Canada Volunteerism Initiative - Final Report
Three Developments that Affected the Work of the Joint Table
During 2000 and 2001, the following three significant developments affected volunteering in Canada and hence the work of the Joint Table:
1) International Year of Volunteers
In December 2000, Canada joined with countries around the world to launch 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers (IYV). Canada was one of the first countries to make a significant investment in planning and actively celebrating IYV. Working in partnership, the Government of Canada and the voluntary sector have experienced many successes throughout this special year. During our dialogue with Canadians, we heard that the heightened awareness and promotion that resulted from IYV activities had a positive impact on local communities and voluntary organizations. We must maintain this momentum.
2) National Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating
In August 2001, Statistics Canada released the results of the 2000 National Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating (NSGVP). The survey revealed a number of alarming trends, including a drop in the volunteer rate and an increased reliance on a small subset of 'super' volunteers. A more extensive summary of the findings of the NSGVP that affected the Table's work is presented later and in Appendix B.
3) September 11, 2001
The events of September 11 have had a fundamental impact on the work of the Joint Table. This unthinkable tragedy brought the importance of family and community more vividly into focus. The desire for social stability became evident across the country - from the response to appeals for donations of blood and money, to the tone of letters to the editor, to animated discussions at dinner tables and in schoolrooms. The contributions of voluntary organizations and volunteers were clearly visible to people everywhere as events unfolded - and many Canadians were moved to participate.
