What Are the Implications?
From this data, it appears that:
- The number of Canadians Volunteering is decreasing, leaving the remaining Volunteers to take on more responsibilities and requiring more time.
- A small percentage of Volunteers are taking on the majority of the burden of most organizations.
- If the service you offer is relevant to the needs of a specific community group it will be easier to bring in Volunteers.
- The more in tune with the mission/ goals of the organization, the more the Volunteer will be willing to commit to the organization.
- We need to "ask" (recruit) people to Volunteer.
- We should target the age groups most appropriate to our programs.
- In the case of classes targeted at seniors it may be advisable to have mature adults and seniors themselves conducting the classes.
- In the case of classes directed towards young adults it may be more fitting to have young adults instructing.
- Educated people are often looking to practice that which they have studied and would make a great source of information. Therefore, it may be beneficial to post positions at schools and student employment centres.
- Employed Canadians Volunteer more than unemployed Canadians. This makes the workplace a perfect recruiting opportunity. If one of your employees/ Volunteers/ Clients is employed in a large company and is willing to act as an ambassador for the organization, it may well provide a source of Volunteers.
- Unemployed Canadians may be encouraged to Volunteer if you combine the program delivery with opportunities for the Volunteer to develop work related skills.
- Households with children under the age of 18 provide the opportunity for Volunteer staff and may be targeted on the basis of family Volunteering opportunities and/ or parent opportunities to get Mom/ Dad out of the house once a week, as well as showing the youth social responsibility and the benefits of belonging to organizations.
Suggested web sites:
http://www.volunteer.ca/volcan/eng/iwork/trends-invol.php?display=3,2,4
http://charitychannel.com/article_958.shtml