Volunteering can be a great way for newcomers like you to gain new skills, build your network and learn more about the Canadian workplace. However, with the global pandemic changing the way we work and communicate, volunteering has had to evolve as well. The good news is, as we continue to adjust to this new normal, organizations are figuring out ways for volunteers to stay busy.
On March 26, 2021, from 10 am to 1 pm, the DIVERSEcity Annual Volunteer Fair 2021 will be connecting newcomers to new volunteer opportunities with seven local partner organizations.
“For DIVERSEcity’s Annual Volunteer Fair, we identified partner organizations who would like to engage more newcomers in their volunteer positions in their organization. Many volunteer positions in the community have the same systemic and multi-level barriers that we see newcomers experiencing in their job searches. We are ‘volunteer brokering’ to remove some of those barriers, connect newcomers to opportunities with our partner organizations and support them in navigating the volunteer roles,” says Rola Nasreddine, assistant manager, Volunteer & Civic Engagement, at DIVERSEcity.
Tips for volunteering in a pandemic
If you are eager to volunteer your time in person despite the pandemic, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Consult the volunteering organization’s COVID-19 guidelines and follow their rules and requirements to keep you and others safe.
- Do not volunteer in-person if you are sick or have been in contact with someone who is unwell. Consult this checklist done by Volunteer Canada for more tips.
Virtual volunteering
Did you know you could also volunteer from the comfort of your home? According to HuffPost, here are several reasons why virtual volunteering might be the right option for you in these uncertain times.
- More flexibility — you can volunteer around your working hours and take on opportunities outside your geographical location.
- Focus on your skills and work experience — often times, organizations hiring virtual volunteers are looking for specific skills to support their mission. Whether you are a teacher, graphic designer or accountant, your expertise and mentorship skills can make a difference without in-person contact.
- Discover new career paths — whether you are looking to add more experience to your resumé or you want to change career, this may be a great way to find out if an industry or career is the right fit for you, without spending extra money and time on trainings or classes.
- Stay connected — while meeting in-person is limited, you can still build connections and expand your network online.
Whether you would like to volunteer in-person or online, volunteering offers many benefits. “Volunteering is a great way to bring positive change to people and communities. Though it can be difficult to find time to volunteer, giving to others has enormous benefits to us and those around us. It is an opportunity to use our skills and have the community benefit from them,” says Rola. Find out more about why volunteering is a good thing — for your life and career.
Interested in volunteering? Join our DIVERSEcity Annual Volunteer Fair 2021 on March 26 at 10 am or contact our volunteer coordinators at volunteer@dcrs.ca to find out about our next volunteer orientation session.