Looking for a volunteer or work-exchange opportunity to grow your skills, live your values, and contribute to meaningful social change?
Applications for fall/winter 2026-27 are now closed.
Join a community where you’ll build relationships, tap into professional networks, and support solutions that put people and the planet first!
The Community Animator Program (CAP) at the Centre for Social Innovation is seeking committed volunteers who are excited to support our staff and members in fostering positive change.
As a Community Animator, you’ll contribute one day per week (8 hours) alongside our team in exchange for a complimentary six-month Hot Desk Unlimited membership (valued at $1,500+).
If exchanging one day per week for six months for professional growth, membership benefits, new friends, and a vibrant community sounds like a fair and fun deal, apply now!
- Apply by: September 1, 2026
- Start Date: September 30, 2026
- End Date: April 16, 2027
Who are Community Animators?
Since the Community Animator program started in 2010, we’ve enrolled and selected 1,500+ participants from all walks of life and from all over the world.
Community Animators are diverse. They vary in age, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, national origin, physical ability, and religion. We’re looking for Community Animators with a friendly, welcoming energy who are interested in learning about and contributing to our animation, operations, and facilities needs.
What many Community Animators have in common is that they are in transition, whether academic, geographic, personal, and/or professional. All are welcome. The Community Animator Program represents an opportunity to refine or reinvent themselves and to re-pivot their knowledge, skills, and networks. CSI strives to create an environment where people who share our values can practice the fun and friction of working together.
What also draws Community Animators together is a common desire to support each other and our members with excellent customer service, radical hospitality, and a commitment to approaching tasks, projects, and placemaking with sincerity and goodwill. Community Animators are the glue that keeps our community together and the glitter that makes it sparkle.
Immersing yourself in the program is great for anyone looking to build community, eager to learn and serve, and interested in expanding their teamwork and networks. Who knows where this experience could lead you?
Community Animators work with CSI staff to efficiently and gracefully handle whatever member service request comes their way. They ensure the feel, flow, and function of the building and community keep going strong. Community Animators work in small teams of 5–7 people per day alongside staff to cover a wide variety of both predictable and spontaneous circumstances. Communication, training, and reliability are key factors to success.
“It’s actually difficult to articulate the full extent of what I got out of finding CSI through the DECA program, but in the 10 years I’ve lived in Toronto, being in the DECA program was the first time I felt connected to a community. I made connections with people who were up to great things that I ordinarily wouldn’t have the opportunity to connect with, I made amazing friends that I still see regularly, and being part of the co-working space gave me a sense of grounding and belonging during a tough transition phase in my career. I can honestly say that being part of CSI changed the trajectory of my life and made me a much happier and more fulfilled human.” – Kale Ridsdale
“MY DECA time at CSI has done a lot for my network, my business and my wallet! I’ve made some pretty awesome connections, hired people, and have been hired as well! I’ve met people who are experts in their industry and were able to help me grow my biz. For example: another DECA named Anabelle sat me down and interviewed me about Embodying the Sexual Being Within. This mini series film did wonders for the marketing in my biz! Gillian — a member in the community and the CEO of Birthmark — offered my partner and I the honour of joining their Board of Directors. It’s a new field for us, and we are super excited to explore this part of our business skill sets. What ever you take in life, you must give back, this is the flow of nature. My DECA role is where I live that out. Making people smile with silly, and effective, antics. You may not understand this part unless you’ve seen it! They don’t call me Queen Animator for nothing!” – 
“I become a DECA in 2017. It was the best decision I made. Being a DECA means you are fully immersed in the community, I was committed to spending more time in the space. This led me to co-founding the Changemakers Mastermind group with fellow CSI members. Our mighty group has been meeting twice a month for nearly two years in a CSI meeting room. We have the opportunity to discuss challenges and successes we have had in our business. It has been instrumental in helping us all to move our businesses forward.” – 
“I’d been struggling to find some traction and build momentum for a while, alone at my dining room table. I knew what I was lacking was the inspiration, possibility and opportunity that can come from being part of a working community. Joining the DECA program at CSI has been one of the best personal and professional decisions I’ve made. I enjoy coming in for my DECA shifts each Monday, and am grateful for the opportunity to help this space and community flow. Inspiration, focus and opportunities are best found when working in a community of good people. I’m now starting to find traction and build momentum toward a new life. It’s a valuable, innovative resource to say the least.” – 
“I moved to Toronto the night before I started the DECA program, and I owe so much to that experience. It allowed me to connect to an incredibly supportive and inspiring community in the city. As a naturally introverted person, it was the gentle push I needed to quickly and easily meet a wide array of CSI members who would recognize me due to my role in the space. Beyond personal gain, CSI helped me achieve my professional goals. Everyone who participated in the first season of my Connexion project — cast and crew — I met through the community. It was a moving experience to screen the first season six months later at CSI Spadina to an audience of CSI members and friends. It is an ongoing pleasure to be a part of this community.” – 
“Becoming a DECA was the best way to integrate into the amazing CSI community and get to know so many people here. As a DECA I made many friendships and got connections in the community that helped me to move forwards with my business. I highly recommend this opportunity to make friendships, long-lasting connections, and as an entrance to such a great collaborative community working to make a difference in this world” –