Alberta needs a new commitment to volunteerism

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Every moment is important. This has never been truer for organizations that contribute to community well-being in Alberta. Finding ways to volunteer is more important than ever in the face of pressing issues such as the rising cost of living, an aging population, social exclusion and the climate crisis. Connecting to pressing issues in our communities, nation, and planet by sharing our time, skills, empathy, and creativity is fundamental to welcoming this moment.

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Today, 40 per cent of charities report increased demand for services, and more than a fifth (22 per cent) of Canadians expect to rely on them for basic needs, according to the Canada Helps Giving Report 2023. At the same time, Canada has seen a historic drop in volunteers, with 55 per cent of charities reporting fewer volunteers than before the pandemic.

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Fluctuations in volunteer capacity have limited their returns, and challenges in recruiting and retaining regular volunteers are raising concerns about further closure of the program. There must be a new commitment to volunteering and a plan to support it.

Thanks to volunteers, organizations such as the Canadian Coaching Association (CAC) exist. Working to inspire the nation through sport for 53 years, more than half (57 percent) of its coaches are volunteers, many of whom work full-time or part-time. By paying it forward and helping people become their best selves, volunteers make a powerful impact across generations

In the post-pandemic era, participation in sports has skyrocketed as people recognize the value of physical activity and teamwork, especially among this younger generation. Last year, nearly 6,000 new Alberta coaches entered The Locker (CAC's coaching database). However, demand will increase as the number of current volunteers retire or move away as their children age.

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Today, time is a big barrier to volunteering, as people tend to watch over evenings and weekends. Partnering with national sports organizations and provincial affiliates, we are constantly working to recruit, mentor and train new volunteers, finding flexible ways to make it even more accessible.

By developing hybrid approaches to personal volunteering through online learning, we expand opportunities and access. Exercises can be done from your desk in a moment, wherever you are. When we respond to the need for flexibility, we begin to see rebound.

At practice, at games and in the clubhouse, volunteers have a powerful impact on individuals and a profound impact on communities. Some of our most meaningful experiences have been shaped by volunteer coaching and how they have impacted us. They create moments that will last a lifetime.

In addition to supporting important programs, volunteering makes a significant difference in our lives, including helping to improve our mental and emotional health. By building a strong bond of respect and mutual learning, volunteering supports empathic connection through mentorship, shared opportunities, and joyful experiences. Both coaches and participants know that this moment is important.

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Volunteering in sport also plays a major role in strengthening communities by building social capital and promoting greater inclusion of deserving groups. Working with someone from a different background or life experience can help you bond. By volunteering, we strengthen inclusion and belonging and contribute moment by moment to the quality of life we ​​all strive for.

The efforts of each volunteer and our collective impact will propel us from surviving to thriving again. To further support volunteers and the organizations that rely on them to meet our collective challenges, Volunteer Canada is developing and implementing a National Strategy for Volunteer Action with newly announced investment from the federal government.

During National Volunteer Week, April 14-20, we celebrate all volunteers and their importance to the well-being of our country. Access to CAC's e-learning module NCCP Coach Initiation in Sport is free from 15-19 April – a great starting point for anyone wanting to become a coach.

Anything we can contribute is appreciated and needed. Every moment is important right now.

Lorraine Lafreniere is the CEO of the Canadian Coaching Association.

Megan Conway is President and CEO of Volunteer Canada.

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