- Fall Applications are now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied.
VOLUNTEER WITH US
Details
Co-Director(s) of Events
Director of IT
Director of Finance
Events Team Volunteer
IT Team Volunteer
Details
Mental health is a universal topic that deserves a level of awareness we have yet to achieve.
We at Free Your Mind want to promote mindful lifestyles that focus on well-being and happiness. We deliver meaningful education to the Canadian public while amplifying genuine youth voice. We urge you to join us on this journey – we can’t do it without the voices of youth like you.
Free Your Mind is dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across its programs. We are committed to anti-oppression in multiple forms, including de-colonization, anti-racism, and anti-ableism. Our team includes people identifying as racialized, queer, transgender, neurodivergent, disabled, and foreign-born. We are always welcoming new volunteers who embody a range of lived experiences
Co-Director(s) of Events
Co-Director(s) of Events
This is a senior position. Please note, you may hold up to 1 senior position at a time (see FAQ).
Apply here:
Fall 2025: Co-Director of Events Application Form
Role Description:We are recruiting two Co-Directors of Events, who will collaboratively lead a small team of youth to plan, organize, and execute public-facing engagements. Everyone who applies through this form will be considered for both leadership positions, and the final appointment will be determined collaboratively with applicants.The Co-Directors of Events work together to manage the Events Team’s activities. All Events Team volunteers shed light on mental health struggles from a youth perspective. We address social justice topics (e.g., housing insecurity, LGBTQ+ rights, responsible leadership) using a nuanced, evidence-based approach, and produce initiatives built with, not for, the local community. As Co-Director of Events, your role is to support Events Team volunteers in their daily tasks. You will take the lead in scheduling and facilitating weekly meetings, where general volunteers brainstorm events, share progress updates, and receive feedback from yourself and each other on their work. In between meetings, Events Team volunteers may learn to conduct research, build budgets, and complete grants, depending on the initiatives they are producing, and may require mentorship from you. You are also responsible for planning any additional meetings that you feel supports the team, such as a virtual social night.As a team director, you will work closely with FYM’s executive leadership. You are responsible for attending monthly meetings with other FYM directors and providing updates on your team’s progress and needs. You should regularly check in with Events Team members, gauge their needs, and bring requests for support to the executive leadership as needed. You may connect with other team leads, with the potential of initiating cross-team collaboration. Please recognize that this role description is not a comprehensive list of everything the Co-Director of Events is meant to oversee — this is a framework, which may change over time, and as the needs of the Events Team evolve.
Recommended Skills:
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Budgeting and resource management
- Team leadership or coordination experience
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to work effectively with a co-director and diverse stakeholders
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving
- Knowledge of event promotion and outreach
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with your Co-Director to develop and implement event plans.
- Contribute to setting event goals, budgets, and timelines.
- Help identify opportunities for new events or improvements to existing ones.
- Manage volunteer or staff teams before and during events.
- Ensure events run smoothly on the day, handling issues as they arise.
- Work with the marketing team on event promotion (posters, social media, newsletters).
- Attend planning meetings and contribute to collaborative decision-making.
- Collect feedback from attendees, partners, and volunteers.
- Prepare post-event reports summarizing outcomes and recommendations.
- Track budget performance and ensure records are accurate.
- Review all event materials created by the general events volunteers.
Estimated Time Commitment: 6 hours per week
Mode: Virtual
Director of IT
Director of IT
This is a senior position. Please note, you may hold up to 1 senior position at a time (see FAQ).
Apply here:
Fall 2025: Director of IT Application Form
Role Description:The Director of IT leads and oversees Free Your Mind’s digital infrastructure, ensuring that all online platforms and tools operate smoothly and securely. You will manage a small team of IT volunteers, providing guidance and support while collaborating with other directors.
IT volunteers assist with website updates, virtual event setup, cybersecurity monitoring, and digital troubleshooting. As Director of IT, your role is to support IT volunteers in their daily tasks, mentor them when needed, and take the lead in maintaining a secure and functional digital environment. You will coordinate weekly or bi-weekly check-ins to monitor progress, address technical challenges, and provide guidance on complex projects and coding.
