Volunteer Waterloo Region

Thanks to Better Impact Inc., VMPC-Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada and Association of Leaders In Volunteer Engagement for another great Volunteer Management Hybrid Conference. And another thank you to United Way Waterloo Region Communities for the use of their board room for local hosting! The topic of this years conference rings very true in today's climate - making sure that volunteer managers have a voice and power in the management of an organization. Volunteer managers are always making sure that an organization's human resources are organized into a concerted effort to tackle it's concerns and missions, all driven by people who believe in its goals and objectives. Without the volunteer managers, many organizations would find that there would be a major disconnect between them and their volunteers, and likely struggle with retention, recruitment and their Human Resources overall. Bringing the voice of a volunteer manager to the leadership table should be a common practice in every organization that wants to succeed and plan for the future. Oh, and also the Balloon Game from the #VMHCTable

Over the past couple of weeks we have had the pleasure of having Sammy Feilchenfeld, CVA from Volunteer Toronto come and speak to volunteer managers here in Waterloo Region for their Volunteer Management Foundations course. This was not only a great opportunity to learn and get a refresher course on the skills and practices in volunteer management, but also a great opportunity to network and connect with eachother. I know that many of us will walk away from this course feeling better equipped, and more confident in how volunteers are managed here in Waterloo Region. Another big thank you to Mennonite Central Committee Ontario for allowing us the use of the Thrift on Kent Community Room for these sessions!

On behalf of the Invitation to Belonging group, we want to thank Nakayla D. for talking to our youth group about mental health. It was great having a professional in the field be able to share about her experiences, good coping practices, and the struggles specific to a newcomer in Canada. Our youth group, Invitation to Belonging is all about getting newcomer youth and families involved in community and having discussions about important topics decided on by our youth leaders, who are/were newcomers. A special thanks to City of Cambridge Ontario for the use of the Allan Reuter Centre to host this program

Volunteer Alberta is hosting surveys providing insight into volunteering across Canada, which can help us better shape volunteering here in Waterloo Region. We encourage Volunteers and Organizations alike to participate in this survey, as we believe that volunteering happens because of both sides of the volunteer equation. If you have time consider filling out one or both of these: Volunteer Survey: https://buff.ly/3Bltunl Organization Survey: https://buff.ly/3Y1jQ2h

Volunteer Managers are such an important part of the volunteer cycle at organizations, and we want to make sure that volunteers across the region feel supported. Family and Children's Services of the Waterloo Region is currently recruiting a volunteer manager to support their amazing volunteer efforts. If you or someone you know is looking to make a big impact in the lives of so many families and volunteers in the region, consider applying to the position. Find out more here: https://buff.ly/3WAoemR

Thank you to MP Mike Morrice for visiting our office yesterday. He is talking to the businesses within his riding that are benefitting from the Canada Summer Jobs program; We have been fortunate enough to be able to bring on an amazing summer student to assist with programs, operations, and office support. We appreciate having a person like Mike we can talk openly to about the happenings in the sector, and someone that has experience in the nonprofit world.

We want to highlight the Ontario Nonprofit Network and it's work on advocacy, and urge everyone in the nonprofit world here in Waterloo Region to add their voice to the conversation to support nonprofit childcare here in Ontario. We know that there are many organizations that are able to provide support to so many families where for profit childcare is not affordable, or manageable, within their own means. If you are a part of an organization that supports children, youth or families, please consider adding your name to this letter, and show your support! https://buff.ly/3WyS8Ja

Recognizing the good work in the community is how we build a better future, and let people know that they are seen for their contributions. The Waterloo Region Community Foundation has its Community Awards open for nominations. In particular, we would like to highlight the Ken Murray WRCF Community Catalyst award, which highlights the contributions of volunteers or philanthropists here in the region. We know just how much of an impact a volunteer can make, and we would love to have them showcased by the WRCF for their contributions. If you have someone who you think should be highlighted, follow the link and complete the nomination: https://buff.ly/3XHVvyz

Thank you to all who attended our AGM, OTF Appreciation, and 40th celebration event this past Monday. A big thank you to MPP of Kitchener South-Hespeler, Jess Dixon, and MPP of Kitchener Centre, Aislinn Clancy, for coming out and their support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation's funding of our upcoming plans within the Region of Waterloo. We are always looking for better and new ways to build up the community here in the region, and we look towards the coming year with renewed conviction and willingness to support volunteerism in all of its forms. Thank you to our members, funders, and supporters who help us to reach our goals. If you are looking to learn more about what we have been up to for the past year (as well as short look back on the past 40 years!), please check out our annual report here: https://buff.ly/46qoglc

One of the best ways to push for real change in the sector is to present real defined data in support of our struggles. The Ontario Nonprofit Network has created this sector survey to help define the underlying struggles, needs, wants, and successes of the nonprofit sector here in Ontario. We encourage any and all nonprofits here in the Region of Waterloo to fill out this survey, giving the ONN the ability to better advocate for our needs and the needs of the sector as a whole. The survey window is open until July 10th, so do not hesitate in sharing your perspective today. You can find the survey here: https://buff.ly/45uPpTX