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This week we are so jazzed to welcome guest blog writer Jessica Pang-.Parks. Jessica is an award-winning Volunteer Engagement Thought Leader who loves cats, learning, and sharing her Chinese Canadian culture. She is the principal of Learn with JPP.

Volunteer engagement is often underestimated. It’s seen as a nice-to-have, something nonprofit organizations will get to once fundraising, programming, and communications are sorted. But here’s the truth: Effective volunteer engagement is strategic work. It shapes reputation, drives impact, and builds lasting relationships with your community.

As someone who teaches, consults, and advocates in this space, I’ve seen how small shifts in understanding can lead to major improvements in outcomes. And, I want to help more nonprofits move from reactive to intentional when it comes to volunteer engagement.

Let’s begin with a common misconception: volunteers are not unpaid interns, and they’re not placement students either. Interns are paid entry-level staff gaining hands-on experience, often with an eye toward future employment. Placement students exchange their time at an organization for academic credit, which is a form a compensation. 

Volunteers, on the other hand, give their time freely without compensation or expectation of compensation. That distinction is not just about semantics. It matters legally, ethically, and operationally, especially for organizations that want to build trust and long-term engagement.

On the topic of ethics, volunteers should never replace paid roles. Their contributions should supplement, not supplant, staff efforts. Organizations need to be mindful of employment standards, labour laws, and the risks associated with human resource misclassification.

Beyond compliance, there are missed revenue opportunities. For example, did you know 2024 research shows that people who volunteer are more likely to donate? Yet few organizations are analyzing their volunteer and donor data together to identify individuals to steward in new ways. If you haven't explored that connection yet, now is the time.

Another common trap: focusing only on recruitment. Recruitment is just one piece of the larger volunteer engagement cycle, and not even the first step. This cycle is centered on stewardship and starts with planning. You need to be ready to welcome, support, and retain volunteers before you ever start spreading the word. That includes having systems in place to respond to inquiries, onboard volunteers, provide training, and keep people informed.

Unfortunately, too many candidates never hear back from an organization after they express interest in volunteering. This not only harms the organization’s reputation, it undermines trust in the sector as a whole. Consistent follow-up, even when the answer is no, matters. If responding to every inquiry or application feels daunting, I’ve created a free Volunteer Response Template that can help you build stronger communication and trust from the first point of contact.

I also offer one-on-one coaching for teams who want to strengthen volunteer engagement processes or train their teams on ethical and responsive volunteer communication.

Another thing to consider is revisiting our language. Phrases like “using volunteers” or “free help” may seem minor, but they reveal a transactional mindset. Volunteers are not tools to be used or a resource to be extracted. 

Volunteers are people, and the way we talk about them reflects how we interact with them. These subtle cues can either build trust or erode it. My challenge to you: find one or two ways for your organization to shift its language (written, spoken, form, and informal) to be more human-centered, values-aligned, and respectful?

Similarly, we often reduce volunteer impact to hours and headcounts. While tracking time is important, it’s not the full picture. What if you also reported on meals delivered, legislation passed, or stories of changed lives? If you’re ready to go deeper, I recommend these tools from Sue Carter Kahl that will help you showcase volunteer impact in innovative ways. 

Recognition is another area worth rethinking. The most meaningful forms of recognition are personalized and connected to the volunteer’s contribution and goals. A branded water bottle is nice, but what truly matters is the quality of the volunteer experience. If volunteers feel disorganized, unappreciated, or disconnected from the mission, no gift will make up for that.

Finally, we need to stop treating volunteer engagement as a side project. It is complex, nuanced work that requires real expertise. A 2017 survey by the Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement found that volunteer engagement professionals were expected to have more skills across communication, program development, and partnerships than either HR or fundraising staff. So why do we keep assigning volunteer engagement work to new grads, or tacking it on to someone else’s already full plate?

If your organization is ready to take volunteer engagement seriously, I can help. Whether you’re looking to hire a dedicated volunteer manager, audit your current practices, or upskill your team, Learn with JPP offers tailored consulting and fractional executive support to meet your needs.

You work hard to build community trust. Volunteers are part of that story. Investing in their experience will return value in ways you can see, measure, and feel across your organization.

Today we welcome guest blog writer Adeola. She was able to connect with an organization she felt immense alignment with thanks to VolunteerConnector.

Every now and then a man’s mind is stretched by a new idea or sensation and never shrinks back to its former dimensions. 

- Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr (Sept. 1858). 

The Power of Perspective 

I have always believed that the fundamental difference between one person and another is firmly rooted in perspective. The people we encounter along with the ideas, cultures and histories beyond our immediate experience play a role in broadening our perspective. This exposure to other perspectives and ideas challenges our assumptions, broadens our empathy and shapes our thoughts. 

Why do I hold this opinion? 

When I was young, my mom taught at a nearby public primary school in my home country. My siblings and I would usually wait for her to finish up at school so we could go home together. I can’t even begin to describe some of the things I saw at the school. Although I was young, I knew these were anomalies. Like me, these children were young, yet they already faced barriers that might impact their progress in life. 

So, when I had the opportunity, I volunteered at a nonprofit organization focused on educating young minds. When I came across Ainembabazi Children's Project (ACP), I was actively looking for an organization that had meaningful work to do. Somewhere I could truly serve. I didn’t want a token role or a feel-good task. I wanted to contribute, to be challenged, and to help in a space where immense help was needed to make meaningful impact. 

When I joined ACP, I met an amazing team. People who were committed and eager to do everything they could to make a difference. I joined the communications team. It was really one of the most fluid teams, since we often had new members joining every once in a while, and we not only had to onboard them but also give them an opportunity to contribute and to learn. 

I was deeply inspired by ACP’s mission and the community it serves. The focus on supporting orphans, vulnerable children and the girl-child. The opportunity to support in any way I could so that the children can have access to quality education that would help lift them above the poverty line. 

Volunteering with ACP, Canada was an incredible experience. I met new people, gained new perspective and most importantly, I hope I've helped amplify the voices of those who might not have the opportunity to advocate for themselves.

You might have noticed a difference with how VolunteerConnector looks and feels on the landing page. We are constantly collecting feedback from the huge cross section of humans who interact with our platform- from people in community to organizations to our awesome Regional Partners to other stakeholders who care about thriving communities. Due to this awesome feedback we have shifted the landing page to be more reflective of people's desire to connect to causes in their community. This means a recommended sort of results puts more priority on location and proximity of the opportunity to the individual. 

You might be curious about changes like this are made and honestly it is Miranda in the Devil Wears Prada vibes, everything is done with massive intention and a ton of thought considering all the different ways VolunteerConnector is being utilized across Canada. 

We always value hearing from people who use the site so please let us know what you think of the change! 

We had the awesome opportunity to meet with a very cool individual last week- Hava saw a need in her community of Edmonton and created an organization to meet that challenge. This organization has helped people like Traci whose story they share below. 

Introduction 

Hope and resilience are often the keys to overcoming adversity. In the realm of employment, personal success stories serve as powerful reminders of the transformative impact that perseverance, opportunity, and self-belief can have. This narrative explores the journey of an individual finding hope in employment, demonstrating that even amidst challenges, determination can lead to remarkable success. 

The Beginning of a Journey 

For many, the search for meaningful employment begins with uncertainty. Traci faced several challenges, including raising a child alone and finding domestic work amid economic downturns due to her educational level. With limited opportunities in finding work as domestic and mounting financial pressures, Traci felt the weight of rejection and self-doubt. Traci should contact Empowering the Next Generation Ltd for support. Traci and the caseworker Hava Mursal from Empowering the next Generation ltd discussed plans and goals to help Traci accomplish her goal finding work in Edmonton AB. Traci and Hava worked together by creating resumes and a cover letter. Traci continues to face challenges in securing employment due to underlying discrimination related to her past lifestyle. Nevertheless, Hava remained hopeful that the right opportunity will eventually present itself and Traci will have an opportunity to work. 

Facing Obstacles 

Traci journey was fraught with challenges. Months of job applications yielded little success, as interviews seemed to lead nowhere. Traci mainly faced discrimination due to her being a Indigenous person and her past lifestyle. 

Her years of working as a cleaner appeared insufficient to meet employer demands. Still, Traci made a conscious decision to view each rejection as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow. 

Hava guided Traci in attending workshops, refining her resume, and cold calling organizations for work. Traci noticed the efforts and began learning to advocate for herself. Hava informed Traci that this is an opportunity for her personal development and future investments. 

The Turning Point 

At a workshop, Traci introduced herself and mentioned she was seeking domestic work. This led to a conversation with a classmate. From there Traci found herself doing an interview and she landed a cleaning job with a company that hired clients that are struggling finding work. Traci learned creative ways to network and approached the interview with authenticity and positivity. 

The Power of Opportunity 

Empowering the Next Generation Ltd creates opportunities that encourage clients to think differently and adopt innovative methods to address and manage discrimination challenges faced in workplaces. Traci has learned to advocate for herself, enabling her to grow as a person and live a meaningful life despite facing discrimination. 

