GLU News

Non-profits depend on volunteers

Whether it is delivering meals to seniors, helping out at a child’s school, volunteering at a place of worship, or taking part in a park clean up, North America’s volunteer force represent the face of change in our communities.

Behind the headlines and the policy-talk, it is the time and dedication of volunteers that ensures community organizations fulfill their mission successfully.

Knowing that their efforts are making a difference in the world is why North Americans offer their unpaid help. At the same time, they understand that volunteering is an opportunity to enrich their own skills and maintain social connections.

For Nate Drag, a volunteer with Great Lakes United, the most fulfilling part of being a volunteer is knowing that his efforts are turning the tide for the Great Lakes.

This past spring Drag was volunteering at an event for
Great Lakes United along the Buffalo waterfront when he spotted floating debris. It turned out that the ‘debris’ was actually raw sewage that had been released by the city’s antiquated sewer system. Considering the event was intended to strengthen the call to clean up the Great Lakes, the release of raw sewage was very real evidence of what needed to be done. Writing on behalf of Great Lakes United, Drag broke the story on a community blog, sparking mainstream media coverage.

“To be on the pulse of ecological issues in the community and help initiate press coverage on that occurrence was unbelievably rewarding and inspiring,” said Drag. “It is this ability to reach the entire community as a volunteer—a regular citizen—that is very fulfilling.”

For the organizations that utilize a volunteer force, these contributions are essential components to fulfilling their mission.

“Volunteers help us to maximize the effectiveness of the dollars we raise and ensure our work is focussed and effective,” said Bonnie Danni, director of finance and development for Great Lakes United.

Indeed, across Canada and the United States, volunteers represent the equivalent of over 10 million full time jobs, valued at over $270 billion dollars. Without the effort of this unpaid workforce, many of the complex and intensive programs directed by community groups would not be possible.

Last year, one in four adults over the age of 16 in the U.S. volunteered their time to over 1 million charities, religious congregations, and social welfare agencies.

In Canada, the case is similar. According to the most recent Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating, nearly 12 million Canadians—approximately 45% of the adult population—took part in volunteer activities. These findings include mandatory community service, which aren’t included in the U.S. figures.

The face of volunteering is quickly changing. The volunteer corps, traditionally dominated by white, educated, middle-aged, middle-class women, is getting younger and diversifying. In Canada, youth are 10% more likely to volunteer than an adult. In addition, since 1989, the percentage of youth who volunteer in the United States has nearly doubled, peaking at just above the national average.

These young people are highly motivated to make a difference in their local and global communities and to gain skills that will improve their future job opportunities. They also want to enjoy their participation, feel like they are contributing, and meet new friends.

As the economic downturn continues to ripple across the world, non-profit organizations will feel the crunch particularly hard. This puts even greater emphasis on reaching out to volunteers to encourage them to help out.

By helping out with a community group, volunteers connect with their neighbours, learn new skills and, most importantly, make a difference in the world.

With files from Gina Grosenick, PhD candidate in Communications at Carleton University.

© 2009 Great Lakes News.