Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta Enbridge is a proud sponsor of Junior Achievement's Volunteer Resource Management Program. Junior Achievement has a place for you if you want to make a difference in the life of a young person. To find out more about our programs and determine which program would be the best fit for you, click here. For further information, please contact Carol Peters, Manager Volunteer Program & Stewardship, at 403-781-2575 or email cpeters@jasouthalberta.org Volunteer FAQ Sheet Volunteering for Junior Achievement is a rewarding and fun way for you to share your practical business experience with students. JA volunteers come back year-after-year, investing countless hours and talent into fostering the leaders of tomorrow. Volunteering your busy time is a commitment that is greatly appreciated, and at JA we realize that there are many questions you may have about your volunteer experience. Hopefully the following will answer some of your questions and bring you one step closer to the classroom! Q: What is Junior Achievement? A: Junior Achievement is part of an international not-for-profit organization dedicated to partnering the business and education communities. JA offers cost free, curriculum enhancing programs delivered by trained and inspiring volunteers who share their practical experience to equip students with the necessary skills to enter tomorrow’s workforce and to face their futures with confidence. Q: Who funds Junior Achievement? A: Junior Achievement is funded largely by corporate investors who believe in the mission and vision of JA. Junior Achievement occasionally receives government grants to advance the delivery of its programs and also relies on contributions from individual donors and foundations. Q: How do the schools get involved with Junior Achievement? A: Junior Achievement has a strong and successful relationship with the public, private, catholic, charter and federal school boards across Southern Alberta. At the beginning of each school year, schools are sent information packages and registration forms for JA programs. JA programs are delivered at no cost to the school or students. It is up to the teacher to determine whether or not a JA program will be delivered in his/her classroom. Q: What does JA look for in a volunteer? A: Junior Achievement volunteers are the key to the success of the organization. JA volunteers come from all areas of business and must bring with them commitment, experience, perspective and most importantly, enthusiasm. Q: I want to volunteer but how do I select the program that is best suited for me? A: JA encourages volunteers to review all of the programs we offer (click on the programs link on the left menu) and to consider your own skills, strengths, interests and availability. Consider the age group you would like to work with, as well as your schedule and areas of expertise. Remember - no matter which program you choose you will make a difference! Q: I don’t have a specific business background – am I still qualified to volunteer? A: Most definitely. Junior Achievement’s main focus is to provide students with the skills they need to face their futures with confidence. JA programs are aimed at introducing preliminary business concepts to students and encouraging them to appreciate the benefits of ongoing education. You have already done this so you’re already an expert! Q: Once I have selected a program of interest how do I get involved? A: Once you have chosen your preferred program please call or email the appropriate program manager (listed under each program or on the "Contact Us" page. Q: I have never presented a program to students before – can I still volunteer? A: ABSOLUTELY! All of Junior Achievement’s volunteers go through program-specific training sessions lead by one of JA’s talented & experienced Program Managers. Throughout your training session you will be given tips on how to facilitate the program, relate to the students and how to prepare for your delivery. Q: Can I go into the classroom with a partner or do I have to go alone? A: For most of our programs, we encourage volunteers to partner with someone else, particularly our first time volunteers. If you do want a partner, JA encourages you to recruit a colleague, client, family member, or friend to deliver the program with you. If you are unable to do so, we will do our best to pair you up with another team teaching partner. Once you have experience under your belt, delivering a program on your own is easy, fun and a great way to help us reach more students. Q: Can I choose the school where I want to deliver the program? A: If you have an interest in volunteering at a particular school or in a particular area of the city, we will do our best to accommodate your request subject to availability. We encourage you to sign up early to ensure that you are partnered with the school of your choice! Q: Once I become a volunteer how much time do I have to commit to JA? A: Your commitment to Junior Achievement is largely based on the program you choose to be involved with. However, regardless of the program, volunteers are all expected to attend the scheduled training sessions (1-2 hours depending on program choice) that are held throughout the year at the JA offices. With the exception of Company Program: A Student Venture, all of the programs are delivered during school hours and as such, volunteers are committed to delivering the program during the workday. Volunteers are also expected to take the time (after training) to re-read through the materials and prepare for the in-class program delivery. The exact time commitment differs for each volunteer and program (for detailed information on program commitments please contact Scott Hillier at 403-237-5252 ext.23). Q: What happens after my volunteer commitment is finished? A: Upon completion of a JA program each volunteer is recognized with a thank you letter. Special recognition is also given to those volunteers who reach 5, 10, and 15 years of service with JA. Letters verifying your participation in JA can also be sent to your employer upon request. Q: Can I volunteer more than once in a school year? A: OF COURSE! If you’re time allows, JA would be happy to have you as a volunteer, again and again. Q: If I volunteer for a program that I have already delivered, do I need to attend the training session again? A: Not necessarily. If you are an experienced volunteer who has already attended a training session and been in the classroom, you do not need to attend a second training session for the same program unless you feel that a “refresher” is needed. Q: Are there other ways to volunteer for Junior Achievement? A: If volunteering your time during the day does not work with your schedule or you are not interested in teaching a program, there are various times throughout the year where other volunteer opportunities arise, such as helping out with administrative work in our office, working on special event projects or joining one of JA’s respected advisory committees. For further information on these types of volunteer opportunities please contact Carol Peters, Manager Volunteer Program & Stewardship, at 403-781-2575 or email cpeters@jasouthalberta.org We invite you to browse through our program offerings on our website. The Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta has accepted the Canadian Code of Volunteer Involvement.