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 by May 15, 2026.
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.
Short-Term Volunteering for United Way Initiatives:
- 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
