IDEAS Constellations: Rapid Fire Theatre on Inclusive and Accessible Spaces
By Alison Besecker & Eunice Doroni In 2022, Volunteer Alberta started the work of the Intersectionality Project through the support of Suncor Energy Foundation. The Intersectionality Project Team (IPT) asked, “How might we improve our understanding of how the intersections of identity, privilege, and discrimination influence people’s experiences with volunteerism and civic engagement?” Through this…
Member Spotlight: Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (ECVO) educates nonprofits about ‘risky business’
In Alberta’s nonprofit voluntary sector, usually, our top priority is social good. We try our best to make our communities more vibrant, safe and overall better places to live for all Albertans. But, while we have good intentions, we may not always realize the unintended risk that comes with the work we do. Risk for…
Skilled Volunteerism: Why I volunteer and how to find a position that suits you
When I give skilled volunteerism presentations, I feel there is always a little bit of a disparity between how we talk about conventional volunteering as opposed to “skilled volunteering”. We frame skilled volunteering as this newfangled, shiny amazing thing. And while the term is new, skilled volunteering is not a new phenomenon. So, it is…
Member Spotlight: St. Albert CIVC builds community through volunteer appreciation
It is essential for towns and cities to have a place to go for volunteer matching to create vibrant communities. And, St. Albert Community Information and Volunteer Centre (CIVC) does exactly this. Also known as St. Albert’s hidden gem, St. Albert CIVC is celebrating their 40th birthday this year as the go-to place for volunteer…
Annual weeks of giving: An informal volunteer story
Growing up, December was the season of giving. My family celebrated Christmas by sharing with the community. Early on, my parents instilled the lessons that Christmas was not about the presents under the tree, it was about gifting our time and creating joyful memories for those around us. I recall many a December preparing shoeboxes…
Member Spotlight: Hinton FCSS emboldens informal volunteering in community
Imagine trees wrapped in hand-knitted scarves on a cold winter’s day or children handing out lemonade on a hot summer day. In Hinton, you can easily come across informal volunteering or random acts of kindness. And, Hinton’s Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is no different. One of Hinton FCSS’s main goals is to foster…