NEWS RELEASE
THE PEOPLE AND INFORMATION NETWORK
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The People and Information Network has led an annual Community Benefit Sector Survey to understand the impact of COVID locally. Through these surveys an early pattern has already emerged: volunteerism is facing unprecedented change and challenge.
“Right here at home and across the province, there are significant challenges,” says Kim Cusimano, executive director, “volunteers not returning, difficulty recruiting volunteers and the tapped capacity to engage volunteers are evident.”
The recent Ontario Nonprofit Network ‘State of the Sector’ report notes 62 per cent of organizations have lost volunteers, more than half reported having difficulty recruiting new volunteers and 40 per cent reported having difficulty with volunteers not returning. “This aligns with the local survey results over the past two years,” says Cusimano, ”61 per cent of organizations reported decreased volunteer involvement, 47 per cent of respondents indicated a decrease in volunteers contacting the organization to volunteer and there are critical capacity issues for leaders of volunteers as they manage expansive changes and, in some cases, laid off, redeployed or through a reduction in hours or additional duties.”
Cusimano continues, “critical issues can be found around volunteerism and capacity of organizations to transition roles, recruit and train volunteers at a time when there is a clear response that the decline in volunteers has affected the organizations’ ability to deliver programs and services.”
But that is not all. In Ontario, almost half of nonprofits are volunteer run. “Volunteers are a powerhouse fueling communities. They lead, fundraise, drive, advocate, mentor, coach, they invest in their community, they are changemakers and empathy in action.”
“Volunteerism, civic action, contributing to community, helping your neighbours is a valuable thread that connects us. From random acts of kindness to ongoing volunteer commitments, together our contributions strengthen our community” says Cusimano, “and provides essential support to grassroots groups, nonprofits and charities.”
PIN is here to help. For individuals who are curious about volunteering, nonprofits and charities seeking to recruit volunteers, capacity building opportunities and board training, PIN is your local hub for volunteerism. Cusimano notes, “we are passionate about volunteerism and community. We believe that everyone has something to contribute to our community and we vision a world where strong and welcoming communities are connected through volunteerism, information sharing and leadership development.”
“PIN has transitioned to a fully remote operation” Cusimano continues, “with a focus to engage in places and spaces our community gathers continuing to outreach both online and in-person. We welcome our community to connect with us, we are here to help.”
PIN offers an online portal of volunteer opportunities and assists individuals to find a volunteer match. In addition, PIN offers education, leads communities of practice through its nonprofit leadership pillar of work.
Fall lineup includes:
• New to Volunteering online sessions in September
• Volunteer Managers Network Community of Practice • Get on Board 5 part training series
• Executive Director Peer Group Community of Practice
• New to Volunteer Screening - 3 part series beginning October
• Experienced in Volunteer Screening - 3 part series beginning in November
• Understanding Ontario’s Not-for-profit Act 2-part series in partnership with 10C o (Pt 1 online) – October 26 o (Pt 2 in-person) – November 23
This Fall, PIN will again launch a Community Benefit Sector survey to further explore volunteerism and the impact of COVID on nonprofits and charities. In addition, continues to outreach in the community to inspire and assist individuals to find a meaningful match.
Information about these offerings and a myriad of volunteer opportunities can be found at PINnetwork.ca
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