Volunteering
Search volunteer opportunities
Volunteer Now
Our online volunteer posting and recruitment tool.
Volunteer Now offers a one-stop-shop for volunteering.
Search and apply for multiple volunteer opportunities.
Browse and register with a free account.
Volunteer Connector
https://www.volunteerconnector.org/
Use the VolunteerConnector to find unique volunteer opportunities
City of Vancouver, BC
Volunteering | City of Vancouver
The City and Park Board have a diverse range of volunteer opportunities to fit your goals, skills, and schedule. Volunteering is a rewarding way to:
- Share your skills to improve your community
- Meet new people who share your interests
- Gain experience or learn new skills you can use in a job or other areas of your life
Read on for a list of volunteer opportunities with the City and Park Board.
Find your volunteer match | City of Vancouver
Green volunteer opportunities | City of Vancouver
Volunteering is a productive and rewarding way to connect and contribute to the well-being of your community. Here is a list of Vancouver-area organizations who rely on volunteer help from community members to make the city a better place for all of us to live.
Volunteer Vancouver
About Us - Volunteer Opportunities Vancouver, British Columbia (volunteeringvancouver.ca)
At Volunteer Vancouver, we take pride in:
- linking people with local community organizations;
- supporting persons with disabilities, new Canadians, corporations and professionals connect to organizations in and around the city;
- encouraging youth to get involved;
- helping individuals develop skills to advance their careers;
- developing knowledge resources that support effective and efficient volunteer capacity; and
- making Vancouver a better place.
Promotion - Promoting the efforts of nonprofit organizations and available volunteer opportunities is an important job. We will, when time permits, promote both our website, participating nonprofit organizations and individual volunteer opportunities.
Advertising: You may have noticed that we have advertisements on several of our pages.
The funds generated from these ads will be used to cover costs associated with domain registration, web hosting, etc. As our community continues to grow, we will rely on this revenue to ensure that we secure the necessary resources to scale appropriately!
Listing of current volunteer opportunities:
Vancouver Volunteer Opportunities - Volunteer Vancouver, BC (volunteeringvancouver.ca)
Listing of non profit organizations in the Vancouver area:
Nonprofit Organizations Listing - Volunteer Vancouver, BC (volunteeringvancouver.ca)
iVolunteer – powered by United Way
Get involved, Make a Difference
City of Richmond, BC
City of Richmond BC - Volunteer Opportunities
Whether you would like to utilize your special skills, explore career choices, meet new people or become a valuable member of a team, the City of Richmond and a wide range of community partners offer short and long-term volunteer opportunities in a variety of areas.
City of Richmond, British Columbia, Canada - Volunteers
Volunteer opportunity search - map search by area, facility, key word or phrase, featured opportunities including a calendar of volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer Portal (richmond.ca)
Charity Village
Volunteer Job Search | CharityVillage
CharityVillage® is a career resource to over 170,000 charitable and nonprofit organizations across Canada. We offer paid job postings and free volunteer & event listings as well as nonprofit & charitable sector resources and eLearning courses.
Craigslist, Community – volunteers
vancouver, BC volunteers - craigslist
richmond volunteers - craigslist
Most cities have a “Craigslist” website where anyone can post an advertisement for free. Check the volunteer listings below the “Community” heading. Note: There is an element of risk because some of the ads are from anonymous people. However, interesting opportunities may be posted.
indeed
Volunteer Opportunities Jobs in British Columbia (with Salaries) 2023 | Indeed.com Canada
Search "WHAT" - volunteer opportunities and "WHERE" for location of volunteer role.
Meaningful Work
https://pages.meaningful.ca/volunteers
Find your perfect volunteer opportunity. Our community platform allows you to instantly find the nonprofits that are working towards the causes that matter to you. Connect and apply instantly. Volunteering has never been easier. Make a difference from anywhere in the world with virtual, skilled volunteering.
https://app.meaningful.ca/en/postings
Engage in volunteer opportunities and make an impact today.
Benefits of volunteering and the rights and responsibilities of volunteers
Benefits of Volunteering: 10 Reasons To Volunteer, Indeed.com, by Stacey Buttel and Amber Krosel, Updated June 20, 2022 | Published April 3, 2020
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-are-benefits-of-volunteering
If you’re looking to meet new people, interested in charitable causes or want to learn skills to advance your career, volunteering may be a good option. When you volunteer, you have the opportunity to make a true difference in the lives of others. In this article, we discuss 10 benefits of volunteering, including social, career and personal benefits, plus offer some tips for finding your next volunteer opportunity:
1. Provides you with a sense of purpose
2. Provides a sense of community
3. Helps you meet new friends
4. Increases your social skills
5. Improves self-esteem
6. Teaches you valuable skills
7. Provides job prospects
8. Brings fun into your life
9. Can help you be happier
10. Gets you out of your comfort zone
The benefits of including volunteer work on your resume, by Indeed Editorial Team
Updated September 7, 2021 | Published January 8, 2019
How To Write a Volunteer Resume (With Sample and Tips) | Indeed.com
- Including volunteer work on your resume can help employers learn about your interests and experience—especially if you have limited professional experience.
- You can include volunteer experience in your professional experience section, skill section or in a separate volunteer section.
- Include keywords from the job description that connects your volunteer experience back to the role.
