Canada Volunteerism Initiative - Final Report
Recommendations
The voluntary sector and the Government of Canada are committed to forging a new working relationship - one that will benefit all Canadians and build a more stable voluntary sector.
In times of crisis or major events, Canadians are there to help, but too few of us are making the kind of sustained, day-to-day commitment that is so necessary to the well-being of our communities. As our society becomes more and more complex, volunteers are called upon again and again to pick up the slack. There are cracks in the infrastructure that require a concentrated effort to fix.
Volunteerism and civic participation are fundamental elements of our democracy and contribute to the richness of Canadian society. People coming together - motivated by their commitment to one another and their communities and without expectation of reward - make a difference in the everyday lives of millions of Canadians.
We ignore the erosion of volunteerism in recent years at our peril. The organizations that support volunteers and enable civic participation, as well as the volunteers themselves, deserve acknowledgement and our deep appreciation. All Canadians benefit from their efforts. The time has come to demonstrate an understanding of their important contribution to the fabric of Canadian society and the well-being of people and communities, and to consciously create an environment that will enable them to flourish.
The NSGVP findings, research and consultations with individuals and groups of Canadians all tell us that investments are required to help volunteer activity grow, thrive and contribute to the development of stronger communities in Canada. There is a need for a coherent, sustained approach to investment so that voluntary organizations can plan for the future, maximize their effectiveness, fulfill their mandates, and better support the involvement of volunteers.
The four recommendations that follow address specific concerns about the state of volunteering, but these elements should not be considered as separate and unique in themselves. Each is a part of a continuum of initiatives that, taken together, will improve the capacity of voluntary organizations to engage and support volunteers, heighten awareness of the contribution of volunteers to the Canadian quality of life, and encourage more Canadians to volunteer.
