Volunteer with Amnesty

Volunteer with Amnesty International Canada and take action for human rights. Explore meaningful opportunities to contribute your time, skills, and passion to create lasting change.

Become an Organizer

Organizers are activist leaders with AICS(ES) who are excited to take action on human rights issues in creative and critical ways in their community.

AICS (ES) is committed to having youth perspectives at the centre of all its human rights work and we encourage youth from across the country to apply. The Organizer position is an excellent opportunity for young people to take on a leadership role within AICS (ES), to learn about issues that matter to them and what they can do to make a difference.

A girl holding a bullhorn in a march with other young people

Applications for Volunteer and Grassroots Activist Leader positions are currently paused.

Volunteer applications are currently paused as we prepare for the next round of opportunities. We truly value your interest in supporting Amnesty International’s human rights work and hope you’ll join us soon. Please watch this page for notice of the next intake of applications. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Contact Us

More organizer details

  • Support the coordination of actions for Amnesty International campaigns.
  • Provide advice and input into the development of activism strategies.
  • Experiment with strategic and creative ways to take action e.g. banner drops, MP visits, vlogs.
  • Provide support, guidance, and information to Amnesty activists in their community so they can more effectively take action on human rights issues.
  • Working as part of a team (national/regional/local), as well as cooperatively with various other people in their community.
  • Build relationships and collaborate with community networks that are aligned with Amnesty’s human rights work, including grassroots collectives, NGOs, and impacted communities who have a direct relationship with the issues.
  • Time commitment will vary from week to week but will likely range from 5-10 hours per month.
  • Coordinating minimum 2-3 actions throughout the year
  • Attending an Orientation, 2-3 campaign briefings and activist trainings as needed
  • Communicates with staff and supporters through conference calls, Slack and emails.
  • Please note that this position is for one year, with a possible extension to two years. Continuing as an Organizer will be based on a check-in every 3-4 months with an assigned mentor, and participating in regional meetings or trainings as offered. The check-ins will include a list of public activities initiated or attended and a  description of  contacts, engagement, and the types and levels of activism generated. The mentor will provide timely feedback as needed and work in a collaborative way to support the Organizer.
  • Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Basic knowledge of Amnesty International campaigns and practices.
  • Enthusiastic motivator able to work with people of diverse backgrounds
  • Able to work independently and have reliable access to a phone and e-mail.

Country and Theme Coordinators

The coordination program is overseen by the Coordination Council with support from AI Canada’s Program Management. The Coordination Council is a small group of coordinators selected by coordinators, who identify recruitment needs, ensures training is provided and organize the affairs of the Coordination Program.

Volunteer positions for country and theme work are advertised from time to time as positions become vacant or new needs arise. To apply for positions currently advertised, please follow the specific instructions within the posting to submit your application or ask any questions.

People at a protest holding Amnesty signs and signs that read "No Ban No Wall"

Country Coordinators

Country coordinators are AI Canada volunteer leaders who serve as AI Canada country experts and who enable the activism of AI Canada members on specific countries or regions. Country coordinators are selected on the basis of a combination of country expertise and experience, Amnesty International knowledge and human rights activist experience, and the organization’s needs in that area. Candidates who speak the language and can support work with the country’s diaspora in Canada are preferred.

People at a women's march with a sign that says Right to Protest

Thematic Coordinators

Thematic coordinators are AI Canada volunteer leaders who serve as experts for AI Canada and support membership and public mobilization. Currently, we have thematic coordination groups for our work on business and human rights, the death penalty, and a Health and Human Rights Network.

Country and thematic coordinators are unpaid volunteer positions, only AI related expenses are reimbursed. In most cases, a minimum of a two-year commitment is requested for country and theme coordinators. Though it is difficult to be precise about the time commitment required of volunteers, it is estimated that the positions average 10-20 hours per month.

To ask questions or get further information about the Coordinator Program, please contact the Coordination Council at: aices.cc@gmail.com.

Group photo of Grassroots Activist Leaders with flag

GRASSROOTS ACTIVIST LEADERS

Our Grassroots Activist Leaders are trained Amnesty volunteers who work across Canada to promote human rights activism at the grassroots level. Amnesty International Canada Grassroots Activist Leaders help and support individuals and Amnesty groups to carry out their human rights work.

  • Catalysts and supporters to groups and members by encouraging local leadership, maintaining regular contact, assisting with problem solving, and offering training;
  • Key resource people who can provide information and materials specific to Amnesty issues and campaigns;
  • Bridgers who help connect members within Amnesty as well as connecting Amnesty members with other human rights activists and social justice groups at the local and national levels;
  • The public face of Amnesty through media interviews, public speaking, and maintaining contacts with community officials and leaders;
  • Human Rights Educators to Amnesty members and the public;
    Strategists and Planners to help members and staff develop, plan and evaluate human rights initiatives and campaigns; and
  • Leaders in AI Canada at local, regional, and national levels.

FIND AN AMNESTY GRASSROOTS ACTIVIST LEADER

Map of Canada showing location of Grassroots Activist Leaders

Need a Grassroots Activist Leader to help your group? Need a guest speaker for your school class or at a community event? Please email us at: gal@amnesty.ca.

Will you be a champion for human rights?

Donate now
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.