About Us
Volunteering Opportunties
Volunteers are a vital part of our organization and the local community. We create opportunities for the residents of Saskatoon to interact through volunteering and build understanding and friendships. This is how we discover each other!
Connect with Your Community
Engage with your community and develop unique skills in a variety of volunteering positions throughout our organization. Open to all ages, level of experience, and language level.
Note: Unfortunately, interested individuals with visitor status are ineligible, but are encouraged to join other SODS programs.
Flexible Programs
For newcomers and non-newcomers
- Flex Volunteering – access to a variety of low-commitment volunteering opportunities across the city or with our organization.
- Special Projects – These projects are always changing. You will be informed about current special projects upon completing your registration.
Cultural Volunteering
Youth ages 16 – 21 can gain hands-on experience at concerts and cultural events while building skills, confidence, and community connections.
Core Programs
For non-newcomers who have been in Canada for at least 3 years and speak English fluently
- Conversation Circle Leader – leading weekly English conversation practice. Requirements: Age 18+, in Canada 3+ years, fluent English
- Community Mentor – visiting a newcomer family at their home, once a week for 3 months. Requirements: Age 25+, in Canada 3+ years, fluent English. We need mentors!
- Youth Study Group Tutor– helping newcomer high school students with their studies, weekday afternoon, once a week. Requirements: Grade 12 student or recent graduate from high school in Saskatoon, in Canada 3+ years, fluent English. We need tutors!
- Campus Companion – mentoring a newcomer youth who is planning to start pursue post-secondary education. Requirements: Currently a university student in Saskatoon or a recent graduate, in Canada 3+ years, fluent English.
Newcomer Volunteer Connections
- Front Desk Greeter – an opportunity to develop customer service and communication skills. Requirements: English fluency of CLB 4 or higher, minimum of 30 hours commitment.
- Community Placement – volunteering placement at another not-for-profit organization in Saskatoon. Requirements: CLB 5+, 2-3 months commitment (part-time).
Youth Leadership Initiative
YLI is for youth ages 14- 24 who are interested in developing their confidence. Every year, we seek to connect the youth perspective to civil platforms through discussions with industry stakeholders on key issues that impact youth in Saskatoon.
Other Opportunities for Volunteers
Certificate in "Building Inclusive Community through Volunteerism"
We offer a Volunteer Training Series, a set of optional professional development workshops designed to support volunteers in their roles while expanding their cultural understanding. These sessions cover key topics such as:
- Trauma & Mental Health, Setting Boundaries
- Understanding the Refugee Experience
- Cross-Cultural Communication, Culture Shock, and Working with the Vulnerable Sector
- Understanding Indigenous Culture.
Volunteers who complete any four of these training sessions receive a certificate in “Building Inclusive Community through Volunteerism” recognizing their commitment to both personal development and inclusive community engagement.
Volunteer Training
After completing a general orientation, volunteers receive program-specific training tailored to the area they choose to support. These trainings cover program goals, expectations, roles, and responsibilities. In some programs, new volunteers are paired with experienced senior volunteers who provide guidance and support during the initial stages, helping them build confidence and competence in their roles.
Volunteer Recognition
Each year, during National Volunteer Week, we host a Community Volunteer Appreciation Event to celebrate and honor our volunteers. Additionally, throughout the year, we showcase volunteer achievements and share their stories of impact through our newsletters and social media channels.
Volunteer Engagement Events
We host an Annual Volunteer Fair each September, where over 20 community organizations present their volunteer opportunities to the public.
On International Volunteer Day, we bring our volunteers together for a day of team building, celebration, and reflection, honoring their contributions and strengthening connections across programs.