Orientation and Training

Visit the Volunteer Events page to see a listing of upcoming training sessions.

The Toronto Vegetarian Association is committed to providing volunteers with the training and orientation they require to make meaningful contributions to our work.

All new volunteers are required to complete an online application form. Click here to complete our online volunteer application form.

The following orientation modules are required reading for all TVA volunteers: Volunteer Handbook, Key Messages, AODA.

In addition, these training modules are recommended for new outreach volunteers: Nutrition, Tabling, Face-to-face.

Volunteer Handbook

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 the Volunteer Handbook

Online Key Messages and Programs Training

The Online Key Messages and Programs Training is a free, online training program that should take half an hour to complete. It is designed to ensure volunteers are informed about TVA’s programs and key messages, so that you are comfortable representing the organization in public spaces. It can help you play a larger role in actively promoting the programs and resources TVA has to offer new and existing vegetarians, and will make you better prepared to answer questions you may receive about either TVA itself or our position on various issues.

Please note, this training is required for all TVA outreach volunteers.

If you haven’t yet taken the key messages and programs training and would like to do so in the comfort of your own home, please email volunteer@veg.ca with the subject “Key Messages and Programs Training”. We’ll get back to you with the login information and password, and you can get started at your earliest convenience!

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Training

The Toronto Vegetarian Association is committed to meeting the standards laid out in the  AODA and thus requires all volunteers interacting with the public to complete online training and orientation about the AODA, and how to respectfully act with people with disabilities while representing the organization.

This training will help you effectively ensure that our materials and resources are available to everyone, including those with various disabilities.

Please click here to complete the online AODA training. While the training states it will take up to 45 minutes to complete, not all sections are relevant for TVA volunteers. TVA Volunteers are required to watch only sections 1, 3, 4 and 5 of the orientation video.

TVA Outreach Orientation for Outreach and Tabling

This document outlines some key information about TVA’s programs, and answers common FAQ questions for outreach volunteers. New outreach volunteers must review this document before attending their first outreach shift with TVA.

Download the Tabling Volunteer Orientation 2013

Online Nutritional Training

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 key messages and programs training and would like to do so in the comfort of your own home, please email volunteer@veg.ca with the subject “Online Nutrition Training”. We’ll get back to you with the login information and password, and you can get started at your earliest convenience!

Upcoming Face to Face Training Sessions

We hold monthly in person training sessions on tabling and vegetarian nutrition, as well as other helpful sessions for volunteers that include role playing and opportunities to check in, meet other volunteers and ask questions.

Visit the Volunteer Events page to see a listing of upcoming training sessions.