Embracing Growth 

In her new role, Traci quickly earned her team's trust, being approachable and punctual. 

Empowering the Next Generation Ltd, through the mentorship that Hava, provided guidance to Traci, equipping her with the skills and abilities to approach challenges with resilience and adapt to unforeseen circumstances, thereby enhancing her self-confidence. 

Empowering the Next Generation ltd. Believes giving hope and each milestone reaffirmed the belief that perseverance and hope can lead to extraordinary achievements. 

Lessons Learned 

Traci’s success story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and self-belief. Through her journey, several key lessons emerged: 

· Treat rejection as a learning opportunity: Every setback is a chance to improve your skills and approach. 

· Stay patient and hopeful: The path to success often takes time, but perseverance pays off. 

Conclusion 

Finding hope in employment is more than just securing a job; it is about discovering purpose, embracing growth, and creating a positive impact. Traci’s journey reminds us that challenges are temporary, but the lessons and skills gained along the way are lasting. Her story serves as an inspiration for those seeking to navigate the complexities of employment and find fulfillment in their life. 

Hope and determination are powerful allies in the quest for success. As Traci’s narrative shows, with resilience, open-mindedness, and a commitment to self-growth, even the most daunting obstacles can transform into stepping stones toward a brighter future.

This week, we welcome guest blog writer Saumya Colgan. Saumya is a high school senior born in Scotland with Irish and Indian origins. She has been volunteering since she was seven and is currently a Wayfinder at Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre. In 2023, she volunteered in the Dominican Republic as part of a global health initiative, creating sustainable structures and offering basic healthcare to communities. 

When I was younger, I read a book called Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McLeod. It describes how everyone has an invisible bucket to hold good thoughts and feelings. The book is meant to teach kids how to be kind to others and "fill their buckets," but I believe that it is a good metaphor for human interactions. As a volunteer, I strive to fill others' buckets and often find that mine gets filled too. Whenever I reflect on this concept, a particular memory surfaces. It was a cold winter day, and I had just returned to my post. I was smiling at everyone walking past me when suddenly, a woman stopped in her tracks, looked at me, and said: "Thank you for your smile." This fleeting moment filled my bucket and reminded me why I volunteer.  We don't always know what others are carrying. They might feel lonely, unseen or have faced bad news. A smile, a simple yet powerful tool, can fill others' buckets and serve as a friendly reminder that warmth and positivity still exist in the world. Although volunteers have a formal purpose, I believe our job is to brighten environments. Volunteering is unique because it isn't a paid position, meaning everyone has chosen to show up every day. Even when things feel a bit slow, I have never ended a shift in a bad mood. I've had difficult moments, but I've learned from them and view them as chances to fill others' buckets. Volunteering is and has always been one of the highlights of my life. Throughout the years, I have had many opportunities to forge invaluable human connections. These connections, built on the foundation of kindness, make volunteering truly special. Volunteers are bucket fillers, the silent contributors who make the world a little brighter. 

VolunteerConnector hosted our AGM on Wednesday, June 18. The event featured a panel discussion with wonderful panelist under the topic of "Volunteer and Inclusive Access: How Volunteer Systems Can Evolve to Welcome and Support Everyone" featuring James Stauch, Ariba Dara, and Heather Johnson. This panel discussion explored how volunteer systems can be reimagined to promote greater inclusivity and equitable access, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds and abilities are meaningfully engaged and supported. Through critical dialogue and evidence-based insights, panelists examined systemic barriers and proposed innovative frameworks for inclusive volunteer engagement. 

The key takeaways from the speakers were to meet people where they are at- if that means embracing their availability or unique skill sets then that is what organizations should do. Another suggestion was for organizations and people who engage volunteers to consider how they are framing and creating position descriptions to ensure that people in community are not self selecting out. Finally, embrace people's intersectionality and identity. Humans who come forward to volunteer are full and beautiful people who come with varied skills and life experiences. They are what make organizations great. 

This week are excited to welcome guest blog writer Thanishka. Thanishka is a passionate storyteller and creator, always seeking ways to connect with others through words. Writing has been a lifelong love, from crafting stories to song lyrics and poems. Thanishka thrives on exploring new ideas and expressing themselves in creative ways that resonate with people.

I remember being 12 years old and nervously tying my shoes before heading out the door. It was my first time volunteering, just a small afternoon at a local event. I didn’t really know what to expect. I just knew I wanted to do something that made a difference, even if it was small. The world felt too big sometimes, and I was still figuring out how I fit into it.

