Volunteer Opportunities

Adjusting to life after retirement often brings a set of challenges. For example, it can feel strange to no longer have a lengthy list of daily tasks to complete, meetings to attend, or calls to make. The faster pace and busy routine in your working years is probably replaced by an easy, relaxed lifestyle. While it may be a welcome change for a short while, you will soon begin to wonder what to do with your lifetime of knowledge, skills, abilities, and unique talents. Certainly, they should not go to waste, and you can apply them in new and exciting ways!

The joy of retirement is that you now have more freedom and control over your time. You can decide how often and for how long you lend your valuable time and talents to the people and causes you care about. Luckily, there is no shortage of volunteer opportunities or volunteer groups for older adults in Toronto. In fact, The LIFE Institute at Ryerson University is always seeking people like you to pitch in!

Keep reading to see how you can stay busy and take advantage of the many benefits of volunteering while helping build The LIFE Institute community. Join a committee, become a class host, instruct a class, or assist with events and administration. No matter what type of activity you want to be involved in and how much time you can spare, we have opportunities to accommodate your interests and your schedule.

Join a Committee

If you enjoy working as part of a team and meeting new people, joining a committee might be the perfect fit for you. The LIFE Institute’s committees work to enrich the lives of their fellow members by recruiting and training class hosts and instructors, planning and evaluating the curriculum, creating new courses, planning events, communicating with members and media, coordinating walking groups, assisting with the management of the website and IT needs, and so on.

Committee members are an integral part of helping our organization operate smoothly. We are incredibly grateful for everyone who steps up to serve on a committee.

Learn more about our committee mandates and how you can get involved. See our Join a Committee page!

Become a Class or Zoom Host

Every class, regardless of whether it is hosted virtually or in person, begins with the friendly greeting of a smiling host. If you enjoy making others feel welcome, you will thrive in this role.

Class Hosts

Class hosts communicate class information, take class attendance, distribute class materials and evaluation forms, and handle any issues or concerns. Their primary objective is to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that the class provides an enjoyable learning experience for all attendees.

If you would like to learn more about being a Class Host, view our Class Host Handbook.

Zoom Hosts

The role of Zoom hosts is to connect with the instructor to introduce yourself, assist members with audio and video issues, remind participants about online classroom etiquette, and communicate participant feedback to the LIFE Institute’s staff and instructors.

If you would like to learn more about being a Zoom Host, view our Zoom Host Training Handbook

Volunteer to Instruct a Class

Most new courses at LIFE come about because one of our members had the great idea to offer it. This role is where your knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm shine! It is also an opportunity to challenge yourself and go beyond your comfort zone.

If you are not already a trained teacher or instructor, The LIFE Institute offers support, free workshops, and mentoring through our Instructor Training, Coaching and Mentoring Program. A special committee of experienced individuals will help you get started, giving you encouragement and feedback along the way.

To learn more about becoming an instructor or to express your interest in the role,contact the LIFE office at 647 691-4019 ext. 556989 or  info@thelifeinstitute.ca

Become a Helper

Helpers are critical to LIFE’s success because we always need an extra pair of hands to keep everything running smoothly. This role is very flexible, allowing you to dedicate as much or as little time to take on tasks that interest you. Help greet guests at special events, proofread a document, or help with various administrative tasks at times that work best for you.

Still Unsure of How You Can Volunteer at LIFE?

If you don’t see an opportunity that interests you but you would like to lend a hand, reach out to the LIFE office at info@thelifeinstitute.ca or ‭(416) 979-5000‬ x543612. The office staff will be happy to set up a time to chat about current volunteer opportunities or discuss your interests and talents to explore other ways to volunteer.

About The LIFE Institute

In addition to offering valuable volunteer opportunities for older adults, The LIFE Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University provides access to lectures, social groups, and special events. LIFE members also gain access to TMU's campus facilities, such as the library and recreation centre.

Learn about the benefits of LIFE membership, or reach out to us for more information. We’re happy to welcome you to our community of older adults dedicated to later life learning!