Volunteer Lethbridge Annual Report 2023

ANNUAL REPORT 20 23

By

Wow, has it ever been great getting references from you over the last few weeks. I want to let you know that, largely from your references, as of yesterday we have been able to add 40 new volunteers. Interfaith Food Bank Society Lethbridge

02.

05.

07. Member Agencies

08. Membership Report

09.

11. Advocacy — Get Out The Vote Campaign

13. UVolunteer Report

14.

15. Digital Presence

16. Event Highlights

17. Supporters

18. Funders

Volunteer Leth re gathered on the lands of the Blackfoot people of the Canadian Plains and pays respect to the Blackfoot people past, present and future while recognizing and respecting their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship to the land. The City of Lethbridge is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III

Volunteer Lethbridge

Connecting, Supporting, Capacity Building

Volunteer Lethbridge exists as a support network for both volunteers and nonprofit organizations to help them build capacity and thrive. Our aim is to safely provide opportunities for people to contribute to their community, and to offer continued aid and guidance to the change-makers.

We accomplish this through (1) connecting volunteers with ideal volunteer opportunities, and (2) giving non-profit organizations the help they need to run effectively.

Our Vision

Volunteer Lethbridge strengthens and sustains a healthy, vibrant community through support and advancement of volunteer excellence.

Our Mission

Volunteer Lethbridge builds connections and empowers individuals and organizations to enhance volunteerism and grow volunteer capacity.

Amanda Jensen Executive Director

Message from the Board

Despite the evolving landscape

of community service post-pandemic, the essence of volunteerism connecting, discovering, and learning within our community remains vibrant and unwavering.

At Volunteer Lethbridge, we've noticed some key trends shaping our volunteer ecosystem:

The spirit and resilience of our volunteers continue to inspire us.

I like that through Volunteer Lethbridge, I was able to get an opportunity to help the community and learn more about the community itself.

A growing preference for short-term, flexible volunteer opportunities, allowing individuals to engage in meaningful work without long-term commitments.

Nonprofit organizations are adapting by revising volunteer roles to meet changing needs and preferences.

An increase in youth and Newcomers stepping forward to volunteer, alongside a steady contribution from our senior volunteers and an increased demand for placements accommodating individuals with disabilities.

In the past year, we facilitated over 900 volunteer placements and promoted around 200 opportunities at any given time, showcasing the dynamic nature of volunteerism in our community.

With Lethbridge boasting a volunteer rate of 57% among its population of 106,550, the contribution of 60,734 residents translates to an astounding 91 hours per volunteer annually. This equates to a $134 million impact on our local economy, a testament to the power of volunteerism.

V A Volunteer

Our new centralized volunteer operating model

has

revolutionized how we understand and support volunteerism in Lethbridge By centralizing volunteer management, we're not only streamlining the process for volunteers and organizations but also gathering invaluable data for trend analysis and sector improvement.

2023 marked the formal introduction of our innovative volunteer operating model and the establishment of a more efficient and interconnected community. Our process from awareness to placement and support—enhances the volunteer experience and optimizes nonprofit resources.

Volunteer Lethbridge stands as a pillar for nonprofit support, community dialogue, and sector advocacy. As the sole advocacy center for nonprofits south of Calgary, initiatives like our participation in the Nonprofit Get Out the Vote campaign demonstrate our commitment to empowering the sector.

Despite facing challenges that most nonprofits face, such as team fatigue and fluctuating support, we're poised for exciting developments in 2024. The recent release of our online volunteer opportunities board will further enhance our service delivery, while our exploration of nonprofit co-location in Lethbridge signals new opportunities for collaboration and innovation

As we navigate these changes, our dedication to fostering a thriving volunteer community remains steadfast. We eagerly anticipate the insights from the newly released CCVO State of the Sector report and remain committed to strengthening our collective voice and impact.

Together, we are making a difference. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to our community.

Warmest Regards,

The Board of Directors

Volunteer Lethbridge

Resigned 09/05/23

Resigned 01/24/24

Brian Wichers Treasurer

Richard Low Director

George Kuhl Secretary

Mark Woons President

Sean Annis Vice President

David Reeve Acting President 2023

Graeme Dearden Director

Stephan Onyango Director

Lori Harasem Director

Volunteer Spotlights

Lara Cronemberger

"Volunteering has opened many doors for me and given me

ireza Sabzibar

Alex Coupe

“Volunteering opened the doors for many different opportunities and helped me to build community connections.”

ng not only helped me with career improvement, but it also e I belonged to the community,

Erroll Zaretski

“During 40+ years of conducting business in surrounding area, the easiest solution to su events and organizations was with a dona provided a commodity equally as valuable “ti to shared with those organizations for the bett community. As a volunteer of time, the fee difference while giving back plus meeting o oriented persons is truly a reward

Mariam Ghali

Volunteer Lethbridge as an office volunteer. da, I was able to build amazing social networks ctions through volunteering with Volunteer wonderful Member Agencies. I’m thankful to giving me the opportunity to be a part of the thbridge Community".

Nicole Bosh

We extend a heartfelt thanks to our member agencies for your dedication and support. We're excited to expand our services and collaborate further in the upcoming year.

2023 Volunteer Lethbridge Member Agencies

5th on 5th Youth Services

Ability Resource Centre (Rehabilitation Society of Southern Alberta) Association

Canadienne – Francaise de l’Alberta (ACFA)

BGC Lethbridge

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lethbridge and District

BIPOC Foundation

Branches Fine Arts Academy

Building

Brains Together

Canadian Association of Disabled

Skiing – Calgary

Canadian Blood Services

Chinook Regional Foundation for Career Transitions

Chinook Sexual Assault Centre

Alberta Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services

Extendicare Fairmont Park

Family Center Society

Flexibility Learning Systems

Friends of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre

Galt Museum & Archives

Good Samaritan Society

adows Village and Cottages

ghland Centre

cres Foundation

Rose Lodge

ck Terrace

View Lodge

Acres

Lodge

an Lodge

ee Lethbridge

huler Nature Centre

n Canadian Old Timer Society

ridge

n Cultural Society of Southern

Lethbridge Association

Food Bank

chievement Southern Alberta oundation

ge and District Horticultural

ge Badminton Club

ge Community Band Society

Lethbridge Family Services

Immigrant Services

Lethbridge Folk Club

Lethbridge Food Bank

Lethbridge Jazz Society

Lethbridge Metis Local 2003

Lethbridge Public Library

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO)

Lethbridge Shoebox Project

Lethbridge Soccer Association

Lethbridge Symphony Association

Lethbