Volunteer Local Chapter Coordinator

THE PROBLEM

A growing number of women and gender-diverse people are being impacted by homelessness, displaced from their homes and estranged from their families. The isolation can be particularly challenging. Often, women report feeling disconnected from society, invisible and alone. The stigma around homelessness only perpetuates this inequality and the cycle inevitably continues.

THIS LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

This is a great role for enthusiastic project manager types to grow and develop. Help inspire your community to take action and change the narrative for how at risk women in our communities are viewed for future generations.

A LOCAL CHAPTER is a branch of The Shoebox Project led entirely by volunteers in communities across Canada.

On behalf of, and supported by a trusted registered charity, Local Chapters collect gifts and essentials from members of the community and distribute them through shelters and agencies to local women and gender-diverse individuals experiencing or at-risk-of homelessness.

A LOCAL CHAPTER COORDINATOR determines a Chapter's goals based on the needs of local shelters and community agencies. They lead and execute seasonal gift drives by recruiting local volunteers to help. Chapters educate and build awareness of The Shoebox Project and our mission. They encourage the community to support their Chapter through Shoebox gifts, monetary donations, volunteering and offering kind messages of support to the women they serve.

Our annual giving campaign is during the holidays and a majority of Chapter activity is from September(planning), through December (gift delivery). Many chapters run gift giving campaigns during other times of the year like International Women's Day and Mother's Day.

This leadership opportunity is flexible with your schedule and home based, however you do need to be living within the community you are serving as this is a boots on the ground opportunity as you lead local volunteers in drive related activities.

YOUR COMMUNITY IMPACT:

Every woman, regardless of their circumstances, Canadan achieve great things for themselves and their families. They can gain confidence and self worth, find independence, become leaders and someday may mentor others to do the same. All it takes is a caring community to see them, to hear them, and to act to support them. Our Local Chapters work together to uplift and empower women so they can see themselves in a positive light and worthy of being cared for.

IT BEGINS WITH YOU. We are waiting for your leadership today and you’ll be ready to hit the ground running for our annual drive season beginning in September!

Your Impactful Responsibilities

● Be the Face of the Cause: Act as an ambassador, educating your community on the challenges facing women in need and inspiring others to take action.

● Build Your Dream Team: Recruit and lead a motivated group of volunteers to help share the workload and the fun.

● Forge Community Partnerships and Crucial Support: Identify and collaborate with local shelters, resource agencies, corporate, community and school partners to ensure needed support is received and ultimately reaches those who need it most.

● Drive the Gift Campaign: Oversee the "life cycle" of a gift, from initial fundraising and social media buzz (Facebook/Instagram) to the inspection and delivery of shoeboxes.

● Operational Excellence: Manage chapter administration and expenses, track community outreach and inquiries, and ensure the chapter runs smoothly and transparently using guidelines and policies.

What You Bring to the Table

● Leadership Heart: You have a passion for supporting women and a desire to make a tangible difference in the heart of your very own community.

● Project Management Prowess: You’re organized, comfortable with a "committee" style of leadership, and can keep multiple plates spinning.

● Communication Skills: You are comfortable making the "ask" for support and can communicate professionally with shelter staff, donors, and local media.

● Tech Savvy: You’re familiar with Google Workspace (Drive, Sheets, etc.) and feel right at home navigating social media.

● Financial Literacy: You have a basic understanding of budgeting and expense tracking.