Not everyone thinks they need help and not everyone wants to acknowledge the fact, even if they realize they do. In a recent Volunteer Canada webinar, Paige Bromby of Guelph’s 10C Creating Space for Change, addressed a key point: people tend to be more engaged if they feel they are helping others, rather than just helping themselves. This is an aspect of what’s known as “Helpers’ High” – we tend to feel good when helping others. She recommends reaching out to clients/participants, asking them for input and help to connect with the community as 10C and Volunteer West Island have […]
Continue ReadingThe Challenges and Successes as we Build Back Better, Together: Reflections on the CCEC Gathering of companies and non-profits
This June, Volunteer Canada hosted their semi-annual Corporate Community Engagement Council (CCEC) Gathering, bringing together over 100 delegates from the 21 member companies of the Council and their invited non-profit community partners. 2021 has been a year like no other. As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, we continue to be presented with unprecedented challenges for both companies and charities. In addition, the social unrest and tragic events of the previous 12 months has exposed the deep systemic inequities embedded in our culture and history, triggering serious reflection and spurring action. Corporate community engagement teams at businesses responded by re-thinking their approach, […]
Continue ReadingEngaging Virtual Volunteers: Volunteers as Participants
Being helped can be un-appealing. Saying yes to support, whether that looks like therapy, community programs or just a checkup phone call from a loved one, takes vulnerability. It can be much easier to help others than to help yourself and in so many ways helping others can be a form of self-care. Volunteers know this better than anyone. There have been countless studies done on the positive effects of volunteering, and many people around the world volunteer in some form because of the incredible benefits that helping others brings to their lives. The COVID-19 pandemic was devastating and disrupting […]
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