Volunteering

Whether you give your time and energy to support a worthy cause, or you work for an organization that uses volunteers, you may not be aware of the related legal issues. Some types of volunteer positions may involve legal responsibilities. Organizations have a duty of care to their volunteers, and also some accountability for the actions of their volunteers.

The resources on this page were hand-picked by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta's staff as a good place to start.

You may also find helpful resources listed under these legal topics: Volunteers and Non-profit and charity law


CPLEA Suggested Resources

Not sure where to begin finding answers to your questions. Get started with our suggested resources. See additional resources below for more information.

Alberta Resources

This site provides links to community grants, programs and services designed to assist non-profit organizations, communities, and volunteerism, as well as links to tools and resources to help.

Related legal topic(s): Non-profit and charity law, Volunteers

The Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (CCVO) was formed in 2003 in response to a growing demand from voluntary sector organizations across Calgary for a stronger voice on the issues that impact the sector as a whole. In Calgary, this sector includes about 2,500 registered charities and more than 4,000 non-profit and voluntary organizations.
Related legal topic(s): Volunteers

The ECVO is a charitable organization dedicated to providing leadership and mobilizing the collective resources of the voluntary sector, to enhance programs, services, operations and governance of not-for-profit organizations in the Edmonton region. ECVO’s primary goal is to be a collective voice for the not-for-profit sector, to build the sector’s capacity and to raise awareness of those cross-sectoral issues that have the greatest impact on the organizations we represent.

 

Related legal topic(s): Volunteers

This online resource was created by the Alberta Voluntary Sector Insurance Council and the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations to assist nonprofits with understanding and managing their insurance issues. It explains the basics of insurance, understanding a policy and managing your policy. It includes a section about Volunteers and Insurance, and provides information for volunteer board members.

Related legal topic(s): Non-profit and charity law, Volunteers

The Foundation works to strengthen the charitable sector through policy research, public awareness research and analysis, consultations on the regulation of charities, seminars and workshops on key issues and concerns affecting charities as well as special projects. Particular areas of concern are management development and leadership and building capacity within organizations devoted to early childhood development. They provide a variety of publications related to this work.

Related legal topic(s): Non-profit and charity law, Volunteers

Volunteer Alberta aims to empower Alberta’s nonprofit sector organizations through knowledge exchange and strategic connections. Their risk management resources include an Insurance Toolkit and Guide to Director’s and Officer’s Liability.

Related legal topic(s): Non-profit and charity law

Volunteer Calgary provides a critical link between people who want to be the difference in their communities and the many charitable organizations that require volunteers, so that they may continue to help those in need. Volunteer Calgary's mission is "building community through leadership in volunteerism."
Related legal topic(s): Volunteers

Volunteers and the Law in Alberta provides information for both volunteers and the organizations who recruit them, as to what the law is regarding volunteering. The site is divided into two sections; Volunteers and Organization/Board Member, so as to make finding the information you need as fast and easy as possible.

Related legal topic(s): Non-profit and charity law, Volunteers

The Workers' Compensation Board – Alberta is an independent organization that manages workers' compensation insurance based on legislation. WCB-Alberta is not a provincial government department or crown corporation. The organization is employer funded to provide cost-effective disability and liability insurance. Workers' compensation provides assistance to injured workers for lost income, health care and other costs related to a work-related injury.

Related legal topic(s): Workers' compensation

Canada/Federal

Imagine Canada is a national charitable organization whose cause is Canada’s charities and nonprofits. They support and strengthen charities and nonprofits so they can, in turn, support the Canadians and communities they serve. Sections include: Ethical Code program; Insurance and liability resource centre for non-profits; Charity tax tools; and Non-profit library.

Related legal topic(s): Non-profit and charity law, Volunteers

Volunteer Canada is the national voice for volunteerism in Canada. Since 1977, Volunteer Canada has been committed to supporting volunteerism and civic participation through ongoing programs and special projects. National in scope, Volunteer Canada's board members, partners and members represent hundreds of different communities across Canada.

 

Related legal topic(s): Volunteers

Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada strives: to provide national leadership for those working in the field of Volunteer Management; to maintain a professional Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice in the management of volunteer resources; to promote professional development in the management of volunteer resources; and to collaborate with provincial, national and international organizations.

Related legal topic(s): Volunteers