How to Build a Modern Volunteer Program in British Columbia
- Subrina Monteith
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Volunteering is evolving — and so should your volunteer program. In British Columbia, where community needs are diverse and ever-changing, it’s essential for non-profits, charities, and community organizations to modernize how they recruit, engage, and retain volunteers.
Whether you're revamping an existing program or starting from scratch, here are some practical tips to help you build a forward-thinking volunteer program that reflects today’s realities and tomorrow’s potential.
Start with Community Needs, Not Just Organizational Gaps
Modern volunteer programs are rooted in community connection, not just internal needs.
Ask yourself:
What issues matter most in our community?
Where can volunteers make the most meaningful impact?
How can we be more inclusive and responsive to underserved or emerging populations?
Tip: Engage community members and current volunteers in focus groups or surveys to shape the direction of your program.
Embrace Flexibility and Micro-Volunteering
Traditional long-term roles are still valuable, but many people today are looking for shorter, more flexible commitments. Micro-volunteering, virtual opportunities, and task-based roles allow people to give back without a long-term time commitment.
Tip: Offer a mix of in-person, remote, and hybrid options to meet different accessibility and scheduling needs.
Reflect BC’s Diversity in Your Program Design
British Columbia is home to vibrant Indigenous, newcomer, racialized, and multilingual communities. Make inclusivity central to your recruitment, onboarding, and recognition strategies.
Tip: Use plain language, provide translation where needed, and build relationships with local cultural organizations to reach a wider audience.
Invest in Technology and Training
Modern volunteer programs make use of digital tools — from volunteer management systems to messaging apps and video training. But tools are only as good as the people using them. Training staff and volunteers is essential.
Volunteer BC offers a provincial platform for members to share their volunteer roles with a wide reach. To learn about the many benefits of membership with Volunteer BC visit https://www.volunteerbc.bc.ca/membership.
Recognize Volunteers in Meaningful, Personal Ways
Today’s volunteers are motivated by purpose and connection more than perks. Move beyond generic thank-you events and tailor your appreciation efforts to individuals’ contributions and identities.
Tip: Highlight volunteer stories on social media, provide professional development opportunities, and co-create recognition methods with your volunteers.
Measure What Matters
Collecting feedback and tracking data helps you understand what’s working and where you need to improve. But be mindful of what you measure — focus on impact and engagement, not just hours served.
Tip: Use short feedback surveys, reflective interviews, or storytelling techniques to capture the real impact of your program.
Co-Create, Don’t Just Coordinate
Today’s best volunteer programs are collaborative. Involve volunteers in decision-making, planning, and evaluation. This sense of ownership fosters deeper commitment and innovation.
Tip: Consider creating a Volunteer Advisory Group to inform policies and practices from a volunteer perspective.
Modernizing your volunteer program doesn’t mean abandoning what’s worked — it means adapting to who your volunteers are now and what your community needs most. At Volunteer BC, we’re here to support organizations across the province as they build inclusive, responsive, and future-ready volunteer programs.
If you're looking for more resources or training opportunities, reach out to us or explore our tools for volunteer managers and coordinators.
Together, we can shape a stronger culture of volunteerism in BC — one that reflects the diversity, values, and vision of our province.
