IBB is looking for volunteers!
Working Board Member & Operations Coordinator
I Belong Bags Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential items and support to at-risk youth experiencing homelessness in our community. Our mission is to offer a sense of belonging and dignity by distributing backpacks filled with essential and comfort items such as pajamas, toothbrushes, books, blankets, and hygiene products. We aim to foster compassion and make a tangible impact on the lives of youth facing displacement and crisis.
Volunteer Position Overview: We are seeking a dedicated individual to serve as Operations Coordinator playing a vital role in supporting the operations and strategic growth of our outreach efforts. This position is also a Board of Directors position and requires a commitment of approximately 5 hours per week, depending on demand and available volunteer support. The ideal candidate will be organized, proactive, and oversight for key initiatives. As part of the board, you will be entrusted with overseeing important aspects of the foundation’s work, including inventory management, donation pickups, and deliveries to partner organizations.
Key responsibilities include ensuring efficient operations, fostering partnerships, and contributing to the foundation’s community engagement and social media presence. Candidates with problem-solving skills, experience in logistics, and social media proficiency will be highly valued. A personal vehicle will be required for transportation to facilitate donation pickups and deliveries.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee and track the inventory of in-kind donations to ensure smooth operations.
- Guide and support the packing of backpacks at our Chaparral storage facility.
- Assist in coordinating the logistics of donation pickups and deliveries.
- Help identify and secure partnerships with local organizations and contributors.
- Provide leadership in addressing any logistical challenges that arise, ensuring efficient operations.
- Contribute to social media campaigns to showcase new partnerships, express gratitude to donors, and promote fundraising events.
- Attend bi-weekly or monthly Board meetings and contribute strategic ideas for enhancing operations and fundraising efforts. (Meeting frequency may vary based on organizational needs.)
- Serve as a representative of I Belong Bags Foundation in the community and within your networks to build awareness and forge new partnerships.
- Encourage others to support the foundation through donations, partnerships, and volunteer opportunities.
Position Requirements:
- A commitment of approximately 5 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate fluctuating demand for backpacks and ongoing projects.
- Candidates should have a strong sense of responsibility, problem-solving skills, and the ability to make strategic contributions to the foundation’s mission and goals.
- A personal vehicle is required for transportation for pickups and deliveries, as well as to attend Board meetings and events.
- Prior experience in logistics, social media management, and/or community engagement is a plus, but not required.
Why Join the I Belong Bags Foundation Board?
At I Belong Bags Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of kindness and the strength of community. By joining our Board, you will play a crucial role in furthering our mission to provide comfort and dignity to children and youth who are displaced from their home. You will have the opportunity to work alongside a passionate, dedicated team and contribute to making a significant, positive impact in the lives of vulnerable children.
You will gain valuable experience in community engagement, logistics, and strategic leadership while helping to build partnerships and raise awareness for our cause. Together, we can create a brighter future where every child feels valued and supported.
How to Apply:
To apply, please send your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in the Board position to smoss@gridgroup.ca with the subject line: BOARD MEMBER OPERATIONS APPLICATION. We look forward to welcoming you to our team and working together to make a lasting difference!
Backpack Coordinator | 4 Available positions
The Backpack Coordinators at I Belong Bags Foundation play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our outreach efforts. We are seeking 4 dedicated volunteers to fill this position, each contributing approximately 4-12 hours per week, depending on demand and the number of volunteers available. The ideal candidates will be highly organized, independent self-starters who demonstrate trustworthiness and reliability, as they will have access to the facility keys. This role involves various responsibilities, including inventory management, backpack packing, donation pickups, and deliveries to partner organizations. Additionally, the Backpack Coordinators should possess problem-solving skills and ideally have proficiency in social media to assist in highlighting new partnerships and expressing gratitude to donors. A personal vehicle is required, as volunteers will be responsible for transportation around the city for pickups and deliveries.
Volunteer Position Description: As a Backpack Coordinator, you will have access to our storage facility in Chaparral and your primary responsibilities will include:
- Organizing and tracking inventory of in-kind donations.
- Packing backpacks at our storage facility (daytime/evening and wknd hours available)
- Coordinating pickups of donations.
- Delivering backpacks to partner organizations during daytime standard work hours.
- You will serve as a problem solver, ensuring efficient operations and addressing any logistical challenges that may arise.
- Contribute to our social media presence by creating posts to showcase new partnerships and express appreciation to donors and highlight important fundraising events and news to followers.
- Attend regular bi-weekly or monthly team meetings and contribute your ideas to helping operations run smoothly. Meeting requirements may fluctuate with demand of backpacks and fundraising events.
- This position requires a commitment of 4-12 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate the rotating shift schedule and fluctuating demand for backpacks.
- This position will rotate with 3 others and is ideal for someone who has flexibility in their days/weeks. Work times are mostly flexible except for deliveries to partner organizations will have to be fulfilled during the organizations regular business hours.
- As a Volunteer Backpack Coordinator, you will be asked to contribute your ideas, skills and talents in a way that helps us get more backpacks into the hands of youth in need and to share I Belong Bags Foundation mission and vision with your personal networks to build awareness and valuable partnerships.
To apply, please send your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in the position to info@ibelongbags.com with the title: VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR APPLICATION.
We look forward to welcoming you to our team!