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.
Volunteer Opportunities
Search for volunteer opportunities in Guelph-Wellington and find out more about the services offered by the People and Information Network: http://pinnetwork.ca
Looking for volunteer opportunities in Dufferin County? Visit Volunteer Dufferin: www.volunteerdufferin.ca
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).
Community Involvement Hours Update: 2020-21 School Year
For the 2020-21 school year, the Ministry of Education has revised the 40-hour community involvement graduation requirement so that students will not be adversely impacted by the ongoing challenges related to COVID-19.
For students graduating in the 2020-21 school year, the community involvement graduation requirement will be reduced to a minimum of 20 hours of community involvement activities. This adjustment acknowledges that many students who are eligible to graduate in the 2020-2021 school year face barriers in their attempt to complete the mandated 40 hours due to COVID-19 related restrictions.
In addition, the ministry is providing increased flexibility in how all secondary students can earn hours in 2020-21:
- Students can now earn hours for helping out during the school day (but not missing school) and for duties normally performed in the home (e.g., walking a younger child to and from school, helping younger siblings with school work).
- Students aged 14 years and older can count up to a maximum of 10 hours from paid employment towards their earned hours. Students counting paid employment towards their graduation requirement will be required to complete a reflection exercise indicating how their work contributed to the service of others (on the revised Community Involvement Activity Notification Form)
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
All students are to continue to use the Community Involvement Activity Notification Form except Westside Secondary students who use Hour Republic found in Brightspace.
Question and Answer
Commonly asked questions about the Community Involvement Program and their answers.