See below to find our available opportunities
- Join a Current VOW Chapter
- How to Start a VOW Chapter
- Youth Ambassadorship Program
- Internships
- Volunteer with VOW
Current VOW Chapters:
Please see the available contact information for VOW Chapters.
Can’t find a chapter near you? Start your own!
How to Start a VOW chapter:
Step 1: Reach out to friends, acquaintances, and any other people who may be interested in forming your peace advocacy group with you!
We suggest gathering a minimum of 3 members. Although this is a relatively low number, a small group of dedicated individuals can achieve great things!
If you are planning on starting a VOW chapter at a school, however, this minimum number may be different depending on which school you are a student of. For example, the University of Toronto requires a minimum of 5 members for a student group to become recognized. Ryerson University, however, requires a minimum of 20 full-time students with at least 3 executive signing officers.
Further, some universities may also require that you recruit faculty member(s) as advisors for your group.
Step 2: Review VOW’s overarching peace themes to ensure alignment of your vision and goals with VOW National:
The peace priorities of VOW are:
– Disarmament and demilitarization
– Gender equality
– Empowerment of women and youth
– Social and environmental justice
– Peacebuilding and human rights
VOW promotes these priorities through
1. Advocacy: VOW amplifies the voices of women and advocates for a peaceful world by coordinating solidarity actions and responses calling for a feminist future.
2. Education – VOW prioritizes youth engagement, along with the promotion of peace education within its activities, including by hosting annual peace camps across Canada.
3. Collaboration – VOW works to develop and maintain relationships with international partners, UN entities, and ensures the full participation of VOW members within UN or international activities, including by the use of VOW’s ECOSOC status.
Step 3: Decide on a communications lead (or co-leads), who will be the main correspondent with VOW National
Deciding on a person or persons to take a central role in communicating with VOW National allows for ease of communication. This person(s) will also coordinate meeting times with VOW National. These meetings can be held virtually.
Step 4: Review the VOW Chapter How-To Toolkit and fill out the VOW chapter application form:
After reviewing the Toolkit and completing the form, the National Coordinator for VOW will reach out to the communications lead (or co-leads) to schedule an introductory meeting.
Step 5: Meet with the National Coordinator for VOW
The National Coordinator will provide you with advice on how to organize, operate, and grow your group, as well as on how to amplify your work.
Step 6 (for student groups only): Get recognized by your school
The steps required to get your group recognized at your school can differ from school to school. Research for the procedures specific to your school, and work with your Faculty Advisor if you are in need of more help! Many schools require that you create and hand in a student group constitution.
Step 7: Host regular meetings
Organize a minimum of 4 meetings per year; however, we recommend holding monthly meetings. The more the better! Again, this minimum number may be different if you are creating a student group.
Step 8: Continue to grow your membership base
Advertising your group through social media, pamphlets, and other means can help get the word out about your group. For student groups, club fairs on campus can be great ways to create awareness for your group, and to encourage more to join!
VOW Youth Ambassadorship Program
The VOW Youth Ambassadorship Program is an opportunity for high school and university students to learn more about peace-building, gender equality, and the overall mission of VOW. It offers an opportunity for students to become directly involved with the work of the organization, and emerge as a recognized VOW Ambassador.
To apply for this program and to find more details, please see the application form:
Internships
Some post-secondary institutions will provide credit and/or funding for an internship with VOW. Please follow up with us and your school to learn more at info@vowpeace.org
Volunteering with VOW
Want to gain hands-on experience with a feminist NGO focused on national and international security? Want to use your skills to make a meaningful impact? Want to be a part of a community of inspiring women activists and scholars from all different backgrounds and ages?
Then volunteering with VOW is right for you!
We are looking for passionate individuals with a track record showing their commitment to the values (feminism, peace, sustainability, environmentalism etc.) and familiarity with current VOW priorities. Desirable experience including but not limited to: Coding / Programing, Other Media / Public Relations, Social Media, Graphics, Research and Writing, Leadership, Innovation, Website Design, Strategic Partnerships, Youth Engagement, and Outreach / Recruitment.
We have a wide array of opportunities, including but not limited to admin, social media, marketing, tech and coding, and research positions. If accepted to the volunteer program you and the National Coordinator will work together in the orientation period to create a title and job description that best utilizes your skills and prepares you for your future career opportunities.
If you have questions about these opportunities, feel free to email info@vowpeace.org for more information