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The National Volunteer Week theme for 2021, 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. This past year, we have seen people supporting family, friends, neighbours, and strangers, people standing up to systemic racism, and people sharing insights on how to create a more just and equitable society. We recognize the value of the caring and compassion that each one has shown another, and we recognize the power of people, organizations, and sectors working together.
As we celebrate all those who have stepped up to help others this year, we also recognize all those who have stepped back from volunteering to protect themselves and others. The value of one person staying home helps protect their network, the power of many people keeping their distance helps protect the community.
The power of many people working together can bring about monumental changes. We have seen people work together on legislative changes related to impaired driving, same sex marriage, and assisted dying. We have seen neighbourhood safety and resiliency rise when many residents are engaged.
The theme is a nod to our past, a reflection of our present, and a wink to our future. The Value of One, the Power of Many was the theme for National Volunteer Week in 2001, The International Year of Volunteers. It beautifully reflects the individual and collective efforts, we have seen during the pandemic, and it sets the tone for re-imagining the next 20 years as the value of one act and the power of many enables us to thrive together.
For National Volunteer Week, we appreciate those in organizations who lead volunteers, those who work in corporations who lead community engagement, those who work in schools and support students’ involvement in the community, and those who work in government departments and support voluntary action.
We want to hear about what the theme The Value of One, the Power of Many means to you. Here are some examples to get us started….
The value of one person calling another to check in.
The power of many people working to prevent social isolation.
The value of one person volunteering at a food bank.
The power of many people volunteering on a Food Security Advisory Committee.
The value of one person standing up to transphobia.
The power of many people calling for the protection of gender diversity.
Send us your couplet to [email protected]
The value of one ___________________.
The power of many ________________________.