You will also work closely with FYM’s executive leadership, attending monthly director meetings, providing updates on IT initiatives, and identifying opportunities to improve digital workflows. Collaboration with other team leads may be required to support cross-departmental initiatives. Please recognize that this role description is a framework and may evolve as the needs of the organization and IT team change.
Recommended Skills:
- Familiarity with website design and editing, especially WordPress
- Understanding of cybersecurity across platforms
- Effective digital troubleshooting and problem-solving
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Proactive communication and collaboration with other Free Your Mind personnel
- Ability to mentor and manage IT volunteers
Responsibilities:
- Oversee and maintain the Free Your Mind website, ensuring it is up-to-date and functional
- Lead and support IT volunteers in their tasks, providing guidance and mentorship
- Assist with technical setup of virtual events in collaboration with other teams
- Manage cybersecurity protocols across social media, video conferencing, and other platforms
- Troubleshoot technical issues promptly and effectively
- Collaborate with other directors to align IT initiatives with organizational goals
- Ensure documentation of digital procedures and maintain best practices
Estimated Time Commitment: 4-6 hours per week
Mode: Virtual
Director of Finance
Director of Finance
This is a senior position. Please note, you may hold up to 1 senior position at a time (see FAQ).
Apply here:
Fall 2025: Director of Finance Application Form
Role Description:FYM is looking for a youth passionate about mental health and holding skills in financial management (and looking to further develop those skills) to become our Director of Finance. The Director of Finance will oversee all financial management and planning for FYM. This includes developing and implementing an annual and quarterly budgets, preparing quarterly financial reports, being the point of contact for financial communications, and handling reimbursements and transfers between volunteers, FYM’s funds, and any external donors or funding bodies. The Director of Finance will also collaborate with relevant teams in identifying and submitting grant applications as needed. As a Director, you will work closely with FYM’s executive leadership, and you are responsible for attending monthly meetings with other FYM directors and providing updates on your progress and needs.
Recommended Skills:
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Basic financial literacy with interest in developing advanced financial management skills
- Experience with budgeting, bookkeeping, or financial tracking (school, volunteer, or work)
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Attention to detail and accuracy in handling financial records
- Clear and professional written and verbal communication
- Ability to collaborate with executive leadership
- Proficiency in spreadsheets and financial software (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets)
- Grant writing or familiarity with funding applications (asset, but not required)
Responsibilities:
- Oversee all aspects of FYM’s financial management and planning
- Develop and implement annual and quarterly budgets in consultation with the executive team
- Prepare and present quarterly financial reports to the Directors
- Act as the point of contact for all financial communications, both internal and external
- Manage reimbursements, transfers, and payments between volunteers, FYM funds, and donors/funding bodies
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records and documentation
- Collaborate with relevant teams to identify, prepare, and submit grant applications
- Ensure compliance with FYM’s financial policies and procedures
- Attend monthly director meetings, providing updates on financial status and organizational needs
- Support FYM’s long-term sustainability by identifying opportunities for financial growth and efficiency
Estimated Time Commitment: 4-6 hours per week
Mode: Virtual
Events Team Volunteer
Events Team Volunteer
This is a junior position. Please note, you may hold up to 2 junior positions at a time (see FAQ).
Apply here:
Fall 2025: Events Team Volunteer Application Form
Role Description:
A general Events Team volunteer plays a key role in supporting FYM’s mission to raise awareness and create meaningful conversations around youth mental health in Canada. This position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about making a difference, eager to learn, and committed to fostering inclusive and engaging spaces for respectful dialogue.
As a general Events Team volunteer, you will work collaboratively with peers to design, plan, and execute events and projects that highlight the diverse perspectives and experiences of youth. This role emphasizes creativity, research, and attentive listening skills, helping to turn ideas into impactful initiatives that educate, connect, and inspire. Members will be encouraged to contribute their unique voice while also being receptive to feedback and learning from others. The collaborative environment nurtures both personal growth and the development of practical skills in event planning, teamwork, and communication.
