Volunteer With Us!

Chess in the Library is a student-run organization whose mission is to provide free chess for all. Our organization is seeking hardworking, dedicated, and passionate individuals. We work hard to maintain positive, friendly & free weekly branches, and are looking for people to help us to drive our organization further. Our team holds weekly programs and numerous other events in Canadian libraries throughout the year. Love chess? Willing to lead others who also love chess? Give back to your own community by volunteering at one of our regular library programs. After reading our step-by-step process and understanding our expectations, send us the required information through one of the corresponding forms below or email us at volunteer.chessinthelibrary@gmail.com
New Volunteers Form

Start Your own Branch

CITL is re-opening the opportunity for volunteers or interested members of the community to start their own chess program at local branches! Volunteers creating their own program will be the CITL Branch Head of their program. As a CITL Branch Head, you will be able to join a community working towards “free chess for all” and provide opportunities for learning in the community.

If you have a passion for chess, hold leadership and communication skills, and would like to step up and take the initiative to start your own CITL weekly program, this opportunity is for you. We are looking for CITL Branch Leads who can organize and run their own chess program in their community and local library.

As a volunteer Branch Leads, you will be able to build and strengthen valuable skills such as leadership, organization, and communication. You will have the chance to run their own chess program and connect with others in the community passionate about the game. Volunteer hours will be provided.

To help guide you through this journey, CITL will also provide guidance, training, and equipment, if needed, through the process, as roughly outlined below:

✓ Selecting a library branch suitable for a chess program and connecting with the library

✓ Finding reliable volunteers that are able to help you run the program

✓ Promoting the program and building community awareness

As a program with CITL, we provide resources and training for this initiative and support Branch Heads with the above steps.

Feel free to email us at volunteer.chessinthelibrary@gmail.com for more information about this opportunity. Please fill out this form or email us to express your interest.

Becoming a Volunteer

Before preparing to become a volunteer at CITL, please read the volunteer eligibility carefully. We look for responsible individuals who love the game of chess and are willing to commit their time weekly for at least 1 year.

  1. Find an available branch that is convenient to you where a CITL library currently runs

    1. If your desired branch does not have CITL program and you wish to implement one, please fill out the form here or email us  at volunteer.chessinthelibrary@gmail.com

  2. Contact the branch and inquire about becoming a CITL volunteer

  3. If there is a spot, fill out the volunteer application form

  4. Once the application is accepted, you will be contacted and an interview will be scheduled and conducted – do not be late!

  5. If you pass the interview, you will need to go to a police station to receive a vulnerable sector screening (PVSC) or complete online module training, based on the library

  6. Attend the CITL Orientation

  7. Once all requirements have been met, you can start volunteering at your branch!

What We Expect

1. Volunteer Eligibility

In order to volunteer at a CITL program, you must be at least 14 years old. You must also not have a criminal record.

2. Volunteer Application and Screening

All volunteers must fill out an application form on the website. The volunteer screening process, conducted by the CITL Executive Board members, will take place once the application form is completed. If necessary, an interview will be arranged with the volunteer.

3. Volunteer Hours

To qualify for Ontario volunteer hours, the volunteer must be in grade 9 or higher. All volunteers are expected to honestly record their volunteer hours. Volunteer hours will be handed out around 2-3 times a year.

4. Volunteer Expectations

4.1 Punctuality

All volunteers are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the program to setup and leave when clean-up has been completed.

4.2 Interaction with Participants and Parents

Volunteers are expected to act courteously and politely with all participants and answer the concerns of parents. Complaints by parents or librarians should be reported to the Chess in the Library executives, and the volunteers will be dealt with appropriately.

4.3 Absences

If the volunteer is not available to volunteer a certain week (e.g. family event), it is mandatory that he or she notifies his or her fellow volunteers and librarians at least one week in advance. Moreover, it is the responsibility of each volunteer to ensure that there will be at least one volunteer present at the program each week.