Eligible and Ineligible Activities
An activity that meets any of the criteria listed below is INELIGIBLEto count for Community Involvement Hours:
IneligibleCommunity Involvement Activities:
- Activities that would normally be performed for wages by a person in the workplace
- Activities during instructional/class time within the school day
- Required activities of a course where you earn a credit (i.e. co-operative education)
- Participating on school sports teams or extra-curricular clubs
- Experiential learning (e.g. “Take Our Kids to Work Day”, job shadow, co-op)
- Regular family responsibilities (chores)
- Court ordered community service programs
Students cannot volunteer in any positions or activities that go against minimum working age requirements, applicable legislation, regulations or policies.
Volunteer opportunities should not require students to:
- operate a vehicle, power tools or scaffolding
- give any type of medication or doing medical procedures
- handle “designated substances” such as arsenic, asbestos, lead or mercury
- be in banking or the handling of securities or valuable items, such as jewelry, art or antiques
- require the knowledge of a regulated tradesperson
- be involved in activities that promote discrimination, harassment or put the safety of yourself or others at risk
Activities that do not meet any of the ineligibility criteria above MAY BE ELIGIBLEif they meet one or more of the following criteria:
EligibleCommunity Involvement Activities include an event/activity/program:
- Targeted to support the work of a not-for-profit/charitable organization
- Designed to be of benefit to the community; helping others in need
- Structured to promote tutoring, mentoring, coaching and the purpose is to assist others (with not-for-profit organizations, not replacing paid employment)
- Supporting work of a global nature, promoting environmental awareness
- Contributing to the health and well-being of any group, including school-based activities
- Affiliated with a club, arts or cultural association, or organization that seeks to make a positive contribution
Sample eligible activities may include:
- Volunteering your time at a charitable organization such as the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Conservation Halton, Community Development Halton etc.
- Teaching, helping or supporting younger children, not affiliated with a for-profit business
- Canvassing activities for a local, provincial or federal election
- Supporting the activities of an event at your school (tournament, charitable event, arts night, grade 9 night) outside of class time
- Supporting with the activities of a cultural or faith-based organization
- Volunteering at a hospital or long term care facility
- Assisting an elderly neighbour in your community with yardwork, dog-walking etc.
- Volunteering at community events (tree planting, Burlington Sound of Music Festival, charitable walkathon, community clean up)
- Supporting a national or global initiative through volunteer activities
All students are strongly advised to pre-approve all community involvement activities to ensure they meet eligibility criteria. Secondary schools will not accept activities that are in violation of eligibility criteria.
