Communications and Outreach Volunteer (Non-Profit Org)

Third Age Learning York Region (TALYR)

Volunteer Opportunity: Communications and Outreach

Role Focus: Building TALYR's Public Profile & Membership Growth

Position Type: Flexible / Remote (Strategic Framework & Execution)

Time Commitment: Estimated a few hours per week initially (Highly flexible, project-driven pace)

Third Age Learning York Region (TALYR) is a federally registered non-profit organization offering intellectually engaging lectures and webinars for retired and semi-retired adults across York Region. Our annual season runs across three series: online presentations (via Zoom) in the Winter and Fall, and exceptional in-person lectures in Aurora in the Spring.

As a small, entirely volunteer-driven organization with no paid staff, we have relied almost exclusively on organic word of mouth throughout our history—and for many years, that was enough. Our programs routinely sold out, our members were fiercely enthusiastic, and we consistently maintained waiting lists.

But the post-pandemic landscape has shifted, and so has our opportunity.

Today, our membership is more geographically dispersed across York Region, with many preferring online access. Concurrently, our physical in-person venue in Aurora (the Odeon Cineplex ) can accommodate far more people than we currently attract. We have real growth capacity across both presentation platforms, and countless numbers of older adults across York Region would no doubt value what we offer— if only they knew we existed.

This is a genuine ground-floor opportunity. TALYR has never had a formal marketing or communications function. The volunteer stepping into this role will possess real ownership to build, shape, and execute a meaningful outreach strategy at a sustainable pace.

What This Role Involves

Because this function is brand new, the successful volunteer will have significant creative leeway to architect its scope. Core focus areas include:

· Outreach Strategy: Developing simple, sustainable marketing approaches to introduce TALYR to individuals, retirement communities, clubs, and affinity groups across York Region.

· Collateral & Copywriting: Refreshing and elevating standard communication touchpoints, including member announcements, quarterly newsletters, and our public website layout.

· Community Alliances: Building collaborative relationships with regional anchors like public libraries, seniors' centers, and local media to expand promotional placements.

· Social Media Footprint: Evaluating, establishing, and selectively maintaining a targeted social media presence (e.g., Facebook) tailored appropriately to our target demographic.

· Board Advisory: Providing practical advice to the Board of Directors on how to raise TALYR's regional profile effectively, economically, and sustainably.

What We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate brings a combination of communications instinct and entrepreneurial energy. We highly value any background in marketing, public relations, copywriting, journalism, or community outreach. However, formal professional titles matter less than general aptitude:

· An Entrepreneurial Mindset: Comfortable starting something from a blank page rather than executing a pre-existing corporate playbook.

· Clear Communicators: Possess strong writing skills and an intuitive sense for clean, clear, and engaging messaging.

· Practical Realism: If you have built something communicative in the past—a personal newsletter, a workplace initiative, a localized non-profit drive, or a community Facebook group—that absolutely counts.

How to Express Interest

We are highly realistic about the fact that this function will be built gradually. We are committed to establishing a collaborative, pressure-free pace that aligns perfectly with your schedule. If you have the creative energy to help us tell TALYR's story, please send a brief introductory note regarding your background to:

EMAIL: ***email_hidden*** with the subject line "Volunteer Inquiry: Communications & Outreach".