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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.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and creative Communications and Marketing Coordinator to join our team. If you are passionate about storytelling, digital marketing, and advancing equity and inclusion through volunteer engagement, we’d love to hear from you! This position is made possible from the generous support of Canada Summer Jobs Program, to be eligible the candidate must be between 15 and 30. More information on the position and how to apply, click here.. 

Last week we had the immense privilege of tuning into The Walrus Talks: Reimagining Volunteerism. The time was filled with so many amazing gems from people who spend time and energy caring for their community. “Reimagining” is a word we have been hearing a lot about in the past couple years. As we have gained more distance from the global covid pandemic lots of people have made massive shifts in their own lives and now are turning to the systems/structures. Dreaming about what our future selves need from community and each other and how to make that happen. It was clear from the night that we are so lucky to work in a sector and be in communities where people care so deeply about continuing to care. Thank you to the The Walrus for convening the conversation and to all the speakers to for sharing their perspectives. 

You can watch the full event here.

Our key takeaways were; 

-The act of engaging in community is critical to our community fabrics, our individual wellness but is also filled with complexity. 

-The future involves a profound trust in people to rebuild communities and connection in ways that are meaningful and relevant.  

-Fundamentally the work involves humans having capacity to care for and respond to each other, those humans need to be rested, nourished and valued. 

Nominate Someone for the 2024-2025 Minister's Seniors Service Awards! 

Do you know someone in your community who’s making a meaningful impact on the lives of Alberta’s seniors? The 26th annual Minister's Seniors Service Awards nominations are still open, and we want to hear about the incredible people, businesses, and organizations who are going above and beyond for seniors. 

These awards celebrate the outstanding contributions made through volunteerism, advocacy, essential services, and innovation. Whether it’s providing exceptional support or pioneering new ways to improve the lives of seniors, your nomination can help recognize their dedication. 

There are five award categories to choose from, offering many opportunities to shine a light on those who deserve it most. 

How to Nominate: Visit alberta.ca/MSSA for details and to submit your nomination. 

Deadline: Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025 – don’t miss the chance to recognize someone special!

  This week to the blog we are pleased to welcome Turlough Myers. Turlough a Philanthropy Advisor & Volunteer Manager at the Winspear Centre at the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. He re-built the Winspear’s Volunteerism by addressing their mission, culture, and place in the organization. His focus on people, and mission brought about a fundamental change in the organization where volunteers are supporting in creative and impactful ways. His approach to volunteer management has been used as a case-study by other non-profits in the Edmonton area, he is always happy to share his passion for volunteerism and connect with others in the industry. 

If you ask any volunteer manager in the non-profit industry, almost all of them will say that they feel the crushing weight of loneliness in the workplace darn near constantly. Usually, volunteerism falls under the leadership of a singular person, and the folks who stick with the role for a long time are often extraordinarily talented - and of course they are, they wear a tonne of hats as volunteer manager, it's not all schedules and polls: they are coaches/teachers, HR professionals, philanthropy officers, relationship builders, community advocates, mediators of crucial conversations... all of these things and more under the umbrella of a single job title "Volunteer Manager/Coordinator." 
Volunteer managers are often the only ones with established relationships with an organization's volunteers and sometimes the only one aware of the impact volunteers have on an organization's success and reputation in their community, as well as volunteers capacity to do even more to achieve an organizational goal.

It can be easy to feel misunderstood or unappreciated in these circumstances. When you're already feeling isolated, accepting feedback from a superior who you feel doesn't understand you or your work can trigger a fight, flight or freeze response due to painful feelings of criticism, frustration, loneliness, and perfectionism. Perhaps you're feeling isolated in your role because you aren't part of a grander team, or feel like your role doesn't fit the goals of the team you are part of, feeling like your work is going unnoticed or misunderstood and you're taking it personally. Here are some tips for handling your painful feelings when isolation and loneliness are defining your time at work.

- Know that your feelings are valid. It's okay to take some things about your work personally, in life you're going to spend a lot of time at work, and experience all kinds of emotions. But also keep a separation of work and personal life, and define your character more by your personal life.
 
