Cobourg boosts volunteerism with Service Ballots model
Photo by Dan Jones, CFWN, LJI
By Cecilia Nasmith
The Town of Cobourg announces a new volunteer and civic-participation pilot project they're calling Get Involved Cobourg!
Based on the Service Ballots model developed by MASS Civic Innovation Lab, this initiative gives residents the chance to tell the town about the causes, topics and types of volunteer opportunities that interest them – from helping out at a community event to serving on an advisory committee or even taking on a longer-term volunteer role.
A Service ballot is a short optional form that residents can complete to indicate their interest in municipal volunteer and civic-service opportunities, and has nothing to do with voting. It helps municipalities connect residents with such opportunities as events, workshops, engagement projects, advisory groups, boards, committees and other local initiatives.
Citizens are invited to complete a voluntary on-line form at EngageCobourg.ca/Volunteer, setting out their skills and interests, and choose to be contacted when volunteer or civic-participation opportunities that align with those interests arise. Residents may update their preferences if they wish, or even request to be removed from the contact list at any time.
