Become a Volunteer
Without members and volunteers many activities in our Squadron would not take place. Members and Volunteers give their time in a variety of ways, for example: running the canteen, driving Cadets to and from events, coordinating a mess dinner, helping with special events, assisting with summer course selections and promotion interviews, being a band master, a Web Master, a photographer or a media relations representative for the Squadron and so on. They want the Squadron to be successful and to be part of making that happen.
The Air Cadet League of Canada welcomes a large number of volunteers at the Squadron level and in the Air Cadet Program as a whole. The Air Cadet League of Canada and its partner, the Department of National Defence (DND) jointly support the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, a premier youth organization. The Air Cadet program is a comprehensive program, which is run in a structured, disciplined and safe manner. In this context, it is important to ensure all volunteers are appropriately selected, initially supervised, well- intended, offer skills which add value and complement the program, and are good role models for Air Cadets. Knowing the volunteers, their skills and talents, and their intended contribution is very important to the Squadron Officers, staff and Sponsoring Committee. A team effort produces the best results for the greater benefit of the Cadet Movement.
MILITARY SCREENING
It should be understood that the League’s responsibilities for civilian volunteers complement those of DND and are of a supporting nature. The Commanding Officer and his/her supporting staff have command and control of the Cadets and are responsible for supervision of the training program. To fulfill its responsibilities to the Cadets, DND is required to conform to rulings by the Supreme Court of Canada that defined the level of care required by any organization in protecting youth under its direction. This level of care has been defined as that which would be exercised by a prudent parent in protecting their child. As a full, active partner in this aspect of the Air Cadet Program, it is also reasonable that we should also insure that our registration and screening protocols meet the same standard required by our military partners. The military will be responsible for screening the volunteers of the Canadian Forces, both Regular and Reserve as well as contracted Civilian Instructors who work directly with youth.
CADET LEAGUE SCREENING
For those looking to support the Squadron or League, but not work directly with youth, volunteering is an excellent option. This is usually the path many parents of cadets take, as they serve on the Squadron Sponsoring Committee (SSC), support activities, or lead fundraising efforts.
In order to volunteer, certain information is required. An interview with a League representative will be required, in addition to providing personal details and undertaking a Police Records Check (PRC). For positions of trust (such as Treasurer), a Credit Check may be required. A volunteer’s Registration/Screening is valid for five years as long as the volunteer remains in good standing. By applying and being approved, the Volunteer undertakes an obligation to report any subsequent change to his/her situation/circumstances that is of a nature to reasonably and usually require a re-evaluation and re-screening (example, a new criminal offence).
The link above will take you to our Google Forms volunteer questionnaire. A member of the SSC will contact you after you complete the questionnaire. We thank you for your generous offer of volunteer services and hope you understand the legal and moral obligation of the League in reviewing the suitability of all individuals working or involved with youth.