VOLUNTEERING
according to the Volunteer Manitoba website. Micro volunteers can choose projects that match their skills and interests to offer immediate impact on an organization with limited resources.
Fortunately, many organizations are shifting and adapting their volunteer roles so people who are bogged down with work and life can still help. “There’s this notion that volunteering takes so much of your time when, really, if you’re able to give an hour every few weeks, that really does make an impact in the community,” Seymour says. Digital volunteering, for exam- ple, is a flexible way tech-savvy volunteers can help an organiza- tion with their website or social media accounts. Online math tutoring is one way a student can log volunteer hours at home while juggling a hectic schedule. Micro volunteering is a newer
Volunteering often looks different to people in various stages of life, she explains. “When we talk to young people, we talk about the importance of putting some ex- perience on your resumé, building those employment type skills and how building your network is so important,” she says. “And we talk to older folks, who are retired and looking for something to fill their day and want to have purpose and socialization and meet new people.” Immigrants make up another large portion of volunteers in the province, Seymour says. “We talk to newcomers, and what a great way to get to know your community and practise your language skills. The benefits are endless depending on who you are and what stage of life you’re at.” One of the most common questions Seymour and her staff face is “What if I want to volunteer but I’m just too busy?”
concept for those who have limited time on their hands. It involves short commitments and quick, independent projects,
PHOTOS COURTESY OF VOLUNTEER MANITOBA
Manitoba 9
Powered by FlippingBook