Through this role, you will have the opportunity to explore mental health issues facing Canadian youth and help plan events that are inclusive, informative, and supportive.
Recommended Skills:
- Strong interest in youth mental health issues
- Research and information-gathering abilities (including appropriate referencing)
- Creativity and problem-solving skills
- Active listening and open-mindedness
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Event planning and/or organizational skills
- Willingness to learn and adapt
- Effective communication (both written and verbal)
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with other team members to plan and deliver youth-focused mental health events
- Conduct research to ensure accurate, relevant, and evidence-informed content.
- Generate creative ideas and translate them into actionable event plans
- Listen attentively and incorporate diverse perspectives into programming
- Support event logistics and execution
- Contribute to a positive and inclusive team culture.
Estimated Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week
Mode: Virtual
IT Team Volunteer
IT Team Volunteer
This is a junior position. Please note, you may hold up to 2 junior positions at a time (see FAQ).
Apply here:
Fall 2025: IT Team Volunteer Application Form
Role Description:
An IT Volunteer plays a key role in supporting Free Your Mind’s mission to raise awareness and create meaningful conversations around youth mental health in Canada by ensuring the organization’s digital infrastructure runs smoothly and securely. This position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about technology, eager to learn, and committed to helping teams operate effectively in a virtual environment.
As an IT Volunteer, you will work collaboratively with peers and other Free Your Mind teams to maintain and enhance the organization’s digital presence. This includes updating the website, assisting with virtual event setup, managing cybersecurity across platforms, and troubleshooting technical issues. The role emphasizes problem-solving, technical skills, and attentive collaboration. Members will be encouraged to contribute their expertise while also being receptive to guidance and learning from others, including the Director of IT to which the IT team reports. The collaborative environment nurtures both personal growth and the development of practical skills in website management, digital security, and IT support.
Through this role, you will have the opportunity to explore digital solutions that enhance the impact of Free Your Mind’s events and initiatives, ensuring all programs run efficiently and securely.
Recommended Skills:
- Proficiency with website design and editing, particularly WordPress
- Knowledge of cybersecurity practices across multiple digital platforms
- Strong problem-solving and digital troubleshooting abilities
- Ability to collaborate effectively with peers and other Free Your Mind teams
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Willingness to learn and take guidance from the Director of IT
- Effective communication skills in a virtual work environment
Responsibilities:
- Maintain and update the Free Your Mind website to ensure accurate and functional content
- Assist in setting up and supporting virtual events in collaboration with other teams
- Monitor and manage cybersecurity across social media, video conferencing, and other digital platforms
- Troubleshoot technical issues promptly and provide solutions to ensure smooth operations
- Collaborate with peers and report progress to the Director of IT
- Contribute ideas and technical expertise to improve digital workflows and support organizational initiatives
Estimated Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week
Mode: Virtual
FAQ
What is the difference between junior and senior positions?
Free Your Mind consists of different teams, and each team is made up of around 3-10 General Volunteers and a team Director. There are also Director positions that do not oversee a specific team, like the Director of Accessibility, and Director positions that oversee multiple teams, like the Director of Communications. General Volunteer is a junior position, and Director is a senior position. Senior positions carry more responsibilities, are expected to commit more hours, and may be expected to lead a team of volunteers.
Junior volunteers are welcome to take on a second role, if they wish, after at least four months with us and if they can demonstrate the capacity and ability to adequately meet the higher demands of a dual role. We do not allow senior volunteers to take on more than role at a time due to the high demands of senior roles.
What does “virtual” volunteering mean?
All of our volunteer opportunities are virtual: they can be done online! We use a combination of different online platforms and tools to communicate with each other and carry out our activities, including but not limited to: Google Suite (Meets, Gmail, Drive, etc.), Discord, Zoom, and WordPress.