When I got there, the room was warm, full of chatter, clinking spoons, and friendliness. I was asked to hand out drinks. Simple, right? But somehow, it felt like more. People smiled. Said thank you. One guy told me about his day. Someone else complimented my hoodie. Another asked if I liked tea or coffee better, and we got into this whole random debate about it.

At the time, I thought I was just pouring juice.

But it wasn’t really about the juice. It was about presence. About being there. Letting myself be seen on more than a physical level. I was just a kid still trying to figure things out, and somehow, I felt like I mattered in that space.

Since then, I’ve done other things, like packing hygiene kits, tutoring kids in math, and once I even helped design posters for a food drive. But I always go back to that first time. It wasn’t fancy or impressive, but it stuck with me. I think that’s the thing with volunteering, it sneaks up on you. You think you’re helping others, and somehow you end up being helped too.

This week we welcome a guest blogger from Calgary. Sabiha lives in Calgary, just near the Bow River where she enjoys listening to a good audiobook while taking in the teal colours of the water.

I got into volunteering during my first year of college, initially on the advice of a mentor. As an inexperienced student, I was told that volunteering would enhance my resume. At the time, I didn’t have any goals beyond that. The mentor recommended The Yellow Door, as a potential organization in Montreal, which supports elderly members of the community. 

When I started, I didn’t realize how deeply the experience would impact my life, and not just my resume. I became a friendly visitor to a retired nurse who lived alone. Although her son visited regularly, she was looking for company on other days to go for coffee or walks. Until then, most of my social circle had consisted of people my own age. Growing up, my grandparents either lived abroad or had passed away, so I had little experience interacting closely with the older generation. 

Spending time with the retired nurse opened my eyes to the wisdom, resilience, and insight that comes with age. I especially enjoyed listening to her stories about being a working mother and wife, experiences that would become relevant to me only a few years later. Real life, human connections like these are invaluable. Listening to my new companion’s challenges, successes, and life lessons helped me reflect on my own values and make more informed decisions. Interacting with my senior companion has had a calming effect. The older generation is less distracted and less in a rush. They’ve mastered the art of living and listening. 

More than anything, volunteering made me pause and reflect on what truly matters in life. I started out, thinking I was simply giving back to the community, but I gained so much more. After every visit, the sense of meaning and appreciation I felt far outweighed the small amount of time I was giving. 

Since moving to Calgary, I’ve continued volunteering with seniors through Bethany Senior Care and the Calgary Seniors Resource Society. These ongoing experiences have only further enriched my life. The elderly in our community are often an underserved population. Many of them have contributed to society in their younger years and supporting them now is a way of bringing life full circle. 

Volunteering with seniors started as a resume booster, but it has become a lifelong journey of growth and gratitude of the human experience.

Join us in welcoming Milton A. Ortega to the role of Executive Director!

Milton brings over a decade of nonprofit leadership experience and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Canada’s nonprofit and volunteer sectors. We are confident that he will be an invaluable asset to our organization, and we are excited to see the impact his leadership will have on volunteerism. #ExecutiveDirector #VolunteerConnector

We had the immense pleasure of being present at Board Leadership Calgary a couple weeks ago. It was a chance to connect with some awesome humans doing cool work in their pockets of community. Huge thank you to Justin Solamillo and the team at the Government of Alberta Community Development Unit. VolunteerConnector got to spend 90 cool minutes immersed in the intersection of community building, organizations and humans trying their best. 

There are three reflections we have from this event and the time we spent. 

Great suggestion for our always in our hearts merchandise line of “the best volunteers are prickly”. We are thinking plant pot with a cactus in it. 

There was a profound moment where many organizations in the room were sharing the current state of volunteerism in their organizations. It was mostly a story of struggle. From trying to recover from Covid to simply not seeing the response from efforts that they had hoped. Present in the room were also 3 awesome young people from Youth Central who shared their perspective of wanting to engage in community but not being able to find open opportunities. And there it was, without us even having to say it. There are not less people out there looking for opportunities, there are different people out there looking. It is tough work, but it is up to organizations and the people in them to shift roles, processes and opportunities to connect with the people out there who do want to and have capacity to volunteer.

Finally, to get us started and focussed on the work of volunteer engagement we inquired about the best or worst advice people had been given about engaging volunteers. The most common answer around the room was none. No advice. What a moment so aligned with learning that across the country of the 1.3 million organization, charities, nonprofits, grassroots groups that 1 million of them are volunteer run with no staff. Most people who engage volunteers are volunteers themselves and they are doing it through their own grit, determination and trial.