Get involved

For many youth, this might be your first volunteering experience. It is exciting, but may also seem a bit intimidating. Throughout the process, remember that you will learn some great skills and gain valuable knowledge, while at the same time helping out your community and fulfilling your high school volunteer requirements.

The first thing to do is register or apply to become a volunteer. No matter what organization you wish to volunteer with, there will be some type of registration process. This might include creating an online profile, filling out forms and depending on the volunteer position and what type of clients or program you will be working with, you might be required to do a Police Records Check.

All City of Ottawa Volunteers must take accessibility training as a requirement of the Province of Ontario. All volunteers under the age of 18 must have parental or guardian consent to volunteer. This is part of the process to make sure all the participants, volunteers and staff are safe.

The timeline to begin your volunteer position will depend on the needs of the group you will be working with. Some positions might be able to start within a week, others might take up to 6 weeks, and some programs recruit groups of volunteers at different times of the year. Just keep in mind that it won't happen the day after you register or apply for the position. But be patient and learn as you go.

We look forward to having you as a volunteer and wish you a great experience!

Browse volunteer opportunities with the City of Ottawa.

Contact volunteer@ottawa.ca or call them at 613-580-2624.

About us

The Ottawa Youth Engagement Committee (OYEC) is a committee to help encourage youth engagement and to amplify youth voice and representation at the City of Ottawa. OYEC is working to increase youth engagement in decision making within the City of Ottawa. OYEC will also strive to engage the non-engaged and underrepresented communities, in action and through representation. To learn more about this Committee, please contact youth@ottawa.ca.  

New members

If you’re between the ages of 15 – 24 and you would like to become an OYEC member, please complete the application form by visiting Youth Ottawa New members are selected throughout the year as needed.  

Ottawa Public Library Advisory Groups

Are you between the ages of 14 and 18, want to earn community involvement hours, build leadership skills and meet new teens in your area? If so, you could become a member of a Teen Advisory Group (TAG) at one of many library branches!

Teen Advisory Groups:

• Have a say in which activities and services are offered to teens
• Help plan and implement them
• Help design Teen Zones
• Participate in focus groups related to the Teen Section of the Ottawa Public Library website
• Read advance copies of Teen fiction books and write reviews
• Advise the Library about new collections and suggest titles to buy

To join a TAG or for more information, visit: TAG. You can also email: teenservices@biblioottawalibrary.ca

Youth in Policing

The Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI) is an employment program with the Ottawa Police Service for youth 15-18 years of age and attending a secondary school program.

The goal of the Youth in Policing Initiative is to give young people an opportunity to develop job skills while enhancing police and community relations.

For more information about the program, eligibility criteria, and how to apply, visit: Student and Youth Opportunities

Ottawa Police Youth Advisory Committee

Are you under 24 and interested in sharing ideas and working together with police for a safer Ottawa? You may be interested in getting involved with the Ottawa Police Services Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), where you will be helping with decisions, projects and events that matter.

Reasons to join:

• Bring your voice to policing
• Work as a team with others and police to help make Ottawa safer
• Make new friends
• Help make the Ottawa Police Service more youth-friendly
• Become more aware of youth issues and get involved in solutions
• Build your social skills and résumé
• Free food, bus tickets, and other perks!

To join, you will have to fill out an application form. For more information, visit: YAC. You can also email YAC@ottawapolice.ca or call 613-236-1222, ext. 8676.

Ottawa Police Cadet Corps

Are you between the ages of 14 and 18 and thinking about a career in policing? Cadet Corps is a great way to learn about the role of police in the community and criminal justice system. You must be in school and take part in weekly meetings about 20 hours per month. The program runs from October to June each year.

The Cadet Corps:

• Give tours of the police station;
• Help with police crime prevention initiatives;
• Help at police and community events;
• Learn about policing;
• Become part of a dynamic and energetic group of youth.

Recruitment takes place in the fall. For more information about who can apply and how to apply, visit the Cadet Corps website or call 613-236-1222 ext. 5382.

Paint it Up

Did you know that one of the best ways to beat graffiti is to paint up walls, old buildings and underpasses? That's why Crime Prevention Ottawa works with the City of Ottawa to offer funding for outdoor mural projects through the Paint it Up! program for youth. Find out more on the Paint it Up program page.