FAQ – What is a Volunteer Centre
Volunteer Centres work in local communities to strengthen volunteering and civic engagement. Each volunteer centre is unique in size, structure and services, to reflect the unique characteristics of the community it serves.
Volunteer Centres share the following common functions:
- They promote volunteering
- They build the capacity of organizations to engage volunteers
- They facilitate connections between people to volunteer
- They provide leadership on issues related to volunteering and civic engagement.
- They provide a unique mix of programs to fit the needs of their community.
Volunteer centres can be independent nonprofit organizations, part of a United Way, Social Planning Council, Community Information and Referral Centre, or Municipal Services.
Volunteer Centres:
- Host Volunteer Fairs
- Mach volunteers to organizations
- Host online listings of volunteer opportunities.
- Provide training for organizations and volunteers on volunteer engagement
- Provide training for Board of Directors on Governance
- Specialize support for seniors, persons with disabilities, youth, and newcomers
- Celebrate National Volunteer Week and International Volunteer Managers Day
- Host Blogs about volunteer engagement and involvement
- Provide lending libraries on Volunteer Management and Board Development
- Organize networking opportunities for Managers and Coordinators of volunteers
- Manage volunteer awards and appreciation events
- Operate volunteer programs (meals on wheels, better at home)
- Explain how to be a volunteer