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

Well prepared and ready to learn! 📚✏️
That’s what Backpacks for Success is all about! Your support helps ensure that students across Peterborough & County have the materials they need to take on the 2026 school year with confidence.

Whether you host a collection drive, become an event sponsor, or make a monetary donation, every contribution makes a difference to school aged students from grades K–12. 

📲 Contact us today to get involved!
Clue number TWO✌️!

Every great leader has a story. Can you find the words that help tell the story of our 2026 Campaign Chair?

Drop your guesses below👇…
👀 The first clue has arrived!

Every great leader brings something special to the table, and these six emojis represent just a few things that make our 2026 Campaign Chair who they are ✨

Can you guess who it might be🤔?
22% of Canadians live with a disability.

41% of people in poverty have a disability.

Those numbers aren’t just statistics; they’re a call to action.

This #DisabilityPrideMonth, United Way Peterborough & District stands with people with disabilities to break barriers and build communities where everyone belongs. 

We invest in accessible community programs and barrier-reduction initiatives as part of a strategic response to this gap. 
🤝❤️
Canada looks like the neighbour who checks in. The volunteer who shows up. The community that holds space for everyone.

This July 1, we recommit to a Canada where every person has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Our office is closed today, Wednesday July 1 and will reopen tomorrow, Thursday July 2.

Looking for support? Dial 211 to be connected to non-emergency community health and social services in our area.
Our grand finale retirement prank: a boardroom full of Jim’s!

Thanks for the laughs, Jim.
Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day.
 
We celebrate the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
 
Let’s continue learning and reflecting together
Happy Father’s Day 💙
 
Your love and guidance help build stronger communities.
Today, United Way Peterborough & District is announcing an important leadership transition.

As Jim Russell prepares to retire after nearly 15 years as Chief Executive Officer, we extend our deepest gratitude for his leadership, dedication, and commitment to building a stronger community. Jim's impact on this organization and the people we serve will be felt for years to come.

At the same time, we are pleased to welcome Jason Seguya as our next Chief Executive Officer, effective July 6, 2026. Jason brings experience leading mission-driven organizations and a strong commitment to collaboration, community engagement, and positive social impact.

As we look ahead to our 85th year of serving Peterborough & County, we are excited for the future and confident in the leadership that will guide us into this next chapter.

Please join us in thanking Jim for his years of service and welcoming Jason to the United Way movement.

Read more at the link in our bio.
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