Volunteer!
The Swansea Historical Society is a registered charity – and all of its work is done by a small group of dedicated volunteers. We can always benefit from more help and fresh ideas!
Previous experience is not a requirement, and you don’t have be an expert in local history in order to participate. Attendance at monthly Executive meetings is desirable, but not mandatory.
Please give some thought as to how you could contribute even a small amount of your time and talent, and let us know of any ideas you might have. Or, perhaps you know of someone you would like to recommend (with that person’s permission) for a position on the Executive. We have some vacancies that need to be filled listed below.
Current Volunteer Vacancies:
As of January 2025, the Swansea Historical Society (SHS) is seeking to fill the following volunteer positions, which are either currently vacant or expected to become vacant soon. Persons holding these positions should be members in good standing of the SHS. It is also desirable, although not mandatory, that members holding these positions should be recognized as Directors (also known as “Executive Members”) of the Society and be able to participate in Executive meetings. To express interest in any of these positions, or to obtain more detailed information, please contact the Swansea Historical Society or any of its current Directors / Executive Members.
President: The President is the chief executive officer of the Society, presides at meetings, and is an ex-officio member of committees. The President is accountable to report, as appropriate, to the Executive and Membership on activities and developments undertaken by or impacting the Society, at monthly meetings, at the Annual General Meeting, and through the SHS Newsletter. As CEO, the President has the authority to delegate duties and responsibilities, and the ultimate responsibility to ensure: (a) that all legal and financial obligations are satisfied; (b) that the requirements of the Society’s Constitution, By-laws, and policy documents are adhered to; (c) smooth operation of all SHS activities through monitoring and providing guidance, (d) awareness of heritage activities in the community; and (e) that productive relationships are maintained with other organizations, including sister historical societies, the Ontario Historical Society (the parent organization of the SHS), and the administration of the Swansea Town Hall (currently the host of many SHS activities).
Virtual Meetings Facilitator: The Virtual Meetings Facilitator is responsible for managing the on-line aspects of the Society’s meetings. This includes ensuring that licensing for on-line activities is current, that the required equipment and software are available and functioning correctly, and that links are provided to members in advance of meetings. The Facilitator is also responsible for the operation of the equipment and software during any meetings that have an on-line component. [Note: The Society’s current practice involves holding hybrid meetings where members and guests can attend in-person at the Swansea Town Hall, and people can also participate on-line using the Zoom conferencing tool.]
Programme Coordinator: The Programme Coordinator is responsible for (a) scheduling speakers for the Society’s monthly meetings, (b) providing the speakers with background information, directions, and instructions, (c) obtaining information needed in order to announce the speakers’ presentations and introduce the speakers, and (d) following-up to ensure that honoraria are provided when appropriate.
Walking Tours Coordinator: Working with the Society’s Executive, the Walking Tours Coordinator is responsible for planning and scheduling the Society’s guided walking tours, and ensuring that tour leader(s) are scheduled. [Note: Regular guided tours typically include Jane’s Walk(s) in May, an annual walk in June, and a Governor Simcoe Walk in September/October. There are detailed tour leader’s notes for itineraries which have been followed in past years. Optionally, the Coordinator may be invited to develop new walking tours.]
Special Projects / Special Events Coordinator: Working with the Society’s Executive, the Coordinator is responsible for planning, scheduling, and staffing the Society’s participation in community events and also projects initiated by SHS. [Note: Past events include, for example: Heritage Fairs, History on the Humber, Bloor West Festivals, Brûlé 400-years commemoration, Doors Open Toronto, etc.]
Executive Members Without Portfolio
In addition to filling jobs with ongoing responsibilities, we are also happy to welcome people on-board as “Executive Members Without Portfolio”, who may be asked to participate in specific initiatives from time to time.
Volunteer at Community Events
One of the ways that we communicate our message to the public is through participation in community events. This typically involves setting up a display table with historic photographs and information that people can browse, interacting with passers-by, and answering any questions they may have about our activities. It’s also an opportunity to hand out membership information and sell the Society’s publications.
Volunteers can take shifts at the Society’s table, assist with transporting materials, and assist with the setting up and taking down of the displays.
Please let us know if you would be willing to take part in any of the above tasks or volunteer positions. You can also speak to an Executive member at any meeting.
Come and join a great team!