Finding solutions that suit your community may not be easy. But, when you approach solving complex issues with a mindset of abundance versus scarcity, multiple solutions tend to present themselves. This is how Volunteer Airdrie approached redesigning their programs and services within the past few years. By looking at what opportunities were available and identifying…
This month, we focused on and talked about leveraging and expanding networks on social media and in our Member Exclusive newsletter. But, building the foundation of your network is no easy task, let alone leveraging and expanding it! And, if you are introverted or shy, it can be incredibly intimidating to attend conferences, approach experts…
What does Volunteer Alberta mean by skilled volunteerism? At Volunteer Alberta, we often speak of and promote skilled volunteerism and the value skilled volunteers can bring to nonprofit organizations. But what do we mean by “highly skilled volunteers”? Highly skilled volunteers include any volunteer that offers specific skills, knowledge, or expertise in an area where…
How we can support and welcome newcomers Supporting and welcoming newcomers to Canada grows our communities and makes our communities more vibrant, diverse and strong. But, the integration process for newcomers is not easy. In 2016, Paula Speevak from Volunteer Canada wrote the following about nonprofits’ and volunteers’ roles in assisting Syrian refugees: “Integration is…
Growing communities and risk mitigation Sometimes, our communities can grow faster than we can establish appropriate policies to meet the needs of those joining and participating with our nonprofits. When we can’t keep up with the increasing changes, this can put our organizations and communities unintentionally at risk. Volunteer screening helps foster safe communities and…
The hands that give are never truly empty. – Gabby Gibbs, Leader of Tomorrow If there is one thing I have experienced as a volunteer, it is that I am surrounded by individuals who love as if it is their last day on earth regardless of where I happen to be. I have been involved…
Healthy and happy staff are more effective and engaged! One of the biggest barriers for nonprofits to recruit and retain quality employees is the inability to offer valuable and comprehensive compensation packages. We all know it’s not always easy to find affordable, effective ways to increase value in employee packages within nonprofit budget constraints. “We…
This blog was first published on the Community and Adult Learning Program website on November 28, 2017. Volunteer screening is key to your organization’s success – it provides better volunteer matches, improves safety and quality of programs, and reduces risks and liabilities. Screening is about making informed, reasonable judgements about people based on information gathered…
We recently shared some social media tips in our blog “Getting Started on Twitter”. In this blog, we will offer some additional information for those of you who are new to Twitter! What does following mean? When you follow someone you are subscribing to their tweets. Some users have private accounts and you will have…
With about 25,000 nonprofits in Alberta alone, there is plenty we can all learn from one another. From our triumphs to our tribulations, we can all learn a thing or two from other nonprofits to apply to our own work in the sector. Jennifer Esler, the previous Communications Manager at Volunteer Alberta, has been working…