vp pres nov 30
TRANSCRIPT
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Volunteer Services and Leisure Access Survey
Survey Discussion
November 30, 2011
J.J. JohnsonDouglas College
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Today
Survey Introduction Survey Results Hopes, Challenges and
Recommendations
Introduction
Service-Learning Project through Douglas College Assess current Volunteer practices within
Recreation/Leisure Access departments with the hope of laying the groundwork for an updated Volunteer services strategy; to form a Volunteer management and retention program specific to Recreation Access.
Demographics
9 of 20 respondents from communities of Burnaby, North Vancouver, West Vancouver North Delta, Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows; Richmond, Calgary, AB
224 total centres served, 27 average Calgary - 180
Volunteer Co-ordination
Co-ordination of Volunteers: Who is responsible for ‘Volunteers’ in your Access department? Coordination Specific to Recreation Access
Services 57.1% (4 responses) Provided by General Parks and Recreation 28.6%
(2) Third-party partner (e.g., advocacy support group;
health care system) 14.3% (1)
Volunteer Co-ordination
5 out of 7 have a dedicated staff position for Volunteer Services within Leisure Access. 3 FT or FTE, 1 PT
UVic Co-op Ed Student Access Services partnering with Volunteer, Youth
and Children Services Volunteer Recruitment/Training under
[Programmer’s] role
Volunteers’ Roles
Volunteers … Assist staff with tasks and reduce
consumer/staff ratio - 85.7% (6 responses)
Provide Physical Assistance - 71.4% (5) Social/Emotional Support - 85.7 (6)
Partners / Tech
Most Access departments (5/7) are actively partnering with community agencies (Health Authority, CLBC, community volunteer networks)
8 of 9 groups are using some form of Volunteer management software (CLASS, Volunteer Impact, Volunteer Workers, Samaratin Technologies, Filemaker Pro)
Commitment / Confidentiality
Length of Volunteer time commitment varies (No minimum commitment to 6 months – 1 year)
Exchange of Personal Info OK? (5 of 7) Confidentiality and access to participant
information (split), many sign confidentiality agreements, share only necessary information to help participant.
Supervision / Duties
Supervision: Most Access departments provide direct supervision from staff while on duty (5 of 8)
Written Job/Duty Expectations? Mostly for 1:1 volunteer
placements Not as many written
expectations in “group settings”
Training / Recognition
Training: For most… Small Group 1-2 hours Orientation and Training as needed
Training split evenly “Exclusive to Access” and “with other Volunteers and Parks Departments”
Recognition: Seasonal events, free Rec passes
Hopes and Challenges
Challenge in recruiting, training and maintaining Volunteers specific to Leisure Access. (temporary placements, work
experience/practicum hours) To obtain data on cities of similar size/scope to
Vancouver.
Benefits
Top benefits of volunteering … for the volunteer…
“Sharing interests” “Personal growth and skill development” “An opportunity to be generous” “Sense of community” “Gaining work/experience, career
exploration”
Benefits
Top benefits of volunteering … for your organization/department…
“Community engagement; supporting community” “Extending our mission” “An opportunity to provide accessible recreation
programs” “Integration [and] Inclusion of all” “Enhancement of community involvement; making
a difference”
Benefits
Perceived benefits of Access Volunteer Coordinator/Program Assistant” position… (to those who do not presently have one)
“More resources spent on volunteers.” “Stronger communication” “Increased involvement…” “Better experience by participant[s].” “Assist with Diversity Services Initiatives.” “Coordinate a program to integrate new immigrant
volunteers.”
Recommendations
Continue to develop Volunteer Recruitment and Management Program specific to Recreation Access Seek community partnerships of mutual benefit Consider benefits of creating an Access Volunteer
Leader position Recognize Volunteers as valuable assets to your
organization (and even potential Future Employees!) Gain valuable knowledge and skillset, familiarity
with programs and participant needs.
Melanie Joseph, Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation
Jan Vetter, GF Strong Rehab Centre
Serena Frew, Vancouver Coastal Health
Katharine Proudlove, Vancouver Coastal Health
Thanks
“Volunteering can be an exciting, growing, enjoyable experience. It is truly gratifying to serve a cause, practice one's ideals, work with people, solve problems, see benefits, and know one had a hand in them.”
Harriet Naylor