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: Students are able to start accumulating community involvement hours in the summer before they enter grade 9.
Volunteer Opportunities
Looking for volunteer opportunities in the UGDSB region? Visit the pages below:
- Dufferin County: www.volunteerdufferin.ca
- Centre Wellington: https://www.centrewellington.ca/en/living-here/volunteer-with-us.aspx
- Guelph: https://guelph.ca/living/volunteer-opportunities/#volunteer-tools
- Guelph and Wellington: https://vguelph.volunteerattract.com/
Keep a Record
Each student maintains a record of the Community Involvement activity, ensuring that the Community Involvement Activity Notification and Completion form (PDF) is correct and signed by a parent/guardian, and the Community Sponsor(s).
Here are some examples of ways to support your community:
- Service Clubs: run games, special events and walk-a-thons
- Sports/Recreation: coach children, volunteer refereeing in charity games, be a leisure buddy
- Community Events: assist with winter carnival, organize parades and fall fairs
- Environmental Projects: participate in community clean-ups, tree planting, recycling programs
- Volunteering for Seniors: help with crafts of reading, removing snow and cleaning up yards
- And more! Check our Community Involvement Guide for more ideas
All students are to continue to use the Community Involvement Activity Notification Form.
Question and Answer
Commonly asked questions about the Community Involvement Program and their answers.