Resources

Presentation

Changing the Conversation: Research, Surprising Findings, and the Volunteer Screening Program (Slides/Presentation)

This presentation explores current changes in the volunteer screening and engagement landscape, Volunteer Alberta’s research findings, and how our research will inform the Volunteer Screening Program moving forward.

The Volunteer Screening Program (VSP) helps build a thriving, resilient civil society by supporting Alberta’s nonprofit organizations to address volunteer screening, volunteer engagement, and community safety concerns. During 2022, VSP conducted various evaluations and research activities to deepen our understanding of Alberta’s volunteer screening and engagement practices and the shifting landscape that has occurred since 2017. This included identifying shared understanding, gaps in knowledge, and drawing connections between the lived experiences of the volunteers and the organizations that engage them. From these evaluative conversations, we have identified evolving good practices and issues to consider further.

Video

Changing the Conversation: Research, Surprising Findings, and the Volunteer Screening Program (Recorded Webinar)

This webinar explores current changes in the volunteer screening and engagement landscape, Volunteer Alberta’s research findings, and how our research will inform the Volunteer Screening Program moving forward.

The Volunteer Screening Program (VSP) helps build a thriving, resilient civil society by supporting Alberta’s nonprofit organizations to address volunteer screening, volunteer engagement, and community safety concerns. During 2022, VSP conducted various evaluations and research activities to deepen our understanding of Alberta’s volunteer screening and engagement practices and the shifting landscape that has occurred since 2017. This included identifying shared understanding, gaps in knowledge, and drawing connections between the lived experiences of the volunteers and the organizations that engage them. From these evaluative conversations, we have identified evolving good practices and issues to consider further.

ReportResearch

Changing the Conversation: Research, Surprising Findings, and the Volunteer Screening Program (Report)

During 2022, the Volunteer Screening Program conducted various evaluations and research activities to deepen our understanding of Alberta’s volunteer screening and engagement practices. This included identifying shared understanding, gaps in knowledge, and drawing connections between the lived experiences of the volunteers and the organizations that engage them. From these evaluative conversations, we have identified evolving good practices and issues to consider further.

This report details our approach, methods, analysis, and dives into what was asked and what was heard from our various evaluations and research activities, including focus groups and large benchmark surveys.

Tipsheet

Facilitation Tips

Having a good facilitator is key to conducting focus groups for evaluation and feedback on your volunteer program or screening processes. Becoming a good facilitator takes training and practice. Use these tips to learn basic, introductory facilitation tips and ‘moves.’

TemplateTool

Skilled Volunteers: Thinking and Acting Differently Worksheet

Brainstorm ways to think and act differently. This template will help you be intentional while planning new volunteer positions, or engaging skilled volunteers.