Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer with the Air Cadet League of Canada (ACL). Over 8,000 screened and registered adults donate their time and skills in support of Air Cadet Activities.
WHY SCREEN?
The answer is simple. We want to do a better job of assigning volunteers and protecting them and program participants. All organizations that provide programs to vulnerable people, whether run by staff or volunteers, have a responsibility to appropriately screen their volunteers.
WHAT IS SCREENING?
Screening is a process designed to create and maintain a safe environment for the participants in the Air Cadet Program. Screening is a four-step process which involves identifying any activity of a League volunteer position which by virtue of the responsibilities of the position could bring about harm to children, youth, or vulnerable persons. It also involves recruiting, selecting and managing volunteers. The screening process also ensures the most appropriate match is made between volunteer and task.
WHO MUST BE SCREENED AND REGISTERED?
The ACL and its partner, the Department of National Defence (DND), have worked together in a partnership spanning over seventy-five years to establish and maintain what is acknowledged to be a premier youth organization. The Air Cadet Program is a comprehensive one, which is run in a structured, disciplined and safe manner. In this context, it is important to ensure all volunteers are appropriately selected and are good role models for Air Cadets. Knowing the volunteers, their skills and talents, and their intended contribution is very important to the Squadron Sponsoring Committee, Officers and staff. A team effort produces the best results for the greater benefit of the Air Cadet Movement.
ACL volunteers may work in close contact with Air Cadets aged from 12 to 18. We know that parents and guardians place great faith in both the ACL and the DND to keep their child free from potential harm at all times. To fulfill their responsibilities to the cadets, both the ACL and DND conform to rulings by the Supreme Court of Canada that define the level of care is defined as that which would be exercised by a prudent parent in protecting their child. These responsibilities are also evident in the ACL screening and selection process for its volunteers.
The ACL welcomes your application in good faith. However, every applicant is required to successfully complete all stages of a thorough screening process s which includes:
- Completing the Volunteer Screening and Registration Application
- Completing a criminal record check
- Providing a current jpg photo sent via email
An interview will be required after receipt of the completed form, the criminal record check and the photo. For positions such as Treasurer and Fund Raising, a Credit Check may be required. The information you will be asked to provide will be kept confidential and used by the ACL for the following purposes:
- To prepare for your personal interview
- To make enquiries of personal references
The screening forms and processes are a minimum requirement for all applicants. A Provincial/Territorial Committee may require additional information from an applicant to enhance their screening process as long as the information does not detract from the minimum requirements.
We thank you for your generous offer of volunteer services and hope you understand the legal and moral obligation of the League in reviewing the suitability of all individuals working or involved with youth.