- Acknowledge and give space to the feelings of frustration, loneliness, sadness, or anger. Do this with yourself in advance of potentially draining conversations with your colleagues. When you acknowledge these feelings, and give a place for them to be, the painful feelings won't have as much power over your choices. Don't suppress these feelings, they can serve you well if you can channel them productively.

- Have a work-bestie! You need support in all aspects of life, and having someone you can share your feelings with that you trust can be very healing, and can help you productively express what your superiors need to hear. 

- Learn to let some things go. You often can't control how others see you and the work you do. but you can control your work ethic, and the way you treat people. Own your shortcomings, and celebrate your accomplishments so that you gain fulfillment from your work within yourself.

We love finding things we love and sharing them with a wider audience. This work out of the United Kingdom is one of those very cool things. They undertook some massive work to synthesize work around volunteer wellness. The findings from this review are derived from a thorough, balanced, and swift analysis of 158 relevant studies and 17,000 published reports that explore the connection between volunteering and the subjective wellbeing. There is so many amazing juicy things in this we find myself returning to it as I build facilitations for the year ahead. The following comes from What Works Wellbeing, the Institute for Volunteering Research at the University of East Anglia and Spirit 2012. The key takeaways: 

Volunteering has been shown to boost overall wellbeing, contributing to greater life satisfaction, heightened happiness, and a reduction in depressive symptoms. It plays a vital role in the wellbeing cycle within communities, as it not only enhances the volunteers' health but also encourages others to participate when they feel emotionally and physically well.

Particularly, groups such as older adults, the unemployed, and those dealing with chronic health issues  tend to experience the most significant benefits from volunteering. Volunteering can also serve as a valuable support system for individuals navigating major life transitions, like retirement or bereavement, offering a sense of purpose and connection during challenging times.

Those who stand to gain the most from volunteering often face barriers to getting involved. Limited opportunities, poor health, and disabilities are some of the key challenges, especially for low-income individuals.

It's important to note that not all volunteer roles are equally beneficial. The demands and intensity of certain positions can sometimes have an adverse effect on wellbeing. How organizations engage and support volunteers plays a crucial role in ensuring that volunteering contributes positively to their health and happiness.

Organizations can improve the wellbeing of their volunteers by fostering inclusivity, enhancing social connections, creating a more balanced and manageable volunteering experience, and making the work feel truly meaningful.

Check out the full report here. 

We are so excited to welcome a guest blog from Anisha and the awesome team at Volunteer Victoria. Anisha holds a B.Sc. in Biology and Psychology from the University of Victoria, and is currently pursing a part-time Global Master's in Business Administration, with a focus on non-profit management. She has been an avid volunteer since she was a teenager, with most of her work being at hospitals. Outside of Anisha's work as the Mental Health Program and Volunteering Programs Coordinator at VolVic, she is an Academic Advisor for the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and a Math, Science, and English tutor. Her hobbies include reading, dog sitting, and going on local/international adventures.

You know what’s a proven stress reliever? Helping others. Science backs this up - volunteering boosts your mood, lowers stress levels, and even reduces feelings of loneliness. Think of it as emotional cardio: it gets your heart working in the best possible way.

Take the Mental Health Visiting & Activity Program, for example. This initiative connects volunteers with individuals on a mental health and substance use recovery journey. It’s a chance to be a supportive presence for someone facing isolation, offering companionship through simple but meaningful activities like grabbing a coffee, attending a local event, or going for a walk. Volunteers not only provide connection but also gain a deeper understanding of mental health, build empathy, and develop communication skills that carry into all aspects of life. This program is especially popular among counselling, psychology, and social work undergraduate and graduate students who are looking to gain hands-on experience in the field while making a real impact.

 Then there’s the City of Victoria Youth Council (CVYC) - not just any youth leadership program, but a powerhouse. The council is so impactful, it’s at capacity with 25 members and even has a waitlist. Youth involved in CVYC work directly with City Council, staff, and community leaders to influence policies, advocate for their peers, and take real action on issues that matter. This council is particularly in demand among young people looking to build careers in politics, policy, and other strategic leadership roles, offering them firsthand experience in governance and civic engagement. They’re proving that young voices aren’t just influencing the future, they’re shaping the present.

