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 anadians are a compassionate lot. We’re taught early on the value of giving back to our community, however we define that – friends, neighbours, language, faith, politics or interests – and we learn that rewards are rich for givers and receivers in every exchange.
“People have an inherent need to feel connected to their community and volunteering is one of the most compelling ways we can do that,” says Ruth MacKenzie, President and CEO of Volunteer Canada, the national not-for-profit organization that provides leadership on strengthening the voluntary sector. “It’s about being part of something bigger than ourselves and our families and recognizing that we as individuals have the power to help shape a community. Volunteers are the ultimate drivers of social change.”
The shift
In a shift led by educated, goal-oriented boomers looking for meaningful ways to contribute, volunteering is moving away from traditional models involving long-term commitments and routine tasks, toward more short-term, skills-based opportunities. Non-profits are adapting to these new expectations creating assignments with clear boundaries, tasks and time-frames that both meet their organization’s needs and prove rewarding for their volunteers.
Technology is causing another big shift. “How can we use social media to incite passion and the desire to give back?” Ruth asks. Still the domain of the young, social media networking sites like Facebook are creating new avenues for communication that are just beginning to be tapped. Big event tomorrow? Just tweet and 30 people will show up.
The profile
MacKenzie is determined to boost the overall number of Canadians volunteering and demonstrate the value of volunteer involvement in the health and vitality of communities. In support of the United Nations designated 10th Anniversary of the International Year of the Volunteer in 2011, Volunteer Canada has teamed up with a corporate partner to launch programs designed to drive a surge in volunteering across the country, including specific family and boomer-focused initiatives.
Impacted lives
Ordinary people taking action are changing lives and end up having their own lives changed in the process.
Rachèle Champagne, a Gatineau-based single mother of two first conceived the idea of an all-female convoy while at the wheel of the 17-ton truck she drives for a living. The Convoy for a Cure hit the road in October 2008 with 29 female drivers in pink-ribbon-festooned trucks who raised over $10,000 in the first year for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Ontario Region. Now there are six convoys in total, including those in New Brunswick, Alberta and Texas. This year, she’s hoping for “at least 100 trucks on the 401.” It’s a big adventure. Rachèle insists: “I’ll admit, I love it. I think ‘convoy’ every day.”
Todd Lawrence (Fall 2010, page 32), diagnosed with diabetes-induced kidney failure at age 34, underwent dialysis for three years while on the waiting list for a healthy kidney and pancreas. About this time Todd started moonlighting as Dr. Benjamin Dover, a.k.a. ‘Dr. Ben Dover,’ a Patch Adams-like alter ego, who still shows up dressed in comical attire intent on cheering up young patients. Now, insulin independent, Todd says, “Playing the good doctor gives me so much joy and is one small way I can give back for all that I’ve received here through my transplant.”
Amy Walsh, a 14-year-old volunteer, has lobbied on behalf of the humane treatment of animals and finding homes for adoptable pets at the Comox Valley & District SPCA. She wants to put an end to global warming and protect the polar bears. She’s been called ‘a rising star’ and won the BC SPCA 2008 Volunteer of the Year Award for her outstanding contribution to animal welfare. |
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Getting started
“When people ask, ‘Where do I begin?’” says Deborah Gardner, Executive Director, Toronto Volunteer Centre, “I ask, ‘what is your passion? Or, what would you like to see change in your community?’ Then find an agency in your community that shares that passion or is trying to bring about that change.”
Think about what you like to do, what you are good at and what experience and interests you can bring to the table. When you approach organizations, ask “What are your challenges? Here are the skills I have to offer you.”
Find your place and pace
Websites Volunteer Canada has information and links to more than 80 Volunteer Centres that can help you make the right match in your neighbourhood. “Do your homework. It’s like looking for the right job,” Deborah advises. Explore the website in your own time and then call if you need help or to set up an appointment to review your options. “We don’t want anyone to get stuck,” stresses Deborah, “because if you get stuck, then you might stop. And once people come up with the commitment to volunteer, we want them to keep going.” Find an opportunity in an area you care about. If it’s the right fit, you’ll be back, and the experience will be positive for both sides. volunteer.ca
Multiple choices Organizations eager to accommodate volunteer schedules provide easy options. Sign up for a weekly commitment, lend a hand at a fundraising event, or offer professional skills to work virtually from home.
Family affair Studies have shown that kids whose parents volunteer are more likely to volunteer later in life. Spend quality time as a family. Let the kids help decide what kind of project to take on – plant trees, clean up a park, or help out at a local festival. Then check with your Volunteer Centre for family-focused activities that everyone would enjoy.
Time crunch Finding the time to volunteer can be a challenge. But even one hour a week can make an impact. Be realistic about the time you’re prepared to commit. Don’t over promise.
Training Orientation and training may be as simple as learning how to use the phones or may require long-term commitments and extensive training.
Organizations working with vulnerable people – such as children, seniors or those with disabilities – must screen all of their volunteers, and may also require a police
reference check.
Just rewards
“I believe it’s human nature to want to contribute to your community, whatever community means to you, and I think it’s more important now in this world of 24/7 blogs, tweets and emails to have that sense of actually belonging somewhere and contributing face to face. Volunteering is a way to bring you back to earth, so to speak,” says Deborah assuredly. H&L
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