Why get involved with the MS Society? An estimated 55, 000 – 75, 000 Canadians have MS, making MS one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system. Canada in particular has a high prevalence rate of Multiple Sclerosis incidence, particularly among women who are approximately 3 times more likely to be afflicted with the disease. That means someone you know, whether it be an acquaintance, a friend, a spouse or even a family member might someday be affected by this disease. The MS Society relies heavily on its volunteer’s, as they help to support some of the most innovative research and client services in the world. With your help we will end MS. Back To Top
What is the role of the MS Society? The MS Society of Canada is the only national voluntary organization in Canada that supports both MS research and services for people with MS and their families. The MS Society receives almost no government funding; however, through special events and individual and corporate contributions, the MS Society is able to help facilitate some of the most innovative research in the world, help create awareness, and all the while help to ensure that no one is having to face MS alone. Back To Top
How is the MS Society of Canada structured? The MS Society of Canada is a national organization, under which numerous divisions operate. These divisions act in a way that helps to support their individual and more localized chapters. These local chapters are at the heart of providing MS services to individuals, in addition to acting as a liaison between the MS society and the public. In Alberta, we have both staffed and volunteer chapters. Most chapters in Alberta are staffed, however some of our smaller and more rural chapters are volunteer based. Back To Top
What can I do to help? Get involved. The MS Society is always in need of more volunteers and often requires a variety of different skill sets for its many special events and programs. Follow the link to learn more about Volunteer Opportunities & Major Events Back To Top
How does this benefit me? Aside from the personal satisfaction of giving back to your community you can gain new contacts, acquire new skills and perspectives and much, much more. See the Benefits of Volunteering for more information. Back To Top
If I am not 18 am I allowed to volunteer? Youth are definitely welcome to volunteer. Cultivating awareness about MS amongst all age cohorts is a very important goal of the MS Society and the MS Society is happy to help foster a sense of leadership and community involvement amongst youth. Volunteerism at a young age is a great way to begin acquiring important skills for the future. The only requirement of the MS Society is that individuals under the age of 18 who wish to volunteer first obtain parental consent. Back To Top
Do you screen volunteers and do I need a police record check? Yes our volunteers are screened. Dependent on the situation and position requirements, most new volunteer applicants first have their application reviewed by an MS Society staff member, during which time references may be contacted and criminal record checks performed. Upon completion of this, the applicant is then asked to come in for an interview.
This screening process ensures that the MS Society is providing a safe atmosphere for all of its members. Additionally, screening allows the MS Society to gain insight into the applicant’s skills, wishes, achievements and needs, thus permitting a better understanding of where that individual will best fit within the MS Society framework.
Depending on what role you will be serving as a volunteer with the MS Society, we may need to perform a criminal record check as a part of our risk management strategy. Back To Top
What is the time commitment? The time commitment varies from position to position. Event volunteers may only have to commit a few hours, where as leadership volunteers may have to commit a few years. It is understood that individual circumstances will directly affect how much time a given individual can dedicate to the MS Society, however all time contributions are greatly appreciated. It is preferred that a person be able to commit to at least a 6 month term with us. Back To Top
Is there a training session for volunteers and how do you prepare me? The extent of training, preparation and training will depend directly on the respective volunteer assignment. Generally volunteers will receive some level of orientation that is applicable to their particular position. You will be notified about training and orientation requirements once you have been selected for a position. Back To Top
Do I get to choose what I do? Generally the MS Society does attempt to respect volunteer wishes when it comes to placement. However, some factors that might affect placement include qualifications, physical capabilities, scheduling and position availability. Back To Top
How do I use this volunteer experience to improve my skill set? Experiences that provide you with new knowledge and new interpersonal interactions are a great way to grow yourself as a person. Some of the best ways to ensure that you are gaining the most from your volunteer experience include doing something with the MS Society that is of interest to you, taking on new roles and challenges, honing skills that you already possess and attending educational training sessions when possible. Back To Top
Will you write me a reference letter for university, employment purposes etc.? Yes we do provide reference letters to those who wish to receive them. Obviously the stronger the relationship and the more credibility that a volunteer has built with the MS Society, the better the reference letter will be. It is a good tip to record the new skills and experiences that an individual has acquired while volunteering with the MS Society, just in case a letter of recommendation is ever required. Back To Top
