National Volunteer Week debuted in Canada and the United States to recognize the contributions of women on the Home Front during World War II. It has continued to grow every year since. It used to be observed by seeking out a volunteer opportunity for the week. It has evolved to be a national celebration of volunteerism!
This year the National Volunteer Week will be held from April 18-24, 2021. As per Volunteer.ca, the 2021 theme “The Value of One, The Power of Many” reflects on the awe-inspiring acts of kindness by millions of individuals AND the magic that happens when we work together towards a common purpose.
Since the pandemic was declared in March 2020, there have been countless stories of individuals helping their family, friends, neighbours, and strangers as well as people standing up to systemic racism and working to end inequalities and discrimination in our society. It’s time to recognize the value of the caring and compassion that each one has shown another and the importance of the people, organizations, and sectors working together.
National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate, recognize and thank volunteers, and to create awareness for the important work millions do across Canada and the United States.
The pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives, volunteering is no exception. The issues of isolation, social distancing, food insecurities, unemployment, health concerns including recent revelations of widespread discrimination stemming from systematic racism have brought on a lot of new volunteer opportunities.
Within black organizations, many have adapted their activities to fit the new demands for food or supplies deliveries, rent and utility assistance to virtual assistance for children’s education or senior’s care to name a few.
Volunteering is vital to the work of all community driven charitable organizations. It is what connects the supporters to a cause or an organization and ultimately the community.
For organizations, National Volunteer Week is a time to recognize their volunteers for their continued efforts, commitment and contribution to their mission. Volunteers’ work is not always seen by the community.
Here’s what you can do to highlight the dedication of your volunteers:
- Sharing a video message from your executive director, commending volunteers
- Hosting an online event to thank and encourage volunteers
- Setting up video or phone call with key volunteers to thank them for their contributions and ask for their ideas
- Posting a volunteer slideshow on your social media, using pictures from previous events
- Calling volunteers to check on them and say thank you
For individuals and supporters, that week will be an opportunity to look for volunteer opportunities that match their interests or a cause close to their hearts. There are now more opportunities to volunteer due to the new issues and challenges brought on by the ones previously mentioned, notably the pandemic and fight against racism and discrimination. The emergence of virtual volunteering positions has created a more convenient way to make an impact in the comfort of your home.
As people look for more creative ways to stay connected or make new connections, Support Black Charities strongly encourages you to explore the many benefits of volunteering:
- Acquire new insights and perspectives about your community
- Gain new knowledge by being exposed to different experiences
- Improve your understanding of individual differences by being exposed to people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, races and abilities
- Increase your awareness of the special needs and circumstances of others
- Have a stronger sense of belonging and giving back to the community
- Discover new insights into social issues and community challenges
On behalf of the Support Black Charities team, we want to take this opportunity to personally recognize a special group of individuals, composed of diverse men and women of all ages and races, called “Element Connect” for their amazing volunteer work. They met at the gym Element Crossfit. The group’s representative (Keith R.-B.) reached out to us looking for volunteer opportunities with Black organizations in Toronto – Ontario Canada in direct response to the events surrounding George Floyd’s murder in May 2020. They have since started volunteering and participating in several programs with Roots Community Services – RootsCS. We are sincerely inspired by how fast they took concrete and tangible steps to elevate their community! Kudos!
Words of advice for others wanting to volunteer:
“Do it. Don’t wait. Find something where you have passion and then go find a charity you can work with that allows you to do this. I feel energized every time I talk to my mentees. I love it.”
– Keith R.-B. (Element_Connect)
Impact of volunteers on your organization:
“Volunteers are a valuable resource to the agency, its members, staff and clients. Volunteers support the organization in building capacity to offer quality programs and services that may not have been achievable due to limited or lack of funding.”
The desire to volunteer comes from compassion for others. Compassion drives community engagement that brings about change. Join us as we support #VolunteersBringChange and #NVW2021. Please consider volunteering with a Black organization not just during National Volunteer Week but all year long. We invite you to visit our website to find your next volunteering opportunity.