The Community Action Program (CAP) offers year-long volunteer opportunities in which you can make friends, practice hands-on transferable skills at a community organization, and learn about the impactful work being done in literacy or food access and food justice.
By volunteering weekly, you can:
- Help local communities to thrive.
- Develop your communication, time management, leadership, and critical thinking skills.
- Gain valuable experience in a field that interests you and explore careers in the community.
- Work on developing your reflective practice and deepen your understanding of yourself.
- Build your resume and Co-Curricular Record (CCR).
Streams and Opportunities
When you register for the Community Action Program (CAP), you will be connected with local community organizations to support their programming in one of two streams:
- Literacy and tutoring programs
- Food access and food justice programs
You will be matched with community organizations to participate in a virtual or in-person volunteer commitment. Opportunities include:
- Tutoring with On Your Mark at Working Women Community Centre
- Workshop facilitation with Story Planet
- Meal preparation and service at St Stephen’s Community House
- Food bank support at Nourish East End
- Prepared meal delivery at People with AIDS Foundation
- Community meal preparation and service at East End Out of the Cold
Information Sessions
Attend an information session to find out more:
Online sessions
- September 10, 2024, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- September 18, 2024, 3 – 4 p.m.
Register for an online session on Folio.
In-person sessions at Koffler House Main Activity Hall, KP208
- September 11, 2024, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- September 21, 2024, 1 – 2 p.m.
Register for an in-person session on Folio.
Organization Matching Process
We encourage students from a range of disciplinary backgrounds and experiences to participate in the program. We will do our best to match your interests with your volunteer opportunity. Some opportunities may require a Vulnerable Sector Screening (police reference check) or have specific language requirements.
After attending an orientation, you will be matched with a community organization to begin volunteering. Hours and availability will vary for each organization, and you will be encouraged to set up your schedule with your volunteer supervisor. Once you have agreed to a schedule, if any changes occur, you will need to work with your supervisor to find a mutually agreeable alternative.
Please email questions to Janet Fitzsimmons, Coordinator, Co-curricular Learning at janet.fitzsimmons@utoronto.ca.
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What Students Are Saying
RATE
US22 votes
I was able to improve my communication and interpersonal skills because I was working closely with students, volunteers, administrators, and facilitators. I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of valuing other people's lived experiences… and I improved my ability to work with children in a manner that respects everyone's viewpoints and became better at incorporating individuals who appear disengaged into the group.
Aman
As someone diving into grad research at the crossroads of climate change and public health, I've been looking for relevant volunteering opportunities, one that really resonates with what I’m passionate about.
Harshit G
CAPs enriched my academic knowledge with “real world” experience and application.
Sabbah Y
This experience broadened my search and perspective on the potential career paths I can take.
Holly C