Professional Development

2005 National Host Conference

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[ Section 3 ] Conference Workshops
Session 1

Workshop 1C - National Volunteerism Initiatives – How your Group can Benefit

Presenter:

Brenda Doner, Ontario Network for the Canada Volunteerism Initiative, Ontario

Workshop Summary:

This workshop helped the audience understand the roles of different federally funded programs aimed at strengthening non-profit groups and their ability to engage volunteers.

The presenter briefly reviewed the roots and results of the Voluntary Sector Initiative (VSI). She provided information on how organizations can benefit from the Canada Volunteerism Initiative (CVI), one of the results of VSI. She covered CVI’s local and national structures, its funding programs for research and pilot and demonstration projects related to volunteerism, and the free resources and opportunities that are available to volunteers and non-profit groups through CVI.

Background:

Ten years ago the government downloaded responsibility to non-governmental organizations. There was a shift from core funding to project based funding. A response to problems the sector was facing was the Broadbent Report. This established whether groups were accountable and well run. This panel established 7 tables where VSI, Government and non-profits sat together. An Accord was signed which established how government and non-profit agencies should relate. This is an important document and should be referenced when negotiating.

The goals of CVI are to encourage Canadians to volunteer, improve the capacity of organizations to benefit from the contributions of volunteers, and to enhance the experience of volunteers. CVI receives $35 million dollars over a 5 year period (now in year 3).

There is an Ontario network (Steering Committee) which has representatives from 15 organizations. There are two national funding programs that each make $800,000 available each year. There is a $60,000 maximum per project. The application process is competitive with only 10-12% of applicants receiving funding.

Discussion:

• It is important to recognize volunteers. International Volunteer Day is not commonly celebrated. It is more common to celebrate Volunteer Week. Both celebrations are a good way to honour the work of volunteers.
• Community organizations should work together and share knowledge and resources. For example, several organizations in a community needing a volunteer coordinator could share one coordinator to meet all of their needs.
• CVI is looking for other examples of “best practices”. They would like feedback about how they could be more effective.

Recommendations and Responses:

• Create a public awareness about the settlement industry.
• Additional funding for advertising that would increase sector awareness and attract more volunteers.
• Increased funding for agency staff particularly volunteer coordinators.

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