Though background checks are intended to protect vulnerable populations, they often uphold systemic barriers, especially for folks navigating inequities tied to race, income, or mental health. In this blog, guest writer Jose Guevarra explains how goal-based, relationship-centred, and healing-informed screening practices can help to align volunteer screening practices with values of trust, dignity, and inclusion….
Leduc stands out for its volunteer programming by integrating a dedicated volunteer strategy into its city plan. The Leduc City Council prioritizes volunteerism through its Volunteer Leduc initiative, recognizing its crucial role in supporting city events and sports tourism. This approach not only builds community engagement and active citizenship, as reflected by strong volunteer participation,…
Today we would like to introduce you to Victoria, the Executive Director of Grasslands Regional Family Community Support Services, who was kind enough to sit down for a chat with us to discuss their community and their 2024 National Volunteer Week. About Grasslands FCSS Grasslands FCSS is a multi-municipality organization covering the city of Brooks,…
Today, we would to introduce you to Rhonda from the Town of Pincher Creek, who answered questions regarding her community, National Volunteer Week, and more! Get to Know Rhonda: Rhonda is the Recreation Programmer for the Town of Pincher Creek. Her main role is to support community events, and her department as a whole organizes…
Vulnerable Sector Checks are intended to protect communities, but overreliance on them can unintentionally exclude potential volunteers—especially those from marginalized backgrounds. Restorative justice calls for a more balanced approach that values growth, equity, and inclusivity. Thank you to VA Volunteer Jose Guevarra for writing this article and shedding some light on equity and inclusivity in…
Today, the spotlight is on Smoky River; a municipality located in Northwestern Alberta. We would like to introduce Anita from the Smoky River FCSS, who has graciously answered our questions about Smoky River, National Volunteer Week, and more! Get to know Anita Anita is a Community Program Coordinator for the Smoky River FCSS. She believes…
Re-imagining Volunteerism: Bridging the Gap Between Formal Service and Community Care Our friends from InWithForward have written this informative post about the focus of (Re)Engaged and the ‘what,’ ‘why,’ and ‘how’ of using a generative research approach to understand how we may re-imagine volunteerism to bridge the gap between formal volunteering and informal volunteering. Volunteerism…
Watch an interview with IWF’s Ivy Staker and VA’s Andy Alvarez as they dive into the rich history of community contribution, how things have shifted over time, and what it means for volunteerism today. What does it mean to be a volunteer? When you think of volunteering today, you probably conjure up images of organizations,…
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month and our friends at Co-operators want your organization to stay safe. Here are some valuable cyber security insights. In today’s fast-evolving digital climate, cyber security impacts every organization. Non-profits, charities and community groups often collect and store sensitive data — including personal details of employees and volunteers. Taking extra…
Our partners at Co-operators have shared an article on how insurance protects organizations and their volunteers. Co-operators is here to help you manage risk so you can get back to what matters most: making a difference in your community. As someone who works with non-profit organizations and volunteers, you understand the value that’s created when…