 At Volunteer Victoria, we believe volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s about personal growth, connection, and making real change in the community. As the hub for volunteerism in Greater Victoria, we serve both volunteers and over 300 member organizations, ensuring that meaningful opportunities align with people’s passions, skills, and availability. We also maintain a comprehensive database of volunteer opportunities (similar to a job board), making it easy to find roles that match your interests. And to make the process even less overwhelming, we offer free advising services to help volunteers navigate their options and find the perfect fit. Whether you’re looking to build experience, support a cause close to your heart, or just meet like-minded people, we’re here to make that happen.

 Volunteering is the ultimate hands-on learning experience, minus the debt. You’ll make friends, boost your happiness, and leave the world a little better than you found it. So, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to get involved—this is it. Find an opportunity that excites you, jump in, and see where it takes you.

 Also, if you’ve ever wanted to be that person with the best stories at parties, volunteering is your goldmine. “Oh, that reminds me of the time I helped organize a community mural project!” is way cooler than “So, uh, the weather’s been nice.”

If you want to connect with Anisha, please do! 

On March 21 in Sharpeville, South Africa 69 people were shot and killed by police. On this day each year we honour those whose lives were taken in the fight for equity. March 21 is now a date that is honoured around the world as the International Day for the Elimination against Racism. 

I have had the extreme honour of visiting Sharpeville with a survivor of the massacre. It will be forever imprinted on my mind where he pointed the corner he ran behind to the hide from the bullets. It is a brutal reminder of the great cost of standing up for humanity. 

This is a reminder for however you show up in your space, whoever is in your sphere of influence to continue to stand up for justice and equity. It matters. 

Volunteer Canada has launched their 2025 National Vounteer Week Toolkit! The theme this year is Volunteers Make Waves. The toolkit is an awesome place to start on honouring volunteers inside your organization. They have some awesome templates from canva to ready to go social media posts to make it easy. 

You can get access to all the information here. 

However and whenever you choose to celebrate your volunteers is wonderful! If you are looking for ideas or want to talk things through please do not hesitate to get in touch with us, info@volunteerconnector.org! 

To kick off 2025 we welcome guest blog writer- Jawad Gul. Jawad is a passionate member of the community and writer who has published several books. To read more writing from Jawad check him out here. 

Back in 1996, when I was in high school in my home country, I was fond of writing—mostly short stories and poems published in local newspapers. At that time, the only thought in my mind was to bring about change in society through my writings and point out the injustices in my surroundings. It was my first step toward volunteerism. I took part in social literary societies and actively participated as a freelance co-editor of the literary magazine page of a local newspaper. I also published a magazine to promote the native language of Hindko and organized fundraising weekly meetings.

However, I felt that I should engage in practical efforts as well; writing was just for the literate members of society, while the majority of people were uneducated and suffering. I wondered what I could do for them. So, I volunteered at a blood bank, donated blood, and joined campaigns against polio in rural areas of Pakistan to vaccinate children. I also joined NGOs that worked for the education of females while I was there.

One thing I would like to mention is that different phases come in our lives and change our thinking processes for a while. There was a period when I stopped my volunteer work after my marriage, thinking I should focus on my life objectives and that volunteerism was just a thankless job. After some time, I realized that when I participated in volunteer activities, my own objectives were achieved automatically, and I had no worries about accomplishing my goals. However, since I stopped volunteering, I felt stuck and had to put in a lot of effort to complete my tasks. I realized that there was some spiritual support surrounding me when I was engaged in volunteer work. From that moment on, I have never stopped volunteering in my life.

Now I am in Canada, and I have connected myself, one way or another, with volunteer associations. Currently, I am with the Affinity Mentorship Foundation, which works to inspire and empower at-risk youth through mentorship, building their strength, confidence, and resilience to shape their own positive futures.

When I participate in volunteer events, it gives me a sense of fulfilment and nourishes my thoughts. I forget my own stress and can connect with others. It creates a synergistic effect; my presence gives them hope, and ultimately, I gain energy from my volunteer work.

Life is a one-time journey, and no one is perfect. In society, volunteer work is the key to success because I have discovered the spiritual aspect of volunteering.