1. Include examples of volunteer work in your professional experience section
2. Connect your volunteer experiences with your skills
3. Create a separate section at the end of your resume for unrelated volunteer experiences
11 Ways Volunteering Can Help You Find a Job
11 Ways Volunteering Can Help You Find a Job - alis (alberta.ca)
Sharing your time and skills with an organization is a great way to help your community. But when you volunteer, you also boost your career. Here are 11 reasons why.
Benefits of Volunteering for Immigrants
Let’s consider the benefits of volunteering this National Volunteer Week | Canadian Immigrant
Every year, National Volunteer Week celebrates the contributions of Canada’s millions of volunteers. This year’s theme, “Volunteering Is Empathy In Action” puts emphasis on the strong connection between volunteerism and empathy. Volunteering can help us develop empathy and see the world through the eyes of others. It can bring together people from diverse backgrounds and experiences – creating a stronger, more connected Canada. From making connections in the community to building professional networks, to gaining work experience in the Canadian context to promoting a sense of well-being – immigrants and newcomers can benefit from volunteering in a number of ways.
Engaging Newcomers, Volunteer Canada
Newcomers - Engaging Volunteers - Volunteer Canada
Many newcomers to Canada are interested in volunteering. In addition to contributing to their new community, they may see it as a way to improve their language skills or gain work experience. Or they may wish to socialize and meet new people. To engage new Canadians, organizations must be welcoming and supportive. They should intentionally reach out to newcomers.
Benefits of engaging newcomers - Organizations can grow and become stronger when they apply what they learn about new cultures. At the same time, volunteers gain new skills and experiences. These things can help newcomers settle in to their new environment. And it gives them an opportunity to shape the community in which they live.
Newcomers in Canada - One in five Canadians is born outside of Canada. Immigration now accounts for close to 70% of our population growth. Each year, approximately 250,000 people come to Canada as refugees and landed immigrants. They settle in communities around the country, mostly in cities. The majority of newcomers go to Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.
Immigrants volunteer at a rate of 38%. They volunteer an average of 162 hours per year. While this rate is lower than people born in Canada (45% of Canadians over 15 years old), immigrants tend to contribute more hours (152 hours per year from volunteers born in Canada).
BUILDING BLOCKS FOR ENGAGING NEWCOMER VOLUNTEERS: A GUIDE FOR ORGANIZATIONS,
August 2012, by Paula Speevak Sladowski, Director, Programs, Policy and Applied Research, Volunteer Canada and Melanie Hientz, Manager, Special Projects/Volunteer Engagement Tools And Resources, Volunteer Canada
VC 0150 Building Blocks for Engaging Newcomer Volunteers.indd
Engaging newcomers in building communities, through volunteering and citizen engagement, calls for welcoming organizations, supportive practices and intentional outreach. Organizations can tap into rich experiences, skills and cultural competencies while newcomers connect to their communities, gain Canadian experience and develop new skills. Everyone benefits – organizations have greater capacity, communities are more inclusive and people have the opportunity to grow and shape their society. Yet there are some challenges for newcomers to get involved in community organizations. In fact, many immigrants who have lived in Canada for more than 10 years are still experiencing barriers to participation because of attitudes, structures and practices.
I Want to Volunteer Handbook, Volunteer BC
Handbook 1: I Want To Volunteer.pdf - Google Drive
The "I Want to Volunteer" Handbook is an easy to use guide, which includes the benefits of volunteering, rights and responsibilities of a volunteer, skills needed to be a great volunteer and the health benefits of volunteering.
Volunteer Canada, information for new volunteers
New to Volunteering - I Want to Volunteer - Volunteer Canada
New to Volunteering? More than half of Canada’s non-profit and charitable organizations have no paid staff and rely solely on volunteers. With thousands of volunteer opportunities to choose from, it’s helpful to spend some time discovering what causes matter most to you and what skills and experiences you want to share or develop. Remember, meaningful volunteer involvement meets the needs of both the organization and its volunteers.
Take the Volunteer Quiz - The Volunteer Quiz is an interactive tool that helps you discover what type of volunteer opportunity suits you.
Learn About Volunteer Etiquette - This tool will help you through the volunteer recruitment process, from tips on finding and applying for volunteer positions and what to expect next.
Connect Your Skills and Passions - Volunteering can give you valuable experience to help you identify education or employment needs or to help you build a resume and find your career. Use the Develop Your Passion and Skills Self-Assessment tools to help you match your skills and interests to volunteer ideas that may connect you to your passion.
Benefits of volunteering, Government of British Columbia.
Volunteers have the satisfaction of helping others while enjoying the benefits of staying active and connected to their communities. Seniors who volunteer report better overall physical and emotional health and well-being than non-volunteers. Other benefits include feeling valued and empowered, meeting new people, opportunities for creativity and personal growth, and having fun. Volunteering is a great way to contribute to your community and help others while sharing the talents and wisdom that you have gained throughout your life.
Volunteer. Government of Canada
Overview of volunteering, what it is, some of the types of activities done by volunteers and the benefits.
Ten Professional Development Benefits of Volunteering, Charity Village, written by Merrill Associates, July 10, 2006
Ten professional development benefits of volunteering | CharityVillage
Volunteerism offers you wonderful opportunities for professional development and personal growth. If you are looking for ways to enhance your career, or if you are looking for ways to attract volunteers, consider the following benefits.
