From Apr. 27 to May 3 Volunteer Canada and Volunteer Lethbridge celebrate Canada’s volunteers during National Volunteer Week.
The theme for National Volunteer Week is Volunteers Make Waves. Like a wave, volunteering is movement building.
Volunteer Lethbridge connects volunteers with local organizations who have volunteer opportunities to be filled. They also help non-profits run their organizations effectively by filling operations gaps and offering training and networking.
Activities this week included a Volunteer Expo and a flag raising ceremony.
Moya Johnson, acting Volunteer Lethbridge board president says, volunteerism is significant in terms of community building. “It’s significant in building relationships, sustaining those relationships and fostering a sense of connection and belonging.”
Johnson came to Lethbridge as a newcomer five years ago with family members. “Organizations like Volunteer Lethbridge provided opportunities for me and my family to integrate into society to meet people and to learn about the way of life in southern Alberta. It was pivotal really and helped us to navigate this place we were now calling home.”
According to Johnson, volunteer burnout is also a real thing, which you have to be mindful of and mitigate against.
Johnson adds there’s been a shift in volunteerism and it has become more episodic. “There is a space in where you can volunteer on your own terms.”
“You don’t necessarily have to give the long commitment we’re accustomed to,” Johnson says. “There are certain barriers to volunteerism, where persons don’t necessarily have the time. We’re trying to remove those barriers or provide more opportunities where you can volunteer on your own terms.”
Johnson explains volunteering is reciprocal and should be feeding and enriching you, as well. “We’re asking the community to continue to serve, but to serve in a way where it also enriches you and gives you sustenance, so you can do your best work.”
For a list of volunteer opportunities or for more information visit online at volunteerlethbridge.com.
