Community Involvement
As stated in Ontario Secondary Schools, Grades 9 to 12: Program and Diploma Requirements, every 
student must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement activities as part of the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
The purpose of the community involvement requirement is to encourage students to develop awareness and understanding of civic responsibility and of the role they can play and the contributions they can make in supporting and strengthening their communities.
To assist students, parents and sponsors with this requirement, the Upper Grand District School Board has compiled information and links on this site – simply click on the links below.
NOTE: Effective July 1, 2011, students are able to start accumulating community involvement hours in the summer before they enter Grade 9.
Community Involvement Form Activity Notification And Completion
Volunteer Opportunities
Downey Animal Hospital is looking for volunteers – 519-265-8387 [email protected]
The West Village Community Development Co-operative in Guelph invites 10-12 high school co-op students to experience urban farming. The co-operative urban farm is located at Castlebury Park near Paisley Rd and Stephanie Drive, west of the Hanlon Expressway. Bus access is along Guelph Transit Route 10. Activities will include planting and maintaining vegetable beds, harvesting fresh vegetables, and the sale of produce in a small community market at Mitchell Woods PS (Guelph Transit routes 10,17, 18 and 20).
This would attract students interested in green industries, farming and gardening, sustainable environment, marketing as well as those interested in a mostly outdoor placement.
For more information, please contact Ralf Mesenbrink at 519-841-3476 or Christine Clarke at [email protected] or 519-826-9930
Looking for volunteer opportunities in Dufferin County? Visit Volunteer Dufferin: www.volunteerdufferin.ca
Please note the for the 2022/23 school year the following previously ineligible activities continue to be eligible:
- Takes place during the time allotted for the instructional program on a school day. Students should not miss school to earn these hours.
- Paid employment (up to 10 hours), provided the student completes a reflection activity (see page 3 of the Volunteer Form)
- Consists of duties normally performed in the home (i.e daily chores)
Some Suggestions of Resources to find Community Involvement Hour Opportunities:
- Guelph/Wellington: PIN Network
- Dufferin: Volunteer Dufferin
- All over Ontario: SparkOntario
As well, here are some examples of ways to support your community while adhering to social distancing guidelines:
- Lawn maintenance/snow removal for seniors or others who cannot complete the work
- Writing letters to seniors in Long Term Care Homes
- Knitting, sewing or creating ear guards, masks, or other helpful Personal Protective Equipment
- Acting as a mentor or participating in virtual volunteer opportunities where possible – for example, summer camps, faith based activities, sports/arts, and community movements
- Reach out to local hospitals, organizations to connect one-on-one with ways you may be able to support
Keep a Record
Each student maintains a record of the Community Involvement activity, ensuring that the Community Involvement Form Activity Notification And Completion (PDF) is correct and signed by a parent/guardian, and the Community Sponsor(s).