Some of our activities are synchronous, which means volunteers need to interact with each other in real time (examples: attending team meetings, hosting events). Other activities are asynchronous, which means that they can be done individually at the volunteer’s own pace (examples: writing a blog, designing a social media post). All of our volunteer positions include both synchronous and asynchronous activities.
If you have more questions about the virtual aspect of our programming, please feel free to contact us.
Where are Free Your Mind volunteers from?
Free Your Mind was founded in Calgary, Alberta, but now we are proud to have youth volunteers across Canada! (And a few outside of Canada, too.) All of our positions are virtual, which means volunteers have the flexibility to stay in their role regardless of where life takes them. Volunteers joining us from time zones that are farther away may face some challenges with attending our meetings and events, but we attempt to accommodate everyone to the best of our abilities and we encourage you to reach out if you have any questions.
At what times are meetings held?
Free Your Mind operates using Mountain Time (MT). This time zone is observed mainly in the Western part of North America. All interviews, team meetings, and events are scheduled and communicated using MT. If you are not in this time zone, please keep in mind that some platforms such as Google Calendar may automatically convert and display meeting times to your local time zone, while some may not. Always review meeting details carefully.
We strive to accommodate volunteers who are in other time zones, including attempting to schedule meetings at times that work for everyone or discussing alternate ways to accomplish a task. If you are concerned that time zones may be an issue for you, please let us know and we will do our best to try and find a solution.
Will I ever be expected to attend an in-person meeting or event?
We are currently exploring ways to engage our volunteers with in-person activities and meetings, but our planning is in its preliminary stages. You will not be required to attend an in-person meeting or event.
We’re delighted that you’re wanting to get involved with us! Please keep in mind that a successful applicant to each of our teams will have some level of specialized skills, unique to that team, prior to entry. While our organization is a space to grow and improve those skills, it may be more challenging without some of this pre-existing knowledge. We strongly encourage you to review the Recommended Skills and Responsibilities of each role to make sure that you are considering only roles for which you are best suited for, in terms of both interests and skills.
Once you have done so, please see the FAQ below for information on how to apply for more than one role and what to expect if you are accepted.
A final note: we embrace that our organization is primarily youth-led and youth-run, which means that it’s okay if you don’t hit every recommended criteria! We encourage you to apply, or contact us with questions you have about applying!
I’m interested in, and have skills suited for, more than one role. What are my options?
If you are interested in and have the skills for more than one position, that’s great! There are a few things to keep in mind before applying and following a successful application.
When applying, you may do so in one of the following ways:
1. If you are interested in more than one role, please submit only ONE APPLICATION to the team that you are most interested in, and note your interest in other teams at the end of the form, such as saying “I would most like to join Team A, but I would also like to be considered for Team B if I am not accepted to Team A.”
2. If you remain equally interested in more than one role, please pick any form to submit only ONE APPLICATION, and note your interests at the end of the form.
If your application is successful, please note that Free Your Mind accepts volunteers to one team at a time. Junior volunteers are welcome to take on a second role after at least four months with us, if they can demonstrate the capacity and ability to adequately meet the higher demands of a dual role. We do not allow senior volunteers to take on more than role at a time due to the high demands of senior roles.
Is there an age limit to volunteering with Free Your Mind?
Most of our volunteers are youth aged 12-25 years as part of our mandate to platform youth voices. You may apply at any age as long as you can demonstrate your ability to address the needs of contemporary Canadian youth.
All of our volunteer positions are ongoing, with no set end date. Each year you volunteer with us, we will hold a review meeting between you and your team Director. Depending on you and your Directors’ opinions, you may either leave the position, change positions or continue on in the same position. This is something we do to help make sure everyone is in a position that still feels like a good fit for them.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at info@freeyourmindinitiative.com
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Land Acknowledgement
In the spirit of reconciliation, Free Your Mind acknowledges that we live on and connect across the traditional territories of many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. As an immigrant-majority not-for-profit organization built on Indigenous lands, we recognize the ongoing legacies of colonialism and commit ourselves to responsibly centring Indigenous voices in our efforts toward decolonization.