Editorial Fellowship: Transforming Volunteerism and Work

Newcomers are critical to strengthening and growing Canada’s volunteer ecosystem. Here are four common barriers and how to make newcomers feel welcome.

Two-thirds of volunteer-served organizations do not have enough volunteers to operate effectively, and volunteerism can help newcomers build a sense of community in Canada.

A quarter of Canadian volunteers expect to cut down or stop altogether, new report finds

Canada’s volunteer ecosystem is currently suffering from a dearth of volunteers, with roughly two-thirds of volunteer-dependent organizations saying they cannot find enough support. Understanding the reasons why volunteers are quitting is crucial to reversing this trend.

Could Canada’s largest union tackle the non-profit wage gap? One Calgary counsellor believes it can

Provincial governments depend on frontline non-profits and charities to provide basic services to clients who are unhoused, impoverished or have complex mental health issues. Without additional funding, today’s alarming rate of worker turnover will lead to a weaker social safety net.

Battling burnout: CanadaHelps CEO sounds alarm on non-profit ‘wildfires’

Social purpose organizations are starting to offer in-house solutions to combat mental and physical fatigue among their staff. However, they say without government and community support, those solutions won’t go far enough to keep staff ready to help others.

Canada Summer Jobs study sparks optimism for increased funding, greater flexibility for non-profits, small businesses

The Canadian Summer Jobs program has created hundreds of thousands of jobs for youth since it was launched in the 1990s. A revamp of the program has the potential to make the program easier to access and to reduce the burden of applying and reporting for non-profits and small businesses.

How to recruit more volunteers in 2024: Insights from leaders across Canada

Non-profit organizations have experienced a sharp dropoff in volunteer recruitment since COVID-19. During a period of rapidly rising costs, this means both fewer dollars and volunteers for charity groups.

Putting reliability to work: Why Canadian businesses should hire neurodivergent people

Most neurodivergent people in Canada are either under-employed or unemployed. With a skilled labour shortage and pressures to increase production, Canadian businesses are missing out on a valuable source of reliable employees, much to their detriment.

Non-profits among the worst offenders for unlivable wages in Canada, say employees, experts

Non-profit wages are consistently lower than those in the private sector, putting financial strain on employees who often leave social purpose work behind in search of better pay. Competitive wages could improve staff retention and wellbeing.

Diverse volunteers crucial to making sure racialized, newcomer kids participate: Umoja Community Mosaic

Access to sports has long been a way to help youngsters live better lives. However, a diverse volunteer base is needed to get more children and teens from racialized and newcomer communities to participate.

When helpers need help: compassion fatigue on the frontlines

Compassion fatigue can affect a person’s mental, physical and psychological wellbeing, but there are strategies frontline workers and their employers can use to recover and recharge.

Volunteer emergency responders in Nova Scotia to receive more mental health support

In many rural communities, emergency services are provided by dedicated volunteers. Having mental health support helps them continue to help others.

Quarter of Canadian non-profit workers dissatisfied with job: report

Non-profit employees are likelier to be unhappy and dissatisfied at work than those in the private sector. Precarious employment, inadequate income, and burnout all play a role and can lead to higher turnover rates at non-profit organizations.

First-generation Canadians in non-profit sector have lower job satisfaction: study

Newcomers often turn to non-profit organizations for Canadian work experience, but new data reveals that 34 per cent of first-generation Canadians are dissatisfied with those roles. Could building more inclusive work cultures change that?

Robust youth sport critical to community development, founder says

Inclusive youth sports organizations can give youth a place to belong, but volunteers need to be engaged and diverse to attract racialized and immigrant communities. Giving youth an opportunity to participate in sport helps prevent them from engaging in other risky behaviours, including gang involvement and substance abuse.

Volunteering as an antidote to loneliness

More than half of Canadians aged 50 or older have experienced loneliness, with 40 per cent experiencing isolation.

Most workplace wellness programs a waste of money: study

More employers, including those in the non-profit sector, are offering workplace wellness programming than ever before. However, new research suggests that volunteerism may be the only one offering a return on investment.

Top tips: 5 Canadian non-profit managers share how to recruit and keep volunteers

Effective volunteer management doesn't just fill roles; it builds community. However, the key is developing volunteer management systems that work for your organization. Here’s how five volunteer managers have been successful.

More than half of Alberta non-profits can’t find skilled staff: report

Alberta non-profits are struggling to recruit and retain staff. An approach that sees leaders "put their own masks on first" could help create healthier workplaces.

Want to make your workplace wellbeing programs better? Customize them, say experts

A one-size-fits-all approach to workplace wellbeing is proving ineffective. These groups say the solution—exploring different options for everyone—can be done.

Secret to remote worker wellbeing is trust, say experts

It can be challenging to ensure that your remote workers are doing well in the workplace, with some complaining of isolation. So, these Canadian companies have incorporated ways to engage and encourage their remote workers to care for their mental health.

Federal budget gives National Volunteer Action Strategy a boost - but more needed

Volunteer numbers have yet to return to their pre-pandemic level, even as the need for volunteers grows. Organizations have championed a comprehensive national volunteer strategy for years.

Does your non-profit ask you to work overtime for no pay? Here's what Canadian workers say

Non-profit employees routinely asked to do work for which they aren't paid or outside their skillset leads to higher turnover rates, burnout, and reduced service capability.

More data is always better, but are non-profits making the best use of data they already have?

The last four years have rapidly accelerated changes in volunteerism. Understanding current trends could help improve volunteer recruitment and retention, but national data is limited.

Could AI increase volunteerism?

Some researchers predict artificial intelligence could reduce people's workload by as much as 45 per cent in the coming years. Channelling some of that newfound time into volunteerism could reverse current declines in volunteer numbers.

Canadian senior volunteers felt erased during pandemic years, want meaningful work

Canadian non-profits continue to grapple with volunteer shortages, even as the COVID-19 pandemic fades into memory. Retaining older volunteers could help stem the tide.