Home > Organizations > Chess for Life @ The University of Lethbridge > Chess for Life Program Volunteer
Populations Served
- Adults
- Children
- Seniors
- Young Adults
- Youth
Competencies/Skills
- Accountability
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Empathy
- Problem Solving
Opportunity last updated: August 19th
Chess for Life Program Volunteer
Suitable for Seniors
Chess for Life @ The University of Lethbridge (C4L) is a faculty-developed organization dedicated to improving lives through teaching chess skills that are transferable to everyday life. C4L works with a variety of groups, ages and skill levels to help participants develop executive functions and pro-social life skills.
C4L was originally created as a unique, restorative justice program, where youth that had been sentenced to community service hours could come to the University of Lethbridge for 25 hours of chess instruction. While this is still our main program, C4L has expanded to exist in elementary and secondary schools, seniors homes, community organizations and the Lethbridge Correctional Centre.
No experience in chess is needed to volunteer – come and learn with the populations we work with! Our participants vary in their experience levels, as do our volunteers. Whether you’re a beginner or a ranked FIDE player, you will absolutely learn something during your time with C4L.
Volunteer Duties
Depending on the program and setting, volunteers may be asked to:
- Participate in chess games, activities, and lessons alongside program participants.
- Build positive, respectful relationships with participants through chess and other program activities.
- Encourage participation, perseverance, problem-solving, and positive social interactions.
- Help create a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for participants of diverse ages, abilities, backgrounds, and lived experiences.
- Support participants at their individual skill levels — no expectation to be a chess expert!
- Assist with setting up and taking down program materials, including chess sets, snacks, technology, and other supplies.
- Depending on ability and comfort levels, volunteers are invited to assist C4L staff with delivering chess activities and lessons following the C4L curriculum and philosophy.
- Be attentive to participant needs and communicate any concerns to the program coordinator.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and strict confidentiality regarding participants and their personal information.
- Follow all C4L policies, procedures, and site-specific requirements.
- Attend required volunteer orientation and training.
Age Requirements
18+
Schedule
- Playing chess with youth (ages 12-18) on Friday afternoons @ the U of L (1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.).
- Playing chess with youth (ages 5-18) as part of school programming (date/time to be determined).
- Playing chess with offenders at the Lethbridge Correctional Centre on Monday and/or Wednesday evenings (6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.).
- Playing chess with local seniors on Tuesdays (afternoons).
Time Commitment
Continuing commitment
Type of Opportunity
Community Engagement,Creative Arts & Culture,Health, Wellness & Recreation,Mental Well-Being,Sports & Leisure
Application Type
Advanced
Other Opportunities with Chess for Life @ The University of Lethbridge
Chess for Life is hosting a 24-hour Chess-a-thon fundraiser on Saturday, November 7th to the 8th, 2026 to support our ongoing programming in the community. Participants will challenge themselves to raise a minimum of $500 and then take on the ultimate chess endurance challenge: playing chess continuously from November 7th at noon, until noon on November 8th, 2026.
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help run games and activities, and to help keep participants fed, hydrated, entertained, and motivated throughout the event. Whether you’re a chess enthusiast or have never played before, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
Thanks for your interest in this volunteer position!
We'll just need a bit of information so we can pass your application along to Chess for Life @ The University of Lethbridge.
Volunteers can sign up for up to 3 continuing commitment opportunities for immediate referrals. If you signed up for more than 3, a Volunteer Lethbridge staff member will connect with you before making new referrals.