By: Beth Steinhorn
Around the globe, volunteers help organizations achieve their mission. And yet, volunteer engagement is often complicated by widely held myths. As leaders of volunteers, you have the opportunity (and, perhaps the obligation) to correct these misconceptions so that you can more effectively harness the talent of the abundant resource you lead, namely volunteer talent!
Here are five common volunteer engagement myths we see in our work across North America and some tactics you can use to fully embrace your role as “Mythbuster.”
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Happy National Volunteer Week! This is a time to recognize and celebrate the millions of volunteers across Canada who generously give their time and energy to support causes they care about. In honor of this occasion, we're highlighting 5 inspiring volunteer stories from Eastern Ontario and Ottawa to inspire your community and show how volunteers are making a positive impact on the world. From feeding the hungry to preserving history, these volunteers are making a difference and inspiring others to get involved.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of many organizations and communities, and Eastern Ontario and Ottawa are no exception. From helping the homeless to supporting the arts, volunteers in this region are making a positive impact on the world. In this post, we'll shine a spotlight on 5 inspiring volunteer stories from Eastern Ontario and Ottawa to inspire your community and encourage more people to get involved.
1. Barbara, Founder of a Local Food Bank
Barbara is the founder of a local food bank in Ottawa. She saw a need in her community for food assistance and decided to take action. With the help of a dedicated group of volunteers, Barbara has been able to provide food and other essential items to thousands of families in need. Her commitment to helping others has inspired many in her community to get involved and give back.
2. Mike, Volunteer Firefighter
Mike is a volunteer firefighter in a small town in Eastern Ontario. He spends countless hours training and responding to emergencies, often putting himself in harm's way to protect others. Mike's bravery and dedication to his community have earned him the respect and admiration of his fellow firefighters and the community at large.
3. Sarah, Volunteer at a Homeless Shelter
Sarah volunteers at a homeless shelter in Ottawa, where she helps prepare and serve meals, provides clothing and other essentials, and offers a listening ear to those in need. She has a deep compassion for the homeless and works tirelessly to improve their lives. Sarah's dedication has inspired many others to volunteer at the shelter and support the homeless in their community.
4. Tom, Volunteer at a Local Museum
Tom volunteers at a local museum in Eastern Ontario, where he helps preserve and showcase the region's rich history. He spends countless hours researching and cataloging artifacts, leading tours, and educating visitors about the area's past. Tom's passion for history and his commitment to preserving it have inspired many others to get involved in local historical societies and museums.
5. Amanda, Volunteer at an Arts Center
Amanda volunteers at an arts center in Ottawa, where she helps organize and promote art exhibits, workshops, and events. She is passionate about the arts and believes they have the power to inspire and transform individuals and communities. Amanda's dedication to promoting the arts has inspired many others to get involved in the local arts scene and support creativity in their community.
In conclusion, volunteers in Eastern Ontario and Ottawa are making a significant impact on their communities in a variety of ways. These inspiring volunteer stories show that anyone can make a difference and inspire others to get involved. Whether you're passionate about helping the homeless, preserving history, or promoting the arts, there is a volunteer opportunity out there for you. So why not get involved and start making a difference today?
Volunteering is a wonderful way to help others and make a positive impact on the world. But did you know that it can also benefit your mental health? In this post, we'll explore the many ways that volunteering can improve your well-being.
First and foremost, volunteering can give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment. When you help others, you feel good about yourself and your place in the world. This can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can contribute to poor mental health.
Volunteering can also provide a sense of community and belonging. When you work with other volunteers, you become part of a team and a shared mission. This can help you feel connected to others and give you a sense of belonging that you might not have otherwise.
In addition, volunteering can be a great way to learn new skills and gain experience. This can be especially valuable if you're looking to make a career change or explore new interests. By volunteering in a related field, you can gain valuable experience and make connections that can help you achieve your goals.
Volunteering can also help you manage stress and anxiety. When you focus on helping others, you take the focus off of yourself and your own worries. This can be a welcome break from the stresses of everyday life and can help you feel more relaxed and at ease.
Finally, volunteering can be a great way to boost your self-confidence and self-esteem. When you see the positive impact that your work is having on others, you feel good about yourself and your abilities. This can be especially helpful if you struggle with low self-esteem or self-doubt.
