Become a United Way Volunteer

Are you passionate about making a positive change across Peterborough City & County? United Way is seeking volunteers who want to help shape our community’s future at every level. Whether you have experience serving on a board, enjoy working on committees, or love lending a hand at events, we have a place for you!

Applicants will be invited to meet with United Way staff and volunteers to get to know each other and make sure we find the right fit for your interests and our needs. We’re currently recruiting for several roles, and encourage interested community members to apply.

Currently Seeking Long-Term Committee Volunteers:

  • Finance Committee
  • Community Impact Committee
  • READI Committee (Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion)

Please see below for full committee descriptions, and complete a volunteer application to get involved with United Way Peterborough & District!

FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Finance Committee supports the Board of Directors in the oversight of financial matters, acts as a resource to staff when guidance or support may be needed and contributes to the overall financial stewardship of the organization.

Responsibilities include:

  • Financial reporting
  • Budgeting
  • Internal controls
  • Audits
  • General financial stewardship

Term of Membership: A minimum two-year term, with the possibility of renewal.

Time Commitment: The committee meets at least four times per year with the possibility of extra meetings as needed, at budget and audit times

We’re looking for individuals who bring:

  • Financial literacy or experience with budgeting, accounting, or financial management
  • Strong integrity and sound judgment
  • The ability to think strategically and ask thoughtful questions
  • An interest in community impact and nonprofit work
  • A collaborative, engaged approach to governance

Experience in the non-profit sector or with fundraising is an asset but not required.

COMMUNITY IMPACT COMMITTEE

The Community Impact Committee plays a key role in deciding how United Way invests in local organizations and initiatives.

Responsibilities include:

  • Guiding ensure our funding processes are open, fair, transparent, and equitable.
  • Reviewing and advising on community impact frameworks, funding recommendations, and local partnerships.
  • Representing our diverse community or bringing strong knowledge of local needs.
  • Attending approximately 10 meetings per year.

Term of Membership: Typical term is two years, with the possibility of renewal.

Time Commitment: The Community Impact Committee meets monthly, with a time commitment of up to 4 hours per month, with additional hours involved when participating in funding decisions.

We’re looking for individuals who bring:

  • Community knowledge
  • Diverse perspectives
  • Strong integrity and sound judgment
  • The ability to think strategically and ask thoughtful questions

Experience in the non-profit sector or with grassroots community organizing is an asset but not required.

READI COMMITTEE

The Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion (READI) Committee advises on strategies and initiatives that promote its principles both internally (staff, volunteers, and Board) and externally (community engagement and impact).

Responsibilities include:

  • Recommending actions that build authentic, respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples and organizations guided by the principles of Reconciliation and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
  • Supporting the development and review of internal policies and practices to remove barriers and foster READI principles.
  • Providing recommendations for READI-related training and education opportunities for staff, volunteers and Board members.
  • Approving and updating on a regular basis a list of terms applicable to the work of United Way Peterborough & District.
  • Ensuring diverse voices—particularly those from equity-priority communities—are embedded in organizational actions.
  • Monitoring progress toward READI outcomes and evaluating the impact of related initiatives.

Term of Membership: Suggested term is two years, with the possibility of renewal.

Time Commitment: The READI Committee is currently meeting monthly, with plans to eventually switch to a quarterly schedule.

We’re looking for individuals who bring:

  • Diverse perspectives, including lived experience of marginalization
  • Deep knowledge of READI principles
  • Strong integrity and sound judgment
  • The ability to think strategically and ask thoughtful questions
  • Experience with evaluating READI work

Experience in the non-profit sector or with grassroots community organizing is an asset but not required.

  • Coats for Community
  • Backpacks for Success
  • Period Promise
  • Day of Caring

Please reach out to our campaign officers if you’re interested in volunteering for one of our initiatives.

Adeline Murphy, Campaign Officer

Phone: 705-742-8839 x 25 Cell: 705-313-0651
Email: amurphy@uwpeterborough.ca 

Elyse Belsey, Campaign Officer

Phone: 705-742-8839 x 32 Cell: 705-772-6681
Email: ebelsey@uwpeterborough.ca 

Social Posts

💌 YOU'RE INVITED! 💌

Day of Caring is Friday, June 26, and we're looking for volunteers ready to roll up their sleeves and make a meaningful difference for local agencies across our community.

Will it be a day of hard work? Absolutely.
Will it make a lasting impact for the organizations and people who rely on these agencies every day? Without a doubt. 💯 

Volunteer projects include gardening, landscaping, painting, outdoor maintenance, and assisting in an event day of. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or looking for a new way to give back, there's a role for you!

📲 Interested in volunteering? Send us a DM or email dayofcaring@uwpeterborough.ca to learn more and sign up.
🌈 Pride Season begins!
 
 We celebrate diverse expressions of love, queer joy and chosen familiesm,  while continuing the work toward equity and safety for all.
 
🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ #PrideMonth
From the Campaign trail to the quiet in-between moments. A look back at a year that’s shaped us. As we step into our 85th year, we’re carrying it all forward ❤️.
🌸 It’s time to break the stigma.
 
Menstrual health matters and access to products and education should never be a barrier.

Through the Period Promise campaign, United Way Peterborough & District is working to address period poverty in our communities. 

On Menstrual Hygiene Day, we call for dignity, access, and inclusion for all.

#MenstrualHygieneDay
📬 It’s that time of year again!
We were thrilled to visit @miskinlaw this morning and are proud to announce Miskin Law as the Presenting Sponsor of Day of Caring 2026 with a generous $5,000 contribution. 

Day of Caring brings volunteers and workplaces together to support local agencies and strengthen our community through hands-on impact. Partnerships like this one make it all possible!

Thank you to the whole team at Miskin Law (including Leo🐶) for your leadership, generosity, and commitment to building a stronger Peterborough. We can’t wait to work together for an incredible Day of Caring 2026!
Our office will be closed today, Monday, may 18th and will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19th! Have a safe and restful  long weekend. 

Need support? Dial 211 to connect with a live agent and find assistance with food, housing, healthcare, employment and more.
🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Today we stand for love, dignity, and inclusion.
 
Everyone deserves to live authentically and without fear.

United Way Peterborough & District remains committed to fostering inclusion, advancing equity, and supporting initiatives that uplift 2SLGBTQI+ communities across our region.
 
#IDAHOBIT
Last week, nearly 60 community members came together at our Solutions Summit to share ideas, build connections, and help shape the future of Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion (READI) work across Peterborough City & County. 

The conversations were thoughtful, honest, and inspiring, and we know there are still more voices to hear.

We’re now inviting the broader community to help inform how up to $300,000 through our new Priority Issues Fund will be invested over the next 18 months.
Whether you attended the Summit or not, we want your insight.

📝 Complete the Priority Issues Fund Survey before Tuesday, May 19 at 10:00 a.m. and help shape this work moving forward.

🔗 Link in bio

Thank you to everyone who has already contributed their time, perspectives, and lived experience to this process. We’re excited to continue learning, evolving, and building this work, together!
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