Noreen Mian, Volunteer Manitoba
There is a true culture of volunteerism in Manitoba and many benefits to staying connected to your community. The effects of these benefits differ between life stages:
Generation Y volunteers to gain relevant work and life experiences. Their motives include enhancing their resume, earning scholarships and high school credits or exploring a passion. Suggested volunteer opportunities: Personal care homes, special events, tutoring/mentoring.
Similarly, young professionals volunteer to fill in gaps on their resumes and to gain leadership skills that are not often found in entry level positions. Networking and experience-based learning are also key motivators for this group. Suggested volunteer opportunities: Board of Directors, committee member, team leader for special events.
Adults who volunteer their time expand their networks and make meaningful community connections.
It is also important to recognize the high rate of informal volunteering, for example, helping an individual who is not connected to an organization. Suggested volunteer opportunities: Board of directors, parent councils, community events.
Boomers value their independence and are often looking to share their skills with less structure or on a project-by-project basis. Suggested volunteer opportunities: Programming assistants, pro-bono consulting on special projects in the not-for-profit sector, EAL teacher/assistants.
Regardless of age, there is no question that volunteering helps to strengthen the community while fostering meaningful connections for generations to come.
Interested in volunteering? For a current list of volunteer opportunities please visit www.mbvolunteer.ca