In Career Transition? Reward Yourself with a Volunteer Role, by Sharon Graham, April 10, 2015, Career Professionals of Canada (CPC).
https://careerprocanada.ca/career-transition-volunteer/
When you get involved, you really do get back many times more than you give. The more people that know you and appreciate what you have to offer, the better you will feel about your participation and leadership. Whether you are actively job seeking or not, there are any number of people in these groups or associations that can bridge gaps between employers and potential new hires.
Deloitte Impact Survey: Building leadership skills through volunteerism, June, 2016. https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/us/Documents/us-deloitte-impact-survey.pdf In the 2016 Impact Survey, respondents reported that they see volunteer experience listed on only 30 percent of the résumés they receive. At the same time, the majority (82 percent) of respondents said they would be more likely to choose a candidate with volunteer experience on their résumé. Results indicate that corporate volunteer programs may be able to help employees develop stronger professional and leadership skill sets and better prepare employees for leadership roles. 92% of respondents agree that volunteering improves employees’ broader professional skill sets and is an effective way to improve leadership skills. 80% percent of respondents said that active volunteers move more easily into leadership roles.
7 Steps To Wellbeing Through Volunteering, National Academy of Social Prescribing
The guide focuses on the aspects of volunteering that may require new ways of thinking and approaches on the part of the volunteer-involving organizations, to ensure someone’s health and wellbeing are supported and nurtured as part of a social prescribing journey.
Health Benefits of Volunteering, BC Living, Well-being, May 15, 2011.
https://www.bcliving.ca/health-benefits-of-volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to help others and yourself. Research has repeatedly shown that working in the service of others enhances physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits, Authors: Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. and Lawrence Robinson
Last updated: October 2020
Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits - HelpGuide.org
Volunteering can help you make friends, learn new skills, advance your career, and even feel happier and healthier. Learn how to find the right volunteer opportunity for you.
To Live Longer, Feel Happier and Be Less Stressed, Try Performing Acts of Kindness.
Growing Young, by Marta Zaraska, Reader’s Digest Canada, Updated: June 9, 2020
https://www.readersdigest.ca/health/healthy-living/acts-of-kindness-benefits/
By giving to others, you will not only live longer, but you may also end up spending the extra years in a slightly better, kinder world.
THE LIFE PROJECT | BEST OF WORKLIFE 2020
Why your ‘weak-tie’ friendships may mean more than you think, by Ian Leslie, July 2, 2020
Close friends are important – but research shows that building networks of casual acquaintances can boost happiness, knowledge and a sense of belonging.
How volunteering helps your career goals and overall wellbeing, by Gwen Moran, Fast Company and Career Evolution, June 29, 2022
https://www.fastcompany.com/90763899/how-volunteering-helps-your-career-goals-and-overall-wellbeing
Giving back should come from the heart, but it can also help your career—and your health.
The evidence is in, and it’s probably not surprising: Volunteering is good for you.
Volunteer associations
Richmond Cares Richmond Gives (RCRG)
Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives is a registered charity based in - you guessed it! - Richmond, BC. We've been part of the community for over 40 years, though our name is still new: we only began using it in 2015. Oh, and about that name. Now that we've introduced ourselves, there's no need to be quite so formal. We're Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives, but please, call us RCRG. In addition to being a hub for volunteering and giving, we're a direct service provider, operating a Child Care Resource & Referral Centre, the Richmond Christmas Fund, and a wide range of Seniors Community Support Services, among other programs. Richmond is a healthy, vibrant, engaged, connected community. It's inclusive, diverse, welcoming, and pretty darn beautiful. In short, Richmond is awesome. At RCRG, we're proud to call it home, and excited to make it an even better place to live, work, and play.
My RCRG - Member Organizations
Welcome to RCRG’s Member Directory. Here, you’ll find an ever growing list of organizations doing incredible things for the community. You can search the directory alphabetically, by keyword, or by cause. Click on an organization to learn more about its work, and how you can offer your support.
Searching for a volunteer opportunity? You've come to the right place! RCRG is Richmond's Volunteer Centre, and we'd love nothing more than to get you started on your volunteer journey.
Speaking of which, the best place to begin is our Volunteer Opportunities Database. Featuring positions from nearly 70 local non-profit organizations, it's a smorgasbord of volunteer goodness! Want to take your search offline? That's cool, too! Call 604-279-7020 to make an appointment with a Volunteer Match Advisor, who will help you find a position that fits your skills, interests, and schedule. An Advisor can also help you prepare for a screening interview, which most organizations conduct before accepting a volunteer. You can use the opportunity to go over your answers, or come up with new ones. In any case, an Advisor will make sure that, once you've applied for your dream volunteer job, you're well-equipped to complete the next steps. Volunteer Match appointments are about 30 minutes each, free of charge, and available in multiple languages.
Volunteer Burnaby
Volunteer Burnaby is committed to promoting volunteerism and to providing the residents of Burnaby and New Westminster the opportunity to become involved as volunteers. We believe fundamentally that all residents should be made to feel welcome to contribute to the betterment of our community. At Volunteer Burnaby our Mission is to…
“Promote volunteerism as a right and a responsibility of the citizens of Burnaby and New Westminster and facilitate community development through volunteering”
Volunteer Canada
Volunteer Canada was established to provide national leadership and expertise on volunteer engagement to increase the participation, quality, and diversity of volunteer experiences. Since 1977 we have collaborated closely with volunteer centers, businesses, non-profit organizations, government and educational institutions to promote and broaden volunteering. Our programs, research, training, tools, resources and national initiatives provide leadership on issues and trends in Canada’s volunteer landscape.
