Markham Group of Artists Volunteer Policy - Spring 2023

MGA is non-profit, community organisation run by an elected group of members in service of its

broader membership - there are no paid positions on the leadership team. An organisation like

this can only be successful with many voices and hands, and volunteers are the heartbeat of

our group.

Our key MGA values also underpin our volunteer involvement as we:

● conduct ourselves with the highest level of integrity and fairness;

● ensure fair and equitable access to MGA art shows, sales, events, and projects; and

● engage respectfully with artists of all abilities, ethnicities, backgrounds and beliefs.

What kinds of volunteer tasks does MGA offer?

MGA offers an array of workshops and lectures, and stages a variety of shows in the community

on an annual basis. In support of building an increasingly diverse membership, MGA also

explores other ways of engaging with the public (e.g., via digital platforms and social media). As

MGA seeks to increase exposure and reach within the community, our expanding programming

requires the help of unpaid volunteers, and opportunities are plentiful for members to lend a

hand.

Many examples of volunteer tasks and responsibilities include smaller, one-off tasks - but don’t

let these fool you...while these tasks take small amounts of time, they are incredibly important in

our overall success. We love the notion that “many hands make light work”. Examples include:

● Calling to arrange catering for an event

● Reaching out to an artist to determine interest in holding a workshop

● Talking to a local store owner/proprietor/restauranteur to gauge interest in showing our

member art

● Helping set up at a members’ meeting/workshop/event (no lifting)

● Door greeter at a members’ meeting/event

● Sitting for a 3-hour time slot at an in-person gallery show

● Posting something on your social media account

How does MGA find its volunteers?

MGA invites members to volunteer throughout the year through monthly newsletters and

through specific “call for volunteer” emails. MGA also reaches out into the local community as

needed (e.g., as in the case of high school students). MGA accepts volunteers from ages 16+

and will only assign volunteers to tasks based on the volunteer’s comfort level and abilities.

Volunteers can expect:

● A clear and realistic description of the duties and task(s) and expected timelines for

completion

● A member of the MGA team to provide training for the duties and tasks

● A named, MGA contact person who can answer any questions, address concerns,

and/or problem-solve during the completion of the task(s)

● To be consulted in any decision which affects them;

● To be compensated for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred upon submission of receipts

as long as these expenses have been pre-approved by their MGA contact person. The

MGA contact will provide clear guidelines for expense reimbursement.

● To be adequately covered by MGA insurance while carrying out the agreed duties

What MGA will expect of its volunteers:

● To undertake volunteer work at agreed times;

● To provide feedback to the MGA contact about their volunteering experience (MGA is

always open and looking for improvements to the way it operates);

● To inform MGA contact ASAP if unable to fulfil tasks;

● To give some notice to MGA contact if unable to continue volunteering (applicable for

duties that extend over time); and

● To act in alignment with MGA values.

Volunteers and MGA will be bound by MGA’s Privacy Policy (found on the MGA website in the

Members’ section).

On the basis of their volunteer work with MGA, volunteers will have the right to request a

reference.

This Volunteer Policy will be reviewed for accuracy and relevance every 2 years.

Created March 2023