Blog

Each year, National Volunteer Week reminds us of the vital but often unrecognized role that volunteers play in our communities. In Saskatchewan, we benefit from having one of the highest rates nationally of both formal and informal volunteerism at 55% and 80% respectively.
 
While we typically associate volunteering with roles such as coaches, board and committee members, event organizers, and youth mentors, volunteer participation occurs on a continuum of engagement, from formal volunteering with an organization, to informal volunteering as an individual, to helping a neighbour, to advocating to address community issues. Whether we call it volunteering or not, all forms of participation are important to creating a civil society where community wellbeing, social justice, democracy, and connections between people are strengthened.
 
This year’s theme, Volunteers Make Waves, seems particularly appropriate as we are in the midst of much economic, political, social, and environmental change. At the very heart of volunteering is a sense of responsibility and care for others, our communities, and our planet. As a result, it is often volunteers who respond to the consequences of policy decisions of leaders though advocacy, education, action, and provision of aid.
 
In this time of “shop local” let’s also each consider how we can “volunteer local” to assist a nonprofit organization or community initiative as they provide supports to vulnerable individuals and families in your community.
 
Volunteer Canada is currently developing a National Volunteer Action Strategy in response to the decreasing rates of volunteer participation across the country. To inform development of the strategy we encourage individuals and organizations to complete the survey.

2025 National Volunteer Action Strategy Survey

National Volunteer Action Strategy: Organizations, Nonprofits & Collectives