Volunteer BC
Volunteer BC is proud of being a strong voice on important issues that affect volunteerism.
VISION: Volunteer BC is the voice for supporting & connecting the voluntary sector to achieve excellence in volunteerism for the benefit of all British Columbians.
MISSION: To be strong and relevant provincial voice in promoting the development and value of volunteerism in BC by working cooperatively with the general public, volunteer centres, voluntary organizations, governments, business, and volunteer-involved organizations.
TERRITORIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: We acknowledge that we are located on the traditional and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sc̓əwaθenaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsawwassen), and Kwantlen people, and that we are guests in the territory of the Indigenous peoples of this land.
Are You A Volunteer? - Volunteer BC - I Want to Volunteer – Where Do I Start?
VOLUNTEER NOW - One-stop-shop for volunteering – Volunteers can find and apply for multiple volunteer opportunities in one place.
VOLUNTEER CENTRES - Start with your local Volunteer Centre. They offer a lot of resources, including up to date listings of volunteer opportunities.
PAN-CANADIAN YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES PLATFORM
Encourages young Canadians to get involved.
THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE NETWORK - Looking to volunteer? Volunteer Centres can help. Volunteer Centres play an important part in communities. BC boasts over 35 Volunteer Centres, each providing a unique mix of programs to fit the needs of your community.
See our Volunteer Centre Fact Sheet for a list of all the great things they do in BC communities.
Find A Volunteer Centre Near You
TRAINING & WORKSHOPS - View listing of educational opportunities for anyone interested in learning more about volunteering and volunteer training in BC.
Volunteer Management Professionals Association of Canada (VMPC)
Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada - VMPC
Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada is the champion in the field of Volunteer Management. Dedicated to advocacy, capacity building and networking, it connects and empowers a network of professionals and passionately elevates the quality of volunteerism in Canada. VMPC collaborates with provincial, national and international organizations to support its membership and strives for volunteer resources management to be recognized and respected as a leading profession of choice.
News and articles about volunteering
Critical lack of volunteers putting Canadian non-profit services at risk: Volunteer Canada, CBC News, posted: Jan 24, 2023
According to president and CEO Megan Conway, up to 65 per cent of organizations in the country are struggling with a shortage of volunteers, and up to 35 per cent of those that are have had to reduce services as a result. "They are seeing what they are referring to as a crisis in volunteering right now," said Conway, whose numbers are based on November 2022 Statistics Canada data. "We offer training, mentorship and support, but we need people with the time and passion to give."
Want to give back in 2023? There's no shortage of places that could use your help, says volunteer organizer, CBC News, posted: Jan 07, 2023
There are more opportunities to volunteer as the world reopens, says Oscar Cruz with Volunteer Burnaby. The new year is a time when many people set new goals, some of which may include helping their communities through volunteering. The COVID-19 pandemic curtailed many volunteering gigs, but Oscar Cruz, manager of supported volunteering with Volunteer Burnaby, says there are opportunities to give back as the world opens up again.
"We're inviting everybody to tell them that we're open, organizations are open … and waiting for you to volunteer," Cruz told CBC's The Early Edition. Cruz says volunteer numbers dropped during the pandemic, and some of those who used to volunteer didn't come back.
Accessibility and volunteering for people with disabilities
Volunteer Canada - Engaging Volunteers with Disabilities
People with Disabilities - Engaging Volunteers - Volunteer Canada
Building an inclusive environment where diverse volunteers can feel welcome and able to utilize their skills is essential for all non-profits. However, persons with disabilities are often underrepresented in volunteer activities. Many people with disabilities experience physical and attitudinal barriers in their daily activities. These same barriers may result in skilled and enthusiastic volunteers with disabilities choosing not to volunteer. It is important that we remove barriers to participation in all aspects of society, especially in emotionally rewarding activities such as volunteering. Volunteering opportunities are particularly important for people with disabilities and other populations that experience barriers because they can alleviate social exclusion. Volunteering also allows individuals who may require assistance or supports for some of their daily activities to be in a position of helping others and develop a greater sense of self-efficacy. Making your organization inclusive may require changes in recruitment, training, task development, volunteer support, environment, policies and procedures. Many of these changes are inexpensive to implement and there are a variety of resources already developed to help your organization.
Making Volunteer Opportunities Inclusive | Volunteer Canada
When volunteer opportunities are inclusive, it is easier for people of all abilities to volunteer throughout their lifespans and you make your organization more effective because you have diverse perspectives and talents to pursue your mission. Disability can be experienced by anyone at any time and it is experienced differently by everyone. By learning to recognize barriers to participation and meeting the needs of people who may or will experience disability, you will be able to increase your pool of volunteers, better engage with your community, and provide an environment for all of your volunteers and staff that is inclusive and flexible enough to adapt to changes in abilities and lifestyle. This fact sheet will help you understand how your organization can recruit and retain volunteers who have disabilities.
Removing Barriers to Volunteering | Volunteer Canada
Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the benefits that giving to others through volunteering provides. Barriers to participation of people with disabilities are often unintentionally created and, once identified, are often easily removed. This fact sheet will help you better understand what your organization can do to make sure it provides and promotes a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Is Everyone Welcome? Toolkit - Idealist
Is everyone welcome in volunteer spaces? Do some people get left out? These tools aim to support leaders of volunteers in their practice so more people see themselves in the call to volunteer and feel like they belong when they do volunteer. Planning for Volunteers
Do you want volunteers to feel a sense of belonging within a team that reflects the broader community? This part of the toolkit helps with the planning and the internal work needed to create inclusive volunteer experiences. It contains tools for strategic planning, documentation, marketing, communication, creating inclusive volunteer position descriptions, and recruitment. Use these tools to enhance some of your current practices or identify where you may have some gaps on your way towards a more welcoming volunteer experience.
