Let's Ride This Wave Together
This week we welcome a collaborative guest blog from the Volunteer Centre of Calgary and Youth Central. Youth Central is a Calgary based organization that inspires youth to become changemakers in their communities by offering meaningful leadership and volunteer opportunities. Every year, over 2,200 young people in Calgary, ages 12 to 18, join their programs and events—growing in confidence, forging lasting connections, and developing the skills they need to lead with purpose and passion.
As we celebrate National Volunteer Week across Canada, Youth Central and Volunteer Calgary want to take a moment to recognize the immense impact of volunteers on the wellbeing and vibrancy of our communities.
As Volunteer Canada beautifully says, "Volunteers Make Waves." And they do - waves that ripple outwards, touching countless lives.
They serve warm meals with compassion and without judgment.
They power youth sports and enrichment programs, nurturing the next generation of compassionate, engaged citizens.
They are the engine behind our cities’ most vibrant festivals, arts events, and cultural moments—making connection and celebration accessible to everyone.
They are the force behind our cities' most vibrant events, ensuring that everyone has access to art, culture, and connection.
And that’s just the beginning.
Our communities thrive because of volunteers—people who give their time not for recognition or reward, but from a simple hope: to make someone else’s day a little brighter. In return, they often discover deep connections and a profound sense of belonging.
The volunteer landscape is changing
Just like our neighborhoods, the volunteer landscape is evolving. The demographics are shifting. youth are stepping up in large numbers, eager to make a difference. The second-fastest growing group of volunteers? Newcomers to Canada.
Why the shift?
Many young people are searching for ways to take meaningful action in a world that feels uncertain. Volunteering gives them that outlet—an empowering way to build community and create change. For newcomers, it’s a powerful tool to connect with others, contribute their talents, and grow their sense of belonging in a new place.
So why are organizations still struggling to find volunteers?
Despite this growing interest, many nonprofits are finding it harder than ever to attract and retain volunteers.
As a sector, we’re working to better understand this disconnect. But a few patterns are emerging. TThere’s a gap between what volunteers are looking for and what many organizations are currently equipped to offer.
Modern volunteers want flexibility. They want to contribute quickly, without long screening processes. They want opportunities that fit their lifestyles, reflect their values, and allow them to use their skills in meaningful ways.
Meanwhile, many organizations are still navigating post-pandemic realities. Some haven’t been able to rehire volunteer managers since pandemic-related layoffs, making it hard to adapt existing systems or engagement strategies to meet today’s new expectations.
Together, we can close this gap
To ride this new wave of interest, we need to evolve how we engage volunteers. That means rethinking old models and adapting to what today’s volunteers are really looking for:
- Be flexible. Not everyone can commit every Tuesday at 2. Offer short-term, remote, or project-based roles that accommodate real life.
- Make it meaningful. Volunteers want to do work that matters. Invite them to share their skills, passions, and ideas.
- Show the impact. A simple thank-you, a story about how their contribution made a difference, or a quick update on results can go a long way.
- Cut the red tape. If signing up feels harder than getting a passport, you’ll lose people. Make it easy to get involved.
- Invest in volunteer management. Volunteer coordinators are the heart of engagement. Rebuilding this capacity is crucial to meaningful and sustainable volunteer relationships.
The interest is there. People want to help. Organizations just need to meet folks where they are.
You’re not alone.
If you are in Calgary- Youth Central and Volunteer Calgary are here to support organizations. We offer free support to help you adapt to this new wave of volunteerism. And once you're ready, we’ve got thousands of eager individuals ready to connect with causes like yours.
Together, we can create a volunteer landscape that reflects the energy, diversity, and generosity of our communities.
Let’s make volunteering accessible, impactful, and truly meaningful, and more powerful than ever.
To all those who feel the pull to give back: we see you, and we’re ready to connect you. Reach out to Volunteer Calgary, Youth Central, or your local volunteer centre—we’ll help you find the right fit.
The future of volunteerism is bright. Let’s ride this wave—together.