Open Volunteer Positions
Canteen Officer
In the Royal Canadian Legion, the Canteen Chair (often referred to as the Bar Chair or Bar Officer) oversees the branch's social quarters, ensuring responsible beverage service, financial compliance, and a welcoming environment for veterans and members.
The specific responsibilities of the Canteen/Bar Chair include:
Financial Oversight: Reconciling daily/monthly bar sales, managing cash floats, depositing funds, and conducting regular inventory/stocktaking.
Staff and Volunteer Management: Scheduling, training, and supervising paid Bar Stewards and volunteer bartenders.
Compliance & Licensing: Ensuring strict adherence to liquor laws (e.g., Smart Serve, age verification) and branch rules.
Member Relations: Maintaining a respectful atmosphere, handling patron complaints, and enforcing responsible beverage service and cutoff procedures.
Facility Maintenance: Ensuring the canteen area remains clean, stocked, and properly equipped, while reporting directly to the Branch Executive.
Honours & Awards Chair/Officer
The Honours & Awards Chair/Officer in the Royal Canadian Legion manages the formal recognition of deserving members and citizens. They ensure all submissions meet the strict criteria outlined in the official Legion Ritual, Awards and Protocol Manual.
Primary Responsibilities
Identify Eligible Members: Review active members for potential awards such as Life Membership, the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), the Meritorious Service Award (MSA), and Long-Service Medals.
Draft Citations: Prepare or request detailed citations and nomination packages outlining the achievements that exceed the expected standard of a member.
Document Processing: Complete all required documentation at the Branch level and submit packages to Zone, District, Provincial, or Dominion Command for approval.
Track Service Milestones: Monitor and track continuous years of service (recognized in 5-year increments) and process the corresponding membership lapel pins.
Civilian & Community Awards: Coordinate awards for non-Legion members, such as the Friendship Award, Certificate of Appreciation, or Media Awards.
Award Ceremonies: Plan and execute meaningful award presentations during general meetings, Legion parades, or special events.
Liaise with Command: Act as the direct point of contact between the local Branch and higher Commands regarding Honours & Awards matters.
If you are interested in volunteering at the Legion, please send an email torclwhitbybranch@gmail.com - help is always needed!
Public Relations Officer
The Royal Canadian Legion Public Relations Officer (PRO) is an elected or appointed executive position responsible for promoting, protecting, and enhancing the Legion’s image at the local level. The core duties include driving community awareness, attracting new members, and highlighting the Legion's efforts in supporting Veterans and promoting Remembrance.
A comprehensive breakdown of the PRO's duties, responsibilities, and key functions outlines the role in detail.
Core Responsibilities
Media Relations: Act as the primary point of contact for local reporters, draft and distribute press releases, and earn positive news coverage for Legion events and achievements.
Digital & Social Media Management: Maintain and update Branch websites, manage social media accounts, and create engaging content (photos, videos, and stories) to attract younger demographics.
Event Promotion: Promote internal and external Branch activities, ceremonies (like Remembrance Day), fundraisers, and Poppy Fund distributions to the public.
Internal Communications: Edit and contribute to Branch newsletters, and coordinate communication efforts with the branch webmaster and newsletter editors.
Reporting: Forward reports of Branch activities and events to Command for publication in Legion Magazine and attend Zone meetings as required.
If you are interested in volunteering at the Legion, please send an email to rclwhitbybranch@gmail.com - help is always needed!
Ways and Means Chair
At a Royal Canadian Legion branch, the Ways and Means Chair is primarily responsible for strategizing, planning, and executing revenue-generating activities. This ensures the branch remains financially stable and can support veterans and community programs.
Because Legion branches operate semi-autonomously, specific events vary, though the core responsibilities remain consistent across Canada.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Planning: Brainstorm and organize various fundraising activities such as special dinners (e.g., spaghetti nights), BBQs, flea markets, dances, and meat draws.
Volunteer Coordination: Recruit, schedule, and manage volunteers to workatthese events (e.g., kitchen staff, event setup, and bartending).
Event Logistics: Handle event-specific logistics like ticket sales, acquiring food/supplies, setting up the hall, and coordinating with the Branch Manager or Special Events Coordinator.
Financial Reporting: Work alongside the branch’s Treasurer by tracking the revenues generated from events and ensuring proceeds are properly remitted.
Executive Duties: Attend regular Branch Executive Committee meetings to propose new ideas, report on past events,and participate in branch governance.
If you are interested in volunteering at the Legion, please send an email torclwhitbybranch@gmail.com - help is always needed!