Volunteer with us!

Here are a few ways that you can volunteer with the Co-operative. If any of these roles interest you, please reach out to Melissa or complete the form at the bottom of this page.

Interested in helping in a way that’s not listed here? That’s great too! Let us know what interests you and we’ll plan together.

Google Scripting / Process Automation: The member intake process is currently manual which takes considerable time and risks human errors. A prospective member will complete a DocuSign form, the form is approved by staff, the information from the form is then manually entered into a spreadsheet, a series of confirmation emails are then sent to members (application received and payment information, payment received, membership approval), a receipt is created and emailed, and a membership share certificate is created and email. We need support to design and develop a simple process that sends standard emails, and that emails automatically creates receipts and certificates.

Bookkeeping: Currently completed by Sean (volunteer ED). Bookkeeping support (professional experience as a bookkeeper and/or CPA) is required until while we grow the Co-operative to the stage (2 - 3 properties) where a 3rd party bookkeeping service can be paid from earned revenue. Transactions are minimal (grant expenses) while the Co-operative is pre-revenue. Income taxes and annual audit are prepared by contracted accounting firms.

Housing Research: Union Co-operative members are interested in learning more about local housing issues, general housing trends and news, and examples of communities addressing housing affordability. We are in need of a volunteer to create a summary of reports and news articles to be shared with members and the community each month.

Member Events: As we eagerly anticipate a return to more in-person gatherings, we are looking for a volunteer to assist with the creation, coordination, and implementation of events that help connect Union Co-op members with each other and the community. Possible event ideas include: book club, speaker or video series, etc.

Marketing: Are you up-to-date with current marketing and social media trends? Would you like to use those skills to support permanent affordability in Waterloo Region? We are looking for volunteers to create and publish interesting and engaging media content in line with the goals of Union Co-operative. We are seeking marketing leads for: (a) social media; (b) general marketing (hand outs, press releases, etc.); (c) video content, and; (d) graphics.