A Guide for Creating Inclusive Volunteer Position Descriptions
This tool helps you to create inclusive volunteer position descriptions to attract a representative group of potential volunteers.
Volunteering Together: Inclusive Volunteering and Disabled People https://spiritof2012.org.uk/insights/volunteering-together-inclusive-volunteering-and-disabled-people/
While coronavirus forced many disabled people and those with long-term health conditions to self-isolate, large numbers also volunteered in their local community. Together Coalition’s survey suggests that 25% of the UK’s disabled adults, volunteered in 2020, a similar proportion to non-disabled volunteers. The same survey shows that 360,000 disabled people volunteered for the first time in 2020. Despite the known benefits and the large numbers of disabled volunteers in the UK, there are some major gaps in what we know about their backgrounds and experiences. For organizations that engage volunteers, there is also little information about how they can reduce barriers to volunteering for disabled people. This is why Spirit of 2012 has funded new projects, including this research, that aim to fill this knowledge gap and support more disabled people to volunteer as equals alongside their nondisabled peers.
A free resource for non-profit organizations, NGOs, civil society organizations, charities, schools, public sector agencies & other mission-based agencies by Jayne Cravens http://www.coyotebroad.com/volunteer/disabilities.shtml
If you want access to the greatest amount of talent and resources that volunteers can possibly bring to your program, you have to make all volunteering as accessible as possible. That means looking for ways to accommodate a myriad of people who have different abilities, needs, personality types, work styles and available times for service.
Therapeutic Volunteer Program, Options Community Services
Options Community Services | .
The Therapeutic Volunteer Program (TVP) is part of a broader therapeutic work program established in the mid 80's. TVP was created to offer persons living with a mental illness the opportunity to volunteer in their community. It provides an opportunity to engage in a rehabilitative process through participation. TVP assists people in developing pre-employment skills and increased self-confidence in the pursuit of greater independence.
Some funds are available to offset costs incurred by participants.
Eligibility criteria - For adults (19+ years old) residing in Surrey, White Rock and Delta who are living with a mental illness and want to improve their pre-employment skills and increase self-confidence, in the pursuit of greater independence.
Can you access the program directly? - No. Referrals are required. Please contact the Surrey, White Rock or Delta Mental Health and Substance Use Centre.
Volunteer Access Program
Volunteer Access Program (volunteervictoria.bc.ca)
As volunteering can be an important step in any recovery process, the Volunteer Access Program focuses on inclusion and supports for individuals who face mental health or substance use challenges. Volunteering can help you:
- Build new skills
- Gain valuable work experience
- Become active in your community
- Obtain job references
- Connect with people
- Gain confidence
Volunteer Access provides the one-to-one supports and tools that people need when making that important first step towards volunteering or moving into new volunteer positions.
Special Needs Access Program, Volunteer Burnaby
Supported Volunteering – Special Needs Access Program - Volunteer Burnaby
Volunteer Burnaby embraces and supports all individuals right to access volunteer opportunities regardless of age, gender, ethnic background, religion, mental or physical ability, or sexual orientation in their efforts to contribute to their communities. Based on our values, we introduced in 1993 the Special needs Access Program (SNAP) today supported by Community Living BC. Our program supports people with mild to moderate developmental disabilities by helping them find meaningful volunteer positions within their community.
Considerations for low income volunteers
Low income volunteers: People to Appreciate and Accommodate,
Social Planning and research Council of British Columbia (SPARC BC)
SPARCfactsheet#2_13Dec05(2).indd (sourceosbl.ca)
Volunteers with low incomes often have special needs, particularly with regard to health and disability. These needs must be accommodated if their volunteer experiences are to be successful. They also appreciate different types of recognition than do volunteers with higher and more stable incomes. In the fall of 2004, the Social Planning and Research Council of British Columbia (SPARC BC) interviewed 55 low-income individuals who were volunteering at social service agencies in Vancouver and Prince George, British Columbia. This fact sheet highlights findings about the health-related issues of low-income volunteers. It also discusses how organizations can best recognize the contributions of their low-income volunteers.
Supplements and subsidies
Community Volunteer Supplement (CVS) program, Province of BC
Community Volunteer Program - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
A community volunteer supplement (CVS) may be provided to eligible persons who participate in a volunteer placement with a non-profit community agency in a designated volunteer position.
The CVS provides up to $100 for each calendar month for clothing, transportation or other expenses that are needed by the eligible person to participate in a community volunteer program. Ten hours per month is a recommended minimum, but a lower number may be allowed in exceptional cases due to factors such as illness, medical appointments, capacity of client to participate, etc.
Transportation Supplement, Province of BC
Transportation Supplement - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
Overview - The Transportation Supplement is provided to recipients with the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation to cover the cost of the bus pass issued through the BC Bus Pass Program, or to assist generally with their transportation costs.
