This post wraps up our Volunteer Participation Learning Series, where we’ve been sharing insights from our national volunteer participation study conducted in partnership with Volunteer Canada. Over the past few months, we’ve explored how 839 participants defined volunteering, what it meant to them, and the many ways they gave their time—from supporting neighbours to taking…
By Micheal McOuat (Operations Coordinator for Volunteer Alberta) Over the last few years, Volunteer Alberta has been exploring the concept of Inclusive Engagement by asking how organizations can support diverse volunteers, create equitable opportunities, and foster meaningful connections across Alberta. This work is part of our broader (un)learning journey to understand and integrate Inclusion, Diversity,…
This post is the second installment in our learning series exploring insights from our national volunteer participation study, conducted in partnership with Volunteer Canada. In our first blog, we shared how respondents define volunteering and the meaning it holds for them. For many, volunteering is a deeply personal expression of care, connection, and contribution to…
Insights from 839 survey respondents on volunteer participation.
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…