Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer at the Guelph Organic Conference, January 2026

Canada’s longest-running organic event!

Needed: Volunteers at Guelph Organic Conference 2026
Event: Guelph Organic Conference / Organic Council of Ontario (OCO)
Location: 42 Carden St., Guelph, ON, and Guelph Farmers’ Market (2 Gordon St., Guelph, ON)  (an hour NW of Toronto / public transportation available), Ontario

Format: Remote and in-person opportunities available 
Timeline: November 2025 – January 2026 
Date(s): Jan 27–28, 2026, plus pre-event volunteers (see below)

Join the Organic Council of Ontario to help bring the 45th Guelph Organic Conference to life this January 2026! Help grow Ontario’s organic movement while gaining valuable event and community experience. 

We’re seeking a Volunteer Coordinator and additional volunteers for day-of event support, postering, and scheduling assistance. 

• Volunteer Coordinator: ~2 hrs/week (Nov–Dec), ~6 hrs/week (Jan), with full availability Jan 27–28 
• Pre- Event Postering Volunteers: Spread the word! Gas reimbursement provided  
• Day-of Volunteers: 4-hour shifts with free access to workshops afterward 

See below for more details or click here to apply: Volunteer

 

---

About the Guelph Organic Conference 

The Guelph Organic Conference (GOC) is Canada’s largest and longest-running organic event, bringing together farmers, researchers, processors, and the public to learn, connect, and celebrate sustainable agriculture. 
Now celebrating its 45th year, the 2026 event features a one-day intensive session, an afternoon/evening trade show and reception, followed by a full day of workshops with three educational streams and a second trade show  day. 

 

---

1 x Volunteer Coordinator (Lead Role) 

We’re looking for an organized, friendly, and dependable Volunteer Coordinator to help recruit and schedule volunteers for the 2026 Guelph Organic Conference. 
This person will work closely with OCO’s in-house team and follow an established plan that’s been refined over many years — making the role ideal for someone who enjoys teamwork, communication, and logistics. 

Commitment: November 2025 – January 2026 

Time commitment will vary, averaging approximately 2 hours per week (Nov–Dec) and increasing to 6 hours per week in January. The Volunteer Coordinator must also be available for two full event days — January 27 & 28. 

Responsibilities: 
● Recruit and confirm volunteers for the two-day conference 
● Assign volunteers to roles (registration, exhibitor support, AV, setup, etc.) 
● Maintain and update volunteer lists and shift schedules 
● Lead 1–2 virtual onboarding sessions and communicate details in advance 
● Support volunteer check-ins during the event weekend 

Skills: 
● Excellent organization and communication skills 
● Comfort using Google Sheets and online forms 
● Experience with volunteer coordination or events is an asset 

Benefits: 
● Gain valuable event coordination and leadership experience 
● Contribute to a meaningful cause supporting organic and sustainable farming 
● Build connections across Ontario’s organic and environmental community 

Complete our volunteer form found here.

 

---

Pre-Event & During-Event Volunteer Roles (Flexible Hours) 

We’re also looking for volunteers to support the event in the months leading up to January 2026. 

 

---

Day-of Event Volunteers 

Dates: January 27 & 28, 2026 

Join all the action at the Guelph Organic Conference! These two days are when we need the most hands-on support — and it’s also the most exciting time to get involved. Volunteers help keep the event running smoothly by assisting with: 
● Tradeshow exhibitor setup and tear-down 
● Registration and attendee check-in 
● Coat check and parking guidance 
● Welcoming guests and offering general hospitality 
● Photography and social media coverage 
● AV and technical support 

Shifts are approximately 4 hours, and volunteers are invited to enjoy the workshops and exhibits for the rest of the day. 

Complete our volunteer form found here.

 

---

Postering Volunteers 

Help spread the word about the conference by putting up posters in your local area — especially in rural and Mennonite communities. Posters can be mailed to you or picked up in person, and gas costs will be reimbursed. 

 

---

Volunteer Coordination Support 

Assist the main Volunteer Coordinator with outreach, scheduling, and communication leading up to the event. This role is ideal for those who enjoy organization, teamwork, and supporting others behind the scenes. 

 

---

All Volunteers Receive: 

● Access to the Guelph Organic Conference and trade show on the day(s) you volunteer 
● A reference letter upon request 
● Meaningful experience that builds teamwork, communication, and coordination skills 

How to Apply 

Complete our short volunteer form found here: Volunteer 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through November 2025. 

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca or FoodWork.ca.

For additional questions, contact Courtney Rantz, Program and Volunteer Manager, at courtney@organiccouncil.ca