It’s National Volunteer Week 2026, and we’re reflecting on how volunteering has evolved over the past few years – the progress, the decline, and the potential. Here are a few articles from the archives that explore volunteerism.
Volunteerism: In crisis or at a crossroads?
With volunteering in Canada in decline, contributor Yvonne Rodney looks at the data and talks to sector leaders to ponder the way forward. The solution, she writes, includes acknowledging the impact of the pandemic, understanding generational differences, and convincing funders to do more to help organizations.
Canada doesn’t need more volunteers – we need more enablers
If we want volunteering to be a vibrant, inclusive part of Canadian life – and not something that “just happens” – we need to invest in its enablers, Volunteer Toronto’s Cara Eaton writes.
Why we need a national conversation about volunteering
Volunteering is tied to increased rates of belonging and inclusion, and our social services rely on volunteers to deliver their programs, but volunteering rates in Canada are dropping. Volunteer Canada is strategizing to address the challenges and calls for a National Action Strategy for Volunteerism.
Concrete steps underway to make volunteering more diverse and inclusive
There’s wide agreement that Canada’s volunteering ecosystem needs a reset to meet today’s demands by non-profit organizations and the shifting Canadian population.
Aging and re-engaging: Volunteer participation post-pandemic
Contributor Yvonne Rodney looks at how organizations are responding to the aging factor in volunteerism and what they’re doing to encourage volunteers to engage and re-engage.
Let’s talk about the problems with volunteering
Volunteering is an amazing thing, but it remains an area of unharnessed potential, replete with missed opportunities to build connections across social groups.
Unpaid labour: Why volunteers can’t sustain essential services
There’s a shortage of meal-delivery volunteers, writes Volunteer Toronto’s Joanne McKiernan. The reality of prioritizing basic needs in challenging times, she says, means we cannot rely on volunteers for the same types of roles, time commitments, or skills exchange as in the past.
Three ways to keep and care for volunteers
Organizations are struggling to recruit and re-engage volunteers since COVID. We offer three solutions from organizations that are meeting the challenge by focusing on retaining and caring for their volunteers.