Policy - Effective: January 1, 2018, a Transportation Supplement (TS) of $52 is provided to each recipient with the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Designation in a family unit who is receiving disability assistance or hardship assistance. This includes individuals with the PWD designation receiving Room and Board or a Comforts Allowance. The Transportation Supplement is also provided to ensure continuity of transportation supports in certain situations when the individual with the PWD designation is no longer eligible for disability assistance. The TS can be provided as cash or as an in-kind bus pass with a value of $52 [see Related Links - BC Bus Pass Program]. TS recipients can switch between the in-kind bus pass or cash payment, but will have to notify the ministry of the change before the 5th of the month. A family unit receives the full amount of TS for the month in which they are eligible.
Skills-based volunteering
Volunteer Canada - Skills Based Volunteering
Skills - Based, Engaging Volunteers - Volunteer Canada
Volunteers can bring their own skills and experience to a volunteer role. Motivations for volunteering are diverse. While some aim to learn new skills and aptitudes through volunteering, others seek to apply their specialized skills in their volunteer role. Today, more and more people wish to apply specific skills to their volunteer work. Doing so can help hone those skills. And it can be great experience to put on a résumé. At the same time, the organization benefits from expert input. Skills-based volunteering benefits the volunteer, the organization and the community.
MeaningfulWork
MeaningfulWork was founded on the belief that everyone has the responsibility, and ability, to ensure the health and sustainability of our society and environment. This belief stems from our backgrounds in both the non-profit and corporate world, which gave us a deep understanding, and unique insights, about the impact and role businesses and non-profits have in our society.
Join a community of changemakers. Our web platform channels your skills into positive impact. Easily match, connect, and contribute to non-profits that are working on causes that matter to you. It's a better way to volunteer. Do what you’re good at. Become a changemaker.
What are you great at? Use your skills and expertise to transform your community.
Non-profits need:
- Marketing
- Communication
- Human Resources
- Website & Graphic Design
- Governance & Inclusion
- Communication
- Administration
- Financials
Non-profits need you.
Project Management Volunteers, Vancouver
Project Services: We provide professional support to nonprofit organizations so they can complete projects on time, within scope and within budget. All pro bono.
Workshops: we host both public and private workshops to introduce nonprofit staff to project management approaches, concepts and tools. Nominal registration fees are charged.
Advisory services: Our newest offering – for individuals or organizations that would like a project manager advising/"on the job teaching" them on an on-going project or on project management issues affecting them.
https://pm-volunteers.org/volunteer/
VOLUNTEER WITH US. Are you a Project Manager who wants to volunteer to lead a project (or partner with someone else to support a project together)? Volunteering to share your professional skills, knowledge and experience can broaden your experience, create meaningful engagement in the community, and expand your professional network and career opportunities. Plus, you can earn Professional Development Units (PDUs) through your service upon application to the Project Management Institute (PMI).
We work with nonprofits to define the specific requirements of each project and then post them as Opportunities that project managers can volunteer for depending on your interests and availability. The nonprofits are responsible for interviewing and selecting final candidates as well as the terms of engagement (projects generally receive multiple applications).
Once a project manager has been selected PMV takes an oversight role throughout the project, ensuring expectations are clear at the project launch, conducting a mid-term review to ensure it is on track, and facilitating a “lessons learned” completion report at the conclusion of the project. If you would like to have opportunities sent to you when they are posted, click the orange button below.
Micro-volunteering
Volunteer Canada - Micro-volunteering
https://search.volunteer.ca/index.php?MenuItemID=384
A trend in volunteerism over the last ten years has been the rise of microvolunteerism. Definitions vary on the specifics of microvolunteering, but all center around a few key aspects:
- A short time commitment
- Quick projects
- Primarily done on one’s own (contributing pieces to a larger project)
What makes microvolunteering innovative is the time commitment. Community organizations know that people are busy; these opportunities hope to capitalize on the limited free time that someone has. There is no cap on the number of hours in a microvolunteering opportunity, but it is suggested that projects not exceed 1-2 hours a day. Since microvolunteering centers around the short time commitment of an individual, opportunities tend to require a specific action which can be completed quickly. Many microvolunteering platforms engage prospective volunteers with a questionnaire, where they self identify their skills and receive relevant projects.
Essential skills, badging and micro-credentialing
9 Essential skills (Government of Canada)
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/training/initiatives/skills-success.html
Skills for Success provide Canadians with everyday skills needed for work, learning and life. Improving them will help you succeed in today’s and tomorrow’s workplace. Learn about the nine skills needed to participate and thrive in learning, work, and life.
Skills For Success
Skills for Success are skills that help you in a quickly changing world. Everyone benefits from having these skills. They help you to get a job, progress at your current job and change jobs. The skills also help you become an active member of your community and succeed in learning.
Skills for Success - Videos
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/training/initiatives/skills-success/video.html
Skills for Success are a set of foundational and transferable skills needed to participate and thrive in learning, work and life. A series of videos has been developed to:
- Help explain each of the 9 Skills for Success
- Show how each skill can be used in the workplace, and
- Identify the benefits of developing these skills
On this page
- Adaptability
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Creativity and innovation
- Digital
- Numeracy
- Problem solving
- Reading
- Writing
Let what drives you drive your career
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/develop-your-skills.html
Funding and resources may be available to help you develop your skills. All your life and work experiences make you wiser. They shape you and your interests and build your strengths. With the right resources and funding, developing your unique skillset is easier than you might think. You can learn the skills you need for future work, and we can help you get started.
Badges and Stackable Micro-credentials
Issue and Verify Digital Badges and Stackable Micro-credentials
Organizations around the world use Badgr to create branded learning ecosystems that support their communities with skills-based digital credentials, stackable learning pathways, and portable learner records.
International Council on Badges and Credential (CoBC)
Shaping the Future of Global Skills. We are the strategic partner for organizations transitioning to a skills-based economy. Contributing to a world where every learner’s journey is digitally celebrated, valued, and interconnected. Our mission is to foster a dynamic ecosystem that advances the recognition of informal, non-formal, and formal learning through digital badges and (micro-)credentials. We are dedicated to cultivating a world where diverse learning pathways are acknowledged, valued, and interconnected.
Digital Micro-credentials: Paving Your Pathway to Integration, Don Presant, published May 24, 2017,adapted from an article in World Education Services Advisor, May 10, 2017
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/digital-micro-credentials-paving-your-pathway-don-presant
An exciting new educational technology is now emerging that can help immigrants, refugees, and international students more effectively demonstrate their knowledge and skills and fill their learning gaps by following modular, personalized learning paths toward career goals. It's called Open Badges. Micro-credentials based on Mozilla Open Badges are "smart" digital images that show what you know and can do. They contain standardized information about the learning they recognize, such as issuer, criteria, and evidence.
Open Badges
Elevate your learning with Open Badges
- Share your verifiable skills and achievements as you earn them.
- Identify and celebrate talent and growth.
- Build and certify interoperable tools.
Open Badges is the world's leading format for digital badges. Open Badges is not a specific product or platform, but a type of digital badge that is verifiable, portable, and packed with information about skills and achievements.
Virtual volunteering
Volunteer Canada - Virtual Volunteering
https://volunteer.ca/virtual-volunteering-opportunities/
Virtual volunteering is flexible, often allowing the volunteer to complete a task or project around their own schedule. It is also not limited by geography, physical ability or work arrangement. You can choose to volunteer for an organization in your local community, across the country or across the globe all without needing to leave your home. Consider the types of skills and talents you would like to share or learn through your volunteering and match them to the needs of a non-profit organization. Some people want to share their professional skills, others would rather share talents not related to their profession. Some are seeking to learn a new skill or build work experience. Many opportunities are skills-based and can include pro bono projects.
Examples of Virtual Volunteering: Individuals engaged in virtual volunteering can take on a variety of activities and projects from one-time to long term and everything in between. Some opportunities require specific expertise and screening, others don’t. Many opportunities are skills-based and can include pro bono projects. Here are some examples:
- social media strategy development
- technology assessments
- employee handbook development
- photography
- business or marketing plan creation
- project proposal writing
- financial analysis
- graphic design
- translation, editing or proofreading of documents
- social media posting and blogs
- project management plan for new program or service
- mentoring or tutoring
- telephone assurance for seniors
Examples of virtual volunteering opportunities available through volunteer center platforms:
- Telephone Reassurance Volunteer: Use your phone to connect with an isolated senior or adult with a disability and bring some light to their day!
- Public Relations Specialist: Are you a communicator who is interested in volunteering for a young and energetic organization where you’ll enjoy flexibility in setting your own schedule and freedom to contribute your ideas? Your role will be to help support communications efforts and contribute to the development of a media relations, influencer engagement and social communications strategy.
- Writer: Assist with writing marketing and communications documents such as newsletters, request letters, website content, and more.
- Volunteer Social Media Specialist: Join an organization’s marketing team to produce and implement social media strategies. You could manage, maintain and grow an organization’s social media presence on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Virtual Volunteering Ideas Sheet, Volunteer BC
VV Info Sheet 1.pdf - Google Drive
Volunteering has changed dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to keep the momentum going, organizations can offer virtual volunteering opportunities to keep volunteers engaged. Today’s volunteering includes donating your time and skills virtually. Instead of being physically available to volunteer, many people have found their place in the world of virtual volunteering. For many roles, all you need is an internet connection to make a difference!
We’ve compiled a list of virtual volunteer ideas from organizations across BC in our info sheet. Check it out here.
Virtual Volunteering Guidebook
https://www.energizeinc.com/store/last_virtual_volunteering_guidebook
Fully Integrating Online Service into Volunteer Involvement by Jayne Cravens and Susan J. Ellis
This book will help you:
- Understand virtual volunteering and integrate online service into all volunteer involvement
- Design virtual volunteering assignments and recruit, train, and support online volunteers in accomplishing them
- Apply good volunteer management practices to assure success and manage risk in online interactions
Accommodating People with Physical Disabilities (page 124): "One benefit of virtual volunteering is that it can allow for the greater participation of people who might find onsite volunteering difficult or impossible because of a physical or mental disability. According to the 2000 Census, there are 30.6 million people in the United States between the ages of 21 and 64 with a disability, and 57 percent of them are employed. Also in 2000, a Harris poll reported that 48 percent of people with disabilities who have access to the Internet believed that it had significantly improved their quality of life, compared to 27 percent of adults without disabilities."
An article in The New York Times in 2003 noted: “Many disabled workers say they consider telecommuting to be the single most important factor enabling them to work.”
Transitioning to Virtual Volunteering, Volunteer BC
Transitioning to Virtual Volunteering Webinar - YouTube
Volunteer BC's Transitioning to Virtual Volunteering Webinar took place on June 25m 2020 via Zoom. This is a recording of the webinar.
Volunteer involvement reports and guidelines
Volunteering and charitable giving in Canada, 2018 to 2023
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/250623/dq250623b-eng.htm
On average, people who volunteered dedicated 173 hours to volunteering in 2023, or 33 fewer hours than in 2018. Although the proportions of men and women who volunteered were similar in 2023, the average annual number of hours of volunteering by women (-21%) decreased significantly from 2018, while the decline among men was not significant. As in 2018, top volunteers—the 10% of volunteers who volunteered the most hours—accounted for more than half (61%) of the volunteer hours in 2023. This was partly due to the fact that in 2023, as in 2018, top volunteers were more likely than other volunteers to do both formal and informal volunteering activities. Formal volunteering—the participation of Canadians in volunteer activities for charitable or non-profit organizations—showed a decline in 2023. Among people aged 15 and older, there were close to 11 million volunteers, for a formal volunteering rate of 32%. This compares with a rate of 41% in 2018. Additionally, volunteers dedicated approximately 1.2 billion hours to formal volunteering activities in 2023, down 28% from 2018.
Women, younger people, and those with a higher level of education remained more likely to volunteer than other groups.
Volunteering in Canada, Stats Canada (2012)
Volunteering in Canada (statcan.gc.ca)
In 2010, about one-half of Canadians contributed their time, energy and skills to groups and organizations such as charities and non-profits. They provided leadership on boards and committees; canvassed for funds; provided advice, counselling or mentoring; visited seniors; prepared and delivered food; served as volunteer drivers; advocated for social causes; coached children and youth. In short, they shaped their communities and enabled non-profit organizations to deliver programs and services to millions of their fellow Canadians.
Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement (2017)
Volunteer_Canada_Canadian_Code_for_Volunteer_Involvement_2017.pdf
Purpose and Elements - The Code recognizes and reflects the changing realities of volunteer engagement and management practice and supports the work of those who manage and support volunteer involvement within an organization. It is flexible and applies to organizations of all sizes, with different levels of resources, rural and urban, crossing a range of mandates, led by paid staff or by volunteers. Elements of the Code are designed to be inclusive and applicable to a diversity of people, cultures, communities, opportunities and approaches. For volunteer involvement to be effective, the organization’s leaders must actively champion a culture and structure that supports and values the role and impact of volunteer involvement.
The Code consists of three important elements:
- The value of volunteer involvement
- Guiding principles that frame the relationship between the volunteer and non-profit organization.
- Standards of practice for involving individuals in meaningful ways to ensure successful integration of volunteers while meeting the needs of both the organization and its volunteers.
Screening Handbook, Volunteer Canada, prepared by Volunteer Canada for Public Safety Canada Community Safety and Partnerships Branch March 2012
Screening Handbook.indd (volunteer.ca)
Tools and resources to better match people and organizations, improve the safety and quality of programs in communities, and reduce risks and liability... Screening takes into account the skills, experience, and qualifications that are required for an assignment and puts in place an ongoing process to engage people best suited to fill the role. It also allows organizations to explore the interests, motivations, and personal goals of applicants. Screening puts in place touchstones, throughout a volunteer’s involvement, that support mutual benefit while reducing risk for everyone concerned. The benefits of screening are threefold:
- To better match people’s skills and experience to the needs and opportunities in organizations;
- To improve the quality and safety of programs and services in communities;
- To reduce the risks and liability for both people and organizations.
Volunteer BC, Resources
Resources for Volunteering, Managing Volunteers or Enhancing Your Community Engagement Programs - Our Resource Centre provides access to some of the most common questions for volunteers and organizations in BC’s voluntary sector.
Download the free 2023 Recruitment Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Hiring Process.
Whether you are hiring for the first time or for the 1000th time, recruiting is an important – but incredibly complex – process. The CharityVillage 2023 Recruitment Handbook guides you through the full hiring process, from figuring out what skills you need from your new employee to onboarding your new hire successfully. Included in this recruitment guide:
- Pre-hire guide
- Shortlisting candidates
- Interviewing guide
- Contract finalization
- Plus, ten tips for successful onboarding
Volunteer Engagement Manual , Volunteer BC (2020)
Handbook 1: I Want To Volunteer.pdf - Google Drive
About The Handbook - Volunteer BC’s revised “Community Connections: Volunteer Engagement
Handbook”, is a guide for communities wanting to promote, encourage and match people to local volunteer opportunities. Individuals are looking for safe, meaningful opportunities and sustainable local volunteer engagement. We enhanced this handbook to reflect the challenges
individuals & communities are facing during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Supporting Volunteerism by People with Disabilities Guidebook, prepared for Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) by Inclusive Design Research Centre
Supporting Volunteerism by People with Disabilities Guidebook | Volunteer Canada
This document was prepared for ESDC as part of a larger project examining volunteerism and people with disabilities. The intention is to provide not-for-profit organizations that rely on volunteers with tips and resources on how to build an inclusive environment where diverse volunteers can feel welcome and able to utilize their skills.
Simple Solutions, A Manual – How NGOs can Eliminate Barriers to Volunteering by People with Disabilities, by Barry Schmidl, PEI Council of the Disabled (2005) Manual_PEI_Council_English-Oct17.indd (sectorsource.ca)
The goal of this manual is to help NGOs involve more people with disabilities as volunteers by showing them how to reduce or eliminate barriers. Two factors make this particularly important. First, the rate of disability rises with age and the Canadian population as a whole is aging. Second, the level of volunteer participation is falling in most provinces. This suggests that NGOs need to be prepared to involve more volunteers with disabilities in the future.