Many of the information, resources and services Volunteer B.C. provides are also directly available to non-profit / not-for-profit organizations:

• Training resources
  
• International Year of Volunteers (IYV) in B.C. resources, information
  
• Policy development

Many B.C. Volunteer Centres offer education, information and support resources in the following formats:

• A library of sample documents, periodicals and publications.
  
• Regularly held meetings for Managers of Volunteers (networking with community colleagues; sharing of information and issues).
  
• Workshops on a variety of pertinent topics.
  
• On-site, customized training for Boards, staff and/or volunteers.
  
• One on one consultation with Volunteer Centre staff.

The Canadian Code For Volunteer Involvement

The Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement provides voluntary, non-profit, and not-for-profit organizations with a philosophical framework for involving volunteers at the governance, leadership and direct service levels. The Code outlines the values, principles and standards for effective volunteer practices within organizations. It also includes the Organization Standards Checklist, which will assist organizations to evaluate and improve their volunteer programs.

What you can do:

1. Get a copy of the Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement.

2. Introduce the Code to the volunteers, staff, management and the Board of Directors of your organization.

3. Ensure the practices of your volunteer program follow the Code.

4. Challenge your Board to officially adopt the Code by passing a motion.

The IYV Legacy in British Columbia

Continue the momentum started with the celebration of 2001 International Year of Volunteers. Incorporate the British Columbia IYV objectives into your organization's volunteer program and sustain "the value of one, the power of many" long into the future.

• Promote Volunteerism in B.C.
  -Promote the value of volunteers in the community.
  -Expand the definition of a volunteer.
  -Promote the concept of volunteerism.
  
• Celebrate and recognize volunteers in B.C.
  -Recognize the contribution of individuals who volunteer.
  -Celebrate and highlight volunteerism.
  
• Improve access and remove barriers to volunteering in B.C.
  -Facilitate opportunities to discuss policy and legislation that will enhance volunteerism and provide better access to volunteering.

What Volunteers Expect from Healthy Organizations

A volunteer can expect:

1. To enjoy / be suited to the work assigned. An interview and placement procedure ensures that the volunteer and the organization find a good match.

2. To know what is expected of them. Volunteers should be provided with an orientation, initial training, policy/procedure manuals, a volunteer position description, guidelines that clearly give direction regarding volunteer vs. staff roles and information about the organization's mission, structure, funding and insurance coverage.

3. To be enabled to volunteer. Volunteers may need support to overcome financial, physical, emotional, social or mental challenges that act as barriers to volunteering. Healthy organizations wish to represent the community they serve internally and will accommodate individual needs as much as reasonably possible.

4. To know that a personnel file will be kept. Records will be kept documenting the volunteer's personal information and notes on his/her volunteer experience including: interview, placement, orientation, training evaluation, commendation and disciplinary action.

5. To feel supported and heard. In an organization that respects its volunteers, various opportunities for communication can include one on one conversations with an assigned supervisor, volunteer-staff group meetings, periodic performance reviews (of the volunteer by the organization and of the organization by the volunteer) and on-going training / education.

6. To feel needed. Volunteers should be assigned work that is challenging and worthwhile. The materials needed to complete the assigned work should be available. Volunteers need to feel welcomed by staff and co-volunteers.

7. To feel appreciated. All levels of organization staff should acknowledge the contribution of volunteers. Volunteers should feel appreciated daily while "on-the-job", at social events and by receiving service awards or gifts.

8. To be kept informed. Volunteers should be kept informed of any changes in duties, policies or procedures. Volunteers perform well when given the tools for success.

9. To know what kind of reference / recommendation volunteers can request from the organization.

10. To be able to ask for new assignments within the organization when the volunteer is ready for new / different challenges.