Canada Volunteerism Initiative - Final Report
Recommendations
Networking and Information Exchange
While there is a wealth of knowledge and experience on practices and issues related to volunteerism across Canada, much of it is not readily available, nor easily shared among organizations.
Technology gives us the ability to improve information-sharing, but technology alone is not sufficient. Voluntary sector leaders and individual volunteers have confirmed that personal interaction, networking and exchange - followed up with technology support - are the best ways to achieve a transfer of knowledge from organization to organization, and from person to person.
As well, it is essential that we find ways to be accessible and inclusive to serve the diverse interests of those operating nationally, those serving rural and remote communities, and everything in between.
- It is recommended that regionally based, nationally connected volunteer resource networks be established. These networks would be mandated to provide a range of capacity/knowledge-building services to grassroots organizations.
- Together, these networks would form a leadership resource to support and enable the establishment of similar, community-based networks around volunteer development. These networks should be developed by enhancing existing organizations.
