Volunteer, it’s good for you!

Posted On: May 3, 2021

DID YOU KNOW?

Volunteering is associated with a number of wellbeing outcomes  including an increased sense of belonging to your community.[i] According to Western Connecticut State University, it can also increase your self-confidence, self-esteem and life satisfaction while also reducing the risk of depression.[ii]

For 45% of those who never wind up volunteering, the reason that they don’t get involved is because they were sadly never asked.[iii]

JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY!

The College of Naturopaths of Ontario is asking you to consider volunteering with us and to be a part of the Naturopathic community that is dedicated to supporting patient rights and patient safety.

Today, the College has 36 individuals who sit on various Committees and on the Council. These individuals participate in 12 Committees. We also have nearly 130 Naturopathic Doctors who provide in-field work for the College, filling important roles such as examiners, peer & practice assessors and inspectors.

We need more help, especially on our Committees where many of our volunteers are performing double and triple duties.

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Council’s 12 Committees are in need of volunteers! These Committees include:

  • Audit Committee, responsible for reviewing audited financial statements and making recommendations to the Council.
  • Discipline Committee, responsible for conducting hearings into matters where Registrants are alleged to have committed acts of professional misconduct or incompetence or are thought to have been incapacitated.
  • Exam Appeals Committee, responsible for reviewing appeals from candidates who have sat any of the College’s examinations.
  • Governance Committee, responsible for the College’s volunteer program, assessing competence of volunteer applications as well as the Council elections.
  • Governance Policy Review Committee, responsible for assisting the Council in the development and maintenance of its governance policies.
  • Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, responsible for screening complaints and investigations about conduct and competence of College Registrants.
  • Inspection Committee, responsible for maintaining the Inspection Program and reviewing inspection reports made under the program.
  • Patient Relations Committee, responsible for overseeing Registrant and public education about sexual abuse and reviewing applications for funding for counselling.
  • Quality Assurance Committee, responsible for overseeing the College’s program that ensures Registrants maintain their competency to practise safely.
  • Registration Committee, responsible for reviewing applications for registration referred to it by the CEO.
  • Scheduled Substances Review Committee, responsible for recommending changes to the drugs and substances, as well as laboratory tests authorised for use by the profession.
  • Standards Committee, responsible for developing and reviewing existing standards of practice and guidelines for the profession.

WHO CAN BE INVOLVED?

This is an exciting opportunity for both Registrants of the College and individuals in the public. Registrants—Naturopathic Doctors—bring their knowledge and experience as members of the profession to provide valuable insight and input into the College’s processes. Individuals who are not naturopaths bring a wide range of much-needed intuition and diverse perspectives as the voice of the public.

Contact the College to find out if you are eligible to participate.

HOW MEETINGS ARE HELD

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the College has held all Committee meetings virtually through online video conferencing. Even when the pandemic is behind us, the College will continue to meet this way for the convenience of our volunteers. Allowances will be made for up to one in-person meeting annually so that Committees can actually meet one another in person.

TIME AND MONEY

Time commitments will vary based on the Committee(s) being selected. Several Committees will meet only a few times a year while others will meet monthly. Once we know you are interested, we will help you assess which Committee will best suit your time and skills.

Although the College does not pay its volunteers, we do provide a small honorarium to offset your personal costs. The College pays $75 for half day meetings and $150 for full day meetings. Certain Committees are eligible for an honorarium for preparation time.

When meetings are held in person, the College also pays for your expenses, including travel costs, accommodation costs and meals. In-person meetings are held at the head office of the College in downtown Toronto.

HOW TO APPLY

Anyone interested in volunteering with the College is invited to complete the application form and send it, along with a copy of their CV, resume or biography to the College by e-mail to volunteers@collegeofnaturopaths.on.ca.

The College will acknowledge receipt of your application and will carefully review it to find the best match between your interests and experience and Committee needs. When that match is made, you will be invited for a short phone interview. This may be followed by a face-to-face virtual meeting with a member of the Governance Committee or staff from the program area you are interested in.

If you and the Committee or program agree on a good match, the College will perform a reference check and ask the Council of the College to formally make an appointment.

Individuals appointed by the Council will be provided with a full day of general orientation of the College and their roles before beginning work with a Committee.

NEED MORE INFORMATON?

DEADLINE FOR APPLYING

 The College welcomes applications from potential volunteers all year long; however, the current slate of appointments to Committees will expire at the end of May. The Council will be making re-appointments and new appointments at its May meeting. To be included in this round, applications must be received by May 15, 2021.

The College is an inclusive organisation. Accommodations under the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act are available upon request. The College is actively seeking the participation of individuals from the black, indigenous and people of colour community under its diversity and inclusion program.

 

[i] Canadian Index of Wellbeing, University of Waterloo.
[ii] Benefits of Community Service, Western Connecticut State University.
[iii] 10 Volunteering Facts that May Surprise You, Salvation Army Canada
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