Innisfil, ON – The Town of Innisfil, in collaboration with MASS Civic Innovation Lab (CIL), is launching a new way for residents to express interest in helping shape their community. The initiative, Service Ballots, helps connect people with Town-led volunteer and civic participation opportunities that match their interests, skills, and availability.

"Many residents want to contribute to their community but don’t always know where to start," says Mayor Lynn Dollin. "Service Ballots make it easy for residents to add their name to a list for future opportunities and get more involved in our Town."

Service Ballots provide residents with a simple way to indicate interest in future opportunities to get involved. Through a short form, residents can opt in to learn about a wide range of short- and long-term roles, such as Town-appointed committees, event support, public engagement activities, advisory groups, youth or senior initiatives, and more.

Information submitted through Service Ballots will be securely managed and used only to notify residents about opportunities that interest them. Completing the form does not automatically appoint anyone or replace official selection processes. Residents may be contacted when opportunities arise that match their interests and experience.

"Innisfil is pioneering a new way for communities to find and engage volunteers," says Peter MacLeod, creator of the Service Ballots concept and co-author of Democracy’s Second Act: Why Politics Needs the Public. "As the first municipality in Canada to become a pilot community for this initiative, Innisfil is showing what it looks like to make volunteering easier, more visible and more accessible. I expect communities across Canada will be watching closely—and following Innisfil’s lead."

Service Ballots were developed by MASS CIL. MASS develops practical innovations that expand the role of citizens in public decision-making. The goal is to strengthen democratic institutions by making them more participatory, representative, and capable of drawing on the intelligence and experience of the public.

Residents interested in participating can learn more and complete a Service Ballot at innisfil.ca/CommunityFirst.