Volunteering can make your university experience more meaningful. It allows you to give back, connect with your community and develop communication, collaboration, problem-solving and leadership skills that will be useful no matter where you go or what you do after graduation.
Volunteering is also a great way to make new friends, and connect with staff and faculty. Take a look through the volunteer opportunities available at MacEwan to find the best fits for you. Calls for applications are different for each program, so make sure to visit individual websites for full details.
MacEwan Ambassadors
As the name suggests, ambassadors represent MacEwan – and its positive spirit – by volunteering their time and service to causes and organizations on and off campus. Here at the university, ambassadors play a role in welcoming and helping new and prospective students at events like Open House and New Student Orientation. Out in the community, they volunteer with organizations and events like the Boys and Girls Club; Ronald McDonald House; Edmonton Food Bank; Habitat for Humanity; the Flying Canoë Volant, Deep Freeze and Fringe festivals; the Hope Mission and Homework Club; and Youth Empowerment and Support Services.
Applications are usually accepted between the months of March and June.
How to get involved: Visit the Ambassador website to apply.
Champions of Equity and Diversity (C.O.D.E.)
The C.O.D.E. training program is offered through MacEwan’s Office of Human Rights and focuses on creating a space and culture for dialogue, learning, reflection and action on human rights. C.O.D.E participants explore the theory and practice of human rights and gain skills in facilitating dialogue and conversations on critical human rights issues. They also volunteer 20 to 30 hours per semester by participating in presentations, organizing awareness events, leading peer dialogue sessions and supporting campus and community outreach initiatives.
How to get involved: Visit the C.O.D.E. website to learn more and contact program organizers.
MacEwan Anti-Violence Education Network (MAVEN)
The MAVEN Peer Education Program provides comprehensive training on sexual violence prevention, under the guidance of the Office of Sexual Violence Prevention, Education and Response. Students complete more than 50 hours of training to become peer educators who work toward creating a culture of consent at MacEwan by developing and delivering education and outreach initiatives.
Applications open in the winter and training begins in August. Students gain leadership skills, develop the tools to become agents of positive social change and learn how to navigate conversations around the challenging topic of sexual violence.
How to get involved: Visit the MAVEN Peer Education Program website to learn more and to apply.
Peer Health Education Team (PHET)
PHET is a volunteer program that strives to build a healthier campus by encouraging students to make healthy life choices in support of their academic and personal goals. PHET volunteers offer peer-to-peer education, advocating for, and collaborating with, campus and community members.
Volunteer shifts are from September to April. Applications open in March each year.
How to get involved: Visit the PHET website to apply.
Community Nests Program (Mentorship Program)
Become an integral part of supporting first-year students during their transition to university life by joining the Community Nests Program as a Nest Leader. In this paid position, you'll attend and create a range of activities for your cohort of first-year students. From planning monthly social gatherings to participating in campus events, you will be instrumental in fostering a sense of community and belonging. Help new students become part of our campus community!
How to get involved: Email the Community Nests Program communitynests@macewan.ca for information.
MacEwan University Tour Guide Program
Do you love campus and want to help show it off? The MacEwan Tour Guide Program is for you! Help show off our amazing campus and programs while learning valuable public speaking and presentation skills.
How to get involved: Fill out the application or email tours@macewan.ca for more info.
Emerging Leaders Certificate
Build your leadership skills before you try them out on the world. The Emerging Leaders Certificate is a three-part program open to all MacEwan students. Level one of the program is a series of six bi-weekly workshops that run throughout the Fall and Winter terms. Students can explore leadership, wellness, public speaking, communication styles, managing conflict and restorative practices. The program’s second level involves a Student Leadership Summit, and participants wrap up the certificate with a community-engaged leadership challenge where they help a community partner solve a challenge they are facing.
How to get involved: Visit the Emerging Leaders webpage and register through the MacEwanLife portal.
Golden Key International Honours Society
Get the grades and an invitation to join an international organization.
The university’s chapter of the Golden Key International Honours Society sends a personal invitation to students in the top 15 per cent of their class to help implement service projects and participate in leadership development projects.
For even more volunteer opportunities, visit MacEwan.ca/Volunteer.