About the VOLTS E-learning Site

This web site for volunteer training and development was designed and is operated by the Volunteers in Action (VIA) Committee of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC).

1. Purpose of the site

2. Advantages of E-learning

3. What users are saying about VOLTS

4. About the Volunteers in Action Committee

1. Purpose of the site

“What volunteers need is basic information on how key jobs can be done. I often hear; ‘Just let me know what is expected with a few pointers and I’ll do it!’ VOLTS should help volunteers get the training they want and enable them to learn at their own pace.” Joe Bras - Co-Chair of the VIA Committee

This web site is dedicated to volunteers and aims to provide a place where they can learn and gain confidence. Training is becoming increasingly important in addressing the challenges of operating a volunteer driven, non-profit organization.

VOLTS learning modules were designed by volunteers for volunteers.

The goal of t he short lessons is to provide a variety of learning experiences that go beyond just the delivery of factual content. VOLTS offers activities that give volunteers a chance to practice their new knowledge and also supplies samples of best practices from clubs across Ontario.

Learning activities include questions at the conclusion of a set of training topics that allow users to monitor their understanding and progress.

VOLTS is interactive in that it offers an email link to experienced volunteers who can answer questions about the training content, or respond to inquiries about a specific situation at your club.

VOLTS allows volunteers to tailor the training to their needs:

· Start at the beginning and proceed step by step through a progression of topics to gain a comprehensive coverage of the topic, or

· Jump into the section of a module that helps with a specific need such as “Meeting Management”,

· Read the content on-line or print out a hardcopy,

· Take the training in several short session or invest more time and complete it in one sitting.

2. Advantages of E-learning

Winston Churchill once said;  “Personally, I’m always ready to learn, although I don’t always like being taught.”

This instructional approach is:

· User-friendly for people with little computer experience

· Offering a chance to take ownership and responsibility for your learning experience

· Allowing the learner to control the level of depth – choose to cover just the basics, or follow links to learn more

· Designed to give you things to do to enhance your learning. You will complete practical activities and use club ready tools

· Providing easy access to experts in that field for you to ask questions

3. What users are saying about VOLTS

“The VOLTS Training was user-friendly and had lots of useful information.” Rosemary Vanstrien, VIA Co-chair

“This program that VIA has developed will make it much easier for volunteers in key positions to get the information they need when they need it.”  MaryJo Vanden Heuvel, District 5 VIA Coordinator

“I like how the lessons are broken into manageable 25 minute chapters. That allows me to fit it into my schedule”  Bob Bawtinhimer, Trail Patrol Instructor - District 15

4. About the Volunteers in Action {VIA} Committee

The Volunteers in Action (VIA) Committee reports to the OFSC Board of Governors and is responsible for guiding the Volunteer Development Program. The committee is composed of grassroots volunteers who focus on projects in volunteer training, recruiting, retention and recognition. For more information contact volunteer@ofsc.on.ca

The Volunteers in Action Committee on behalf of the OFSC gratefully acknowledges the financial support for this training booklet from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ministry of Culture, receives annually $100 million of government funding generated through Ontario's charity casino initiative.