spot, while others collect fliers to help them make up their minds later.
At a volunteer fair, you'll be surrounded by people like yourself who are looking for a stimulating activity that will also benefit the community!
What kind of organizations are represented at the fairs?
You'll find organizations at work in many fields: services for seniors, children, hospitals, literacy groups, residences, shelters and many others. For more information on the different sectors of activity available, please consult our Volunteer opportunities.
What are the advantages for people trying to decide what they want to do?
It's the perfect opportunity to shop around and find the type of work and the type of organization that suit your skills and your schedule.
Need more information?
Call Suzane Langlois at 514.842.3351.