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How Volunteer Centres Help
Volunteer centres, as defined
by Volunteer
Canada, are organizations which:
1. a) have non-profit status preferably with registered charitable
status or have a 'qualified donee' status (as defined by the Charities
Division of the Canada Revenue Agency
or b) are hosted by a non-profit status organization preferably
with registered charitable status.
If (b), must have:
(i) an advisory committee and / or terms of reference clearly indicating
a mandate to promote volunteerism to the entire community, and how
this will be accomplished within the structure of the host organization;
and
(ii) the word "volunteer" contained in the name of the
volunteer centre or its host organization; and
(iii) a designated person responsible for the Volunteer Centre;
and
(iv) a separate budget for the volunteer centre
2. are eligible for membership with their provincial Volunteer
Centre body (where they exist);
3. have a statement of purpose (mission/ mandate/ vision) that
aligns with the national definition.
National Definition:
Volunteer centres exist primarily to foster and develop volunteerism
in the community as a whole. Volunteer Centres engage in four general
kinds of activities:
Promoting volunteerism
Volunteer centres raise awareness of the power of service, encourage
people to volunteer, provide information about volunteerism and
recognize the contribution of volunteers. Some examples include
celebrating National Volunteer Week and conducting volunteer fairs.
Building capacity for effective local volunteering
Volunteer centres help voluntary sector organizations, and other
groups and individuals that work with volunteers, do a better job
recruiting, managing and retaining volunteers. Some examples include
offering training programs, one to one consultations, and providing
support to organizations that work with volunteers.
Providing leadership on issues relating to volunteerism
Volunteer centres serve as a convenor for the community and a catalyst
for action. They work through local partnerships and collaborations
with various groups and organizations, government, schools, and
community leaders to identify needs and mobilize volunteer response.
Some examples include speaking on behalf of volunteers, convening
or participating on committees & collaborations, and advising
volunteers of community needs.
Connecting people with opportunities to serve
Volunteer centres provide people with easy access to a wide variety
of opportunities to connect to their community through service.
Some examples include targeting programs for special populations,
offering recruitment and referral services, and managing direct
services involving volunteers. |
