Volunteer
Since SPEC began in 1969, passionate volunteers have been the most valuable part of our identity. Volunteers like you play an important role in our accomplishments.
Volunteering with SPEC is a direct way to be part of the environmental action our communities need. We believe that sustainable living becomes possible when people have tangible, accessible ways to participate and volunteers make that possible.
By giving your time, you’re not just supporting an event or a program; you’re helping build the relationships and shared skills that create lasting change. Whatever your background, there’s a place for you here.
Current Opportunities
Repair Cafe Volunteers
Join the Repair Café team and become part of a community dedicated to teaching and learning repair skills to combat the throwaway culture. Whether you’re an expert fixer, eager to learn as an apprentice, a natural with customer interaction, or prefer behind-the-scenes work, there’s a role for everyone. By volunteering with us, you’ll help extend the life of everyday items while connecting with like-minded individuals. Sign up today to make a difference and promote sustainability in our community!
SPEC Elders Celebration & Ceremony Creator
We are seeking someone who enjoys designing meaningful ceremonies or rituals to honour elderhood and life experience. This volunteer will collaborate with SPEC’s Maturing as Elders sub-circle to help shape occasional gatherings that celebrate Elders’ wisdom, contributions, and transitions. Events are expected to take place approximately once per year.
To volunteer, contact: Olivia Fermi, catalyst@fermi.ca
SPEC Elders Speakers for Learning Circles
Volunteer presenters who would like to speak and lead a workshop – you can nominate yourself or suggest someone — that meets any of the following:
- Explore what it means to mature as Elders, including how our inner work shapes our outer contributions to community and sustainability.
- Encourage elder leadership in climate action and sustainability by highlighting the stories and expertise of senior changemakers, and fostering community and dialogue.
- Engage in intergenerational dialogue by creating spaces where knowledge and lived experience are shared and valued. For example, this could include a youth speaker or youth panel.
Volunteer would work with the SPEC Maturing as Elders sub-circle.
To volunteer, contact: Olivia Fermi, catalyst@fermi.ca
Before you apply
Before we can approve you as a volunteer, you’ll need to complete a police information check. This step is required by our municipal partners who fund the Repair Café events. We’ll email you more detailed information on how to do this after we receive your application.
How do I get a Police Information Check?
- You must go through the local police department in your municipality of residence, regardless of where you end up volunteering. You will only need to complete this process once.
- Depending on where you live, most police information checks are free for volunteer roles.
- When attending your appointment, you will need to bring a completed application form, a volunteer letter from SPEC, and two pieces of valid government issued identification verifying name and date of birth.