Volunteerism and the Voluntary Sector in Nova Scotia
The Right Environment
Volunteering is clearly a worthwhile altruistic endeavour that benefits the community greatly. However, the strength of volunteers alone cannot sustain the voluntary sector without the support from the community, the necessary social infrastructure, and the tools and resources for recruitment, ongoing support, and acknowledgement. Having these elements in place helps to build the Right Environment for supporting and growing volunteerism.
Using public consultations and written reports, the voluntary sector has provided valuable advice on the issues and challenges that face volunteers and the voluntary sector, and has recommended to government the actions to be taken to help sustain and build the voluntary sector and volunteerism in the province. The following points are taken from the Nova Scotia Network, Canadian Volunteerism Initiative “Talking with Volunteers: Recommendations for Government Action”.
Key funding elements that are essential:
- funding sustainability
- accountability measures that are relevant to the community
- reduced volunteer out-of-pocket expenses
- good code of practice on funding
Key communication elements:
- volunteer resource Centres (virtual and/or physical)
- multi-service volunteer roundtables for sharing of information
- An Accord on Volunteerism, between Provinical Government and the voluntary sector
- Establishment of a Provincial Volunteer Community Advisory Council for improved collaboration between government and the sector, to represent and support volunteers.
Key insurance elements:
- insurance information in layperson’s terms
- clarification of the Provincial Volunteer Protection Act
- greater feasibility of insurance programs for organizations within the voluntary sector