In conclusion, volunteering can have many positive benefits for your mental health. It can give you a sense of purpose, community, and belonging, as well as help you manage stress and anxiety and boost your self-confidence. So why not consider volunteering today? You might just be surprised at how much it can enrich your life.
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, but did you know it can also help you develop new skills and advance your career? Whether you're looking to break into a new industry or simply gain some new experiences, volunteering can be a valuable tool for professional development. In this post, we'll explore how volunteering can help you acquire new skills and advance your career.
First and foremost, volunteering can provide you with hands-on experience in a particular field or industry. For example, if you're interested in marketing, volunteering with a local non-profit can give you the opportunity to work on marketing campaigns and gain real-world experience. This experience can be invaluable when it comes to applying for jobs or advancing your career.
Volunteering can also help you develop new skills that are transferable to other areas of your life. For example, if you volunteer as a tutor or mentor, you can develop communication and leadership skills that can be useful in any profession. Similarly, if you volunteer as a fundraiser, you can develop skills in sales and persuasion that can be useful in a variety of industries.
In addition, volunteering can provide you with networking opportunities that can be helpful in advancing your career. When you volunteer, you meet people from a variety of industries and backgrounds. These connections can be valuable when it comes to finding job opportunities or getting recommendations for future positions.
Volunteering can also be a way to demonstrate your commitment to a particular cause or industry. Employers value candidates who are passionate about their work, and volunteering can be a great way to show that you're dedicated to a particular field or cause. This can help set you apart from other candidates and make you a more attractive job candidate.
Finally, volunteering can be a way to gain exposure to new ideas and ways of thinking. When you volunteer, you're exposed to different perspectives and approaches to problem-solving. This can help you develop a more well-rounded understanding of a particular field or industry, which can be valuable when it comes to advancing your career.
In conclusion, volunteering can be a valuable tool for professional development. It can provide you with hands-on experience, help you develop new skills, provide networking opportunities, demonstrate your commitment to a cause, and expose you to new ideas and ways of thinking. So why not consider volunteering today? You might just be surprised at how much it can help you advance your career.
Volunteer teams are the backbone of many organizations, and leading them can be both rewarding and challenging. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer manager or new to the role, there are several tips you can follow to ensure the success of your volunteer team. In this post, we'll explore some of these tips and provide advice for leading successful volunteer teams.
1.Communicate Effectively
Communication is key to any successful team, and volunteer teams are no exception. Make sure you communicate regularly and clearly with your volunteers. Be transparent about goals and expectations, and make sure everyone is on the same page. Use a variety of communication methods, such as email, phone calls, and in-person meetings, to keep everyone informed.
2. Provide Training and Support
Volunteers come from all walks of life, and many may not have experience in the specific tasks they're being asked to perform. Make sure to provide training and support to your volunteers to help them feel confident in their roles. This can include hands-on training, written materials, and access to experienced volunteers or staff members.
3. Recognize and Appreciate Your Volunteers
Volunteers are giving their time and energy to support your organization, so make sure to recognize and appreciate their efforts. Take the time to thank them for their hard work and acknowledge their contributions. This can be as simple as a thank-you note or as elaborate as an awards ceremony.
4. Set Clear Expectations
Make sure your volunteers know what is expected of them. Be clear about the time commitment, the specific tasks they'll be asked to perform, and any rules or policies they need to follow. This can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals.
5. Foster a Sense of Community
Volunteers are often motivated by a sense of community and the desire to make a difference. Make sure to foster a positive and supportive community within your volunteer team. Encourage volunteers to get to know each other and work together towards common goals. This can help build camaraderie and a sense of purpose among your volunteers.
6. Evaluate and Learn from Your Experiences
Finally, make sure to evaluate your volunteer program regularly and learn from your experiences. Ask for feedback from your volunteers and use it to improve your program. Reflect on what worked well and what didn't, and make changes as needed.
In conclusion, leading a successful volunteer team requires effective communication, training and support, recognition and appreciation, clear expectations, a sense of community, and a willingness to learn and adapt. By following these tips, you can help ensure the success of your volunteer team and the continued growth and impact of your organization.