The Toronto Vegetarian Association (TVA) is a volunteer-driven charitable organization. We provide opportunities for volunteers to use their skills in support of our shared mission.
This document provides an overview of TVA's mission, values, programs and organizational structure. It also outlines policies and procedures, such as our Volunteer Code of Conduct and Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities. All TVA volunteers are encouraged to read and review the document, and to sign the Volunteer Agreement.
Download Part 1 of the Volunteer Handbook
Download Part 2 of the Volunteer Handbook
This document outlines some key information about TVA's programs, and answers common FAQ questions for outreach volunteers. New outreach volunteers are encouraged to review this document before attending their first outreach shift with TVA.
Download the 2009 Volunteer Orientation
In late August, 2009, we launched our first online training program for volunteers focusing on vegetarian nutrition. This free, online training program, which should take no more than one hour to complete, was designed for volunteers who want to have a better understanding of vegetarian nutrition so that they can feel more comfortable speaking to the public about the benefits of a vegetarian diet, and where to find key nutrients.
If you haven't yet taken the nutritional training and would like to do so in the comfort of your own home, please email
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with the subject "Online Nutritional Training". We'll get back to you with the login information and password, and you can get started at your earliest convenience!
The Toronto Vegetarian Association has many other volunteer opportunities throughout the year, including at our Annual Vegetarian Food Fair. Please join our volunteer-opportunity notification list by filling in the form on our contact us page.
Our volunteers gain valuable experience, knowledge, and confidence by volunteering with the Toronto Vegetarian Association. Volunteers can also meet new friends and earn references. Most importantly, our volunteers get the satisfaction of knowing they are contributing to the wellbeing of people, animals and the environment.
“Life is a wonderful journey and you never know where it will take you. Volunteering can help you be more than a passive traveler. You can make a plan and actively build skills to enhance your professional lives. No fees and no tuition. A commitment of time and energy and you are on your way.”
– from Ten professional development benefits of volunteering by Merrill Associates
Veg Outreach Leader
Description: As staff are busy planning for the new programs in our year of Compassion for Animals, the Toronto Vegetarian Association is seeking a dedicated Veg Outreach Leader to play a key role in the planning and coordination of our presence at outreach events. This includes keeping track of important logistics information for outreach events, communicating with and coordinating outreach volunteers and reporting on the success of outreach events. Packing and unpacking for events is optional.
Expectations/Qualifications: This position requires excellent planning, organizational and communications skills, and the ability to work independently within strict timelines. This position requires approximately 6 hours of volunteer work per week, to be done mostly from home, from now until the end of June.
Perks: This is an ideal position for someone interested in pursuing a career in volunteer coordination or event planning, and looking to gain experience in the field. It also provides valuable communications and leadership experience, and will allow you to further develop your organizational and planning skills. The Veg Outreach Leader will have the satisfaction of knowing that they are keeping TVA's presence lively and active at outreach events throughout the Spring and inspiring others to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle. As a token of our appreciation, the Veg Outreach Leader will receive a complimentary TVA discount card.
Next steps: Click here to read the full position description. Interested applicants are asked to submit a resume and cover letter to
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. Applicants will also be invited to attend an interview.
Resource Centre Crew and Podcast Host
TVA's Resource Centre is a unique library and bookstore carrying Toronto's largest selection of vegetarian books and cookbooks - over 500 titles! It's also a great place for omnivores and vegetarians to stop in for advice and information on making healthier, greener, more peaceful food choices. On top of that, it's run by a dedicated group of volunteers!
Description: We are looking for a volunteer to staff the Resource Centre and co-host the Toronto Vegetarian Podcast on two Saturdays a month from 1pm to 4pm. RC volunteers help customers sign books in and out, answer questions in person and via email about vegetarianism, and handle book and membership sales. Volunteers also assist with ongoing maintenance of the RC including cataloguing new books and magazines, re-shelving books, and occasionally assisting TVA staff with office help. Plus, from time to time RC volunteers plan and coordinate events in the RC, such as an annual open house and bake sales.
Next Steps: Feel free to listen to the Toronto Vegetarian Podcast to get a feel for the experience. If you're interested in this position, please send your resume and cover letter to David Alexander, Executive Director, at
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, with the subject Resource Centre Application.
Committee and Team Members
Programs Review Committee
Are you an individual with a passion for using your keen analytical skills and your strategic outlook to contribute to the greater good? Are you someone who has experience reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness of programs to accomplish goals and develop an organization? Do you want to make a tangible difference in an organization that is dedicated to a worthy cause?
Then consider joining the Toronto Vegetarian Association’s Programs Review Committee.
The committee’s role is to:
• examine and evaluate new and existing Toronto Vegetarian Association programs
• provide the Board of Directors recommendations to modify, enhance or validate programs, including both program structure and leadership.
We’re looking for vegetarian and vegetarian-friendly program reviewers to help advise and lead our growing organization.
We are looking for candidates who have a background in organizational development that includes formal program evaluation and program design. Experienced OD practitioners, HR professionals, and Learning and Development professionals are encouraged to apply. Committee members should also support the Toronto Vegetarian Association’s mission, values and vision.
Application: To apply, please send us your résumé along with a letter describing your interest in the position and any relevant skills, education or experience. Applications can be submitted by
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, mail or fax to David Alexander, Executive Director.
Volunteer Recognition Team
If you're already a volunteer with the Toronto Vegetarian Association, you know what an important role volunteers play in virtually every program that TVA runs, and you probably have your own understanding of what kind of recognition volunteers in the organization deserve.
The Volunteer Recognition Team devises and implements new and unique ways to recognize our volunteers, through organizing social and appreciation events for volunteers, improving communications with volunteers, promoting the volunteer program, and increasing the sense of community among volunteers. The team meets monthly or bi-monthly to discuss and initiate projects related to the above.
We are looking for enthusiastic, outgoing and creative volunteers, with new ideas and a proven ability to take initiative.
Application: Please email
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with the subject Volunteer Recognition Team, with a letter outlining your experience with the organization and your motivation for joining the Volunteer Recognition Team.
Fundraising & Membership Development Committee
Are you an experienced fundraiser who keeps up with the latest trends in direct mail and donor relations? Do you enjoy planning special events or writing grant proposals? Are you interested in helping the Toronto Vegetarian Association recruit hundreds of new members to support our work?
If so, you're not alone! The Toronto Vegetarian Association's Fundraising & Membership Development Committee is looking for experienced fundraising professionals to help develop a fundraising plan that will secure the donations, sponsorships and grants TVA needs to inspire people to choose a healthier, greener, more peaceful lifestyle.
As an active charitable organization, we rely on donations, grants and sponsorships to support our programs and achieve our mission. We're looking for vegetarian and vegetarian-friendly fundraising professionals to help advise and lead our growing organization by joining our Fundraising & Membership Development Committee.
For more information: Volunteer Posting – Fundraising & Membership Development Committee
Toronto Vegetarian Association
17 Baldwin St, 2nd floor
Toronto, ON M5T 1L1
Fax: 416-544-9094
Upcoming Outreach Opportunities
If you're interested in tabling for TVA at any of the following events, please email
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, Donor and Volunteer Resources Coordinator, using the following template:
Name of Event:
Shift(s) Interested In:
First Time Volunteer? (yes/no)
Have you received training from TVA?
The Yoga Conference and Show
When? Friday March 26th to Sunday March 28th
Shifts Available: Friday March 26th – 1pm to 4pm, 4pm to 7pm
Saturday March 27th – 1pm to 4pm, 4pm to 7pm
Sunday March 28th – 10am to 1pm, 1pm to 4pm, 4pm to 6pm
**URGENT: We are also in need of volunteers who can do set up at this event**
Where? Metro Toronto Convention Centre South Building, 255 Front St. West. A short walk from Union subway station. Click here for a map.
Tell me more: The ultimate one stop shop for everything Yoga. It features over 150 exhibitors, 100 workshops, classes, demonstrations and entertainment. Click here for more information, including schedules for classes.
Black Diabetes Expo
When? Saturday, April 10th
Shifts Available: 9am to 12pm, 12pm to 3pm (Experience handling cash and book sales for TVA, or a background in nutrition preferred)
Where? Jamaican Canadian Association / Centre (995 Arrow Road, North York, at Finch and the 400)
Tell me more: This is an excellent opportunity for TVA to reach an audience of people in great need of our resources and support. We know that type-2 diabetes can be prevented and even reversed through the adoption of a vegetarian diet and this is the perfect place for us to get that message across. This free event includes talks delivered by medical professionals, a panel discussion featuring healthcare specialists, cooking demonstration of delicious, diabetes-friendly recipes and more.
The Halton Eco Festival
When? Saturday, April 17th and Sunday April 18th
Shifts Available: Saturday April 17th – 10am to 1:30pm, 1:30pm to 5pm
Sunday April 18th – 11am to 2pm, 2pm to 4pm
Where? The Glen Abbey Community Centre in Oakville (1415 Third Line). Accessible from the Oakville Go Station via the 28 Glen Abbey North bus route.
Tell me more: The Halton Eco Festival is an environmental fair for sustainability featuring 85 green exhibitors and sponsors, educational workshops, and keynote speakers. For a full list of exhibitors and workshops, visit www.haltonecofest.ca.
The Green Living Show
When? Friday April 23rd to Sunday April 25th
Shifts Available: Friday April 23rd – 10am to 1pm, 1pm to 4pm, 4pm to 7pm, 7pm to 9pm
Saturday April 24th – 10am to 1pm, 1pm to 4pm, 4pm to 7 pm, 7pm to 9pm
Sunday April 25th – 10am to 1pm, 1pm to 4pm, 4pm to 6pm
Where? Direct Energy Centre, at Exhibition Place (100 Princes Blvd.)
A number of TTC routes access Exhibition Place. Click here for detailed directions via TTC or automobile.
Tell me more: The Green Living Show is Toronto’s largest eco-show, with exhibitors from a wide range of industries including transportation, food and beverage, energy, home and garden, eco-tourism, green building and more! Special attractions this year include an ecology art-making project, a green living kids zone, and a number of speakers on the main stage. For more information visit http://www.greenlivingonline.com.
