"opportunity, accessibility, independence"

Volunteer with DSA Alberta

Every year, dedicated DSA Alberta staff and volunteers contribute to the success of the programs and operations of DSA Alberta. are extremely limited in the range of sports and recreational activities available to them.

DSAA volunteering roles are many. From assisting our sailor clients to fundraising to meeting new people -- and have a lot of fun in the sun. Our volunteers come from many and varied backgrounds - the sailing community, the medical community, our Sponsors, and the community at large. Our volunteers are an integral part of our operation each and every year.

Current Volunteer Requirements

Throughout the year, the DSA requires volunteers to fill a number of roles at various times. The primary goal of the Volunteer Requirements page is to make known our current or daily requirements through the sailing season and have the sailing companion volunteers contact the dock as to their availability to meet the needs of our clientele.

Non-Member Roles

Working with our sailors is a great way to get outside and learn more about sailing and the disabled community. As a member volunteer, you are covered under our insurance policy and thereby able to assist in ways that have direct interaction with our clients. Here are some of the things that DSA Alberta member volunteers do each day:

  • Fundraising; Casino
  • Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion - DSA enters a team to help raise funds
  • Stampede Fundraiser and Awareness Breakfast
  • Man our booths at various shows that we attend (Calgary Sportsman Show for example)
  • Help us organize our public and disabled community events
  • Wednesday Night Racing: Work the Race Barge - training provided by the Glenmore Sailing Club
  • Professional Services
  • Towing boats to and from winter storage

Member Roles

  • Rig the boats for sailing sessions
  • Assist our clients with disabilities in and out of the boats
  • Be a "Sailing Companion" (CYA White Sail III certification required, Bronze IV desirable) and take novice sailors out for their first rides
  • Assist our staff to carry out the day-to-day operations of DSA-Alberta
  • Apply your "hands-on" skills to help us maintain our fleet of Martin 16s and the Sonar
  • Apply your writing, editing, web-design or computer skills to help the DSA staff communicate with our many stakeholders
  • Maintenance and Repair of the fleet

Volunteer Benefits

  • Volunteers receive training to ensure their safety and our members'.
  • Volunteers may join a Learn-to-Sail course, book one of our Martin 16s or the Sonar at any time under the normal booking rules and fees.
  • Volunteer Sailing Credits provide "credits" to be applied to sailing sessions for their volunteer contribution to the success of our programs
  • NEW: this year, DSA Alberta is seeking businesses that will give discounts to our member volunteers

Frequently Asked Questions

Q ) Do I need special training?

No. Providing comprehensive orientation and training for our staff and volunteers is a key component of our focus on safety. Each season, we host Volunteer Orientation days, provide a Staff & Volunteer Orientation Guide covering all aspects of our operations, qualify Volunteers for Sailing Companion role, and provide "hands-on" training during the season.

Q ) Can my sailing experience be used?

Definitely! If you're certified to CYA White Sail III (or when you pass an equivalent skills test), you can accompany sailors as a Sailing Companion.

Q ) If I don't know how to sail, what is there for me to do?

Volunteers help DSAA staff with every aspect of running the program and, most of all, making sure that we all have fun!! A large component of our programming requires organizing and running events for children and adults with disabilities. If you're good at this, we'd welcome your contribution!

Any experience you may have working with the disabled, or medical/ physiotherapy or nursing skills, handyman, flexibility and cheerfulness are always helpful.

Q ) Do I have to be strong?

No, however it is important that you advise DSA-A staff of any physical injuries or limitations that you may have. It is your responsibility to participate in activities that you're suited for.

Q ) Will I be insured?

DSA-A carries $2,000,000 General Liability insurance. As in most leisure activities there is a degree of risk involved as helping may involve physical exertion and being near the water. All participants - both sailors and volunteers - are required to complete and sign a Release and Waiver of Liability. Your $40 membership insures that you are covered under our policy.

Q ) Can I learn to sail at DSA Alberta?

Yes! Many of our volunteers have learned to sail by becoming a Member of DSA Alberta and joining our Learn-to-Sail courses. Membership in DSA Alberta and access to our programs and courses is open to anyone. If you've always wanted to learn to sail - come join us at DSA Alberta!

Q ) Am I allowed to sail the DSA Alberta boats?

You may join DSA Alberta at any time, and receive access to our boats, programs and courses. You may book and sail our Martin 16s and the Sonar, under the terms of your Membership.

Q ) How will I be rewarded for my volunteer contribution?

We find that we all learn a lot about each other through the sport / recreation of sailing. You can help make sailing accessible to Albertans that otherwise wouldn't be able to sail.

Volunteer Sailing Credits recognize your volunteer contribution by providing "credits" to be applied to sailing sessions for each volunteer contribution, as follows:

  • Community Partner event (any function) - credit one sailing session
  • Sailing Companion - credit one sailing session
  • Help rigging/de-rigging - credit one sailing session
  • Organize a Friday night Social - credit one sailing session.
  • Volunteer Sailing Credits may be redeemed at any time for Independent Sailing Sessions or to participate in Wednesday Night Racing

Q ). What level of commitment is expected?

It's up to you. Let us know what level of involvement you feel comfortable with. If you do commit to helping out on a particular day -- please arrive promptly, and call us a day ahead if you're unable to make it.

Liability Release and Medical Information

Participants in all DSA Alberta programs (members, clients of community partnership events and all volunteers) complete a Release of Liability and a Medical Information form. Completed forms are kept on file in the DSA Alberta office. Information provided on the Medical Information and Release form is confidential and will only be used to assist in the event of an accident, injury or medical emergency, and to identify emergency contacts, parents or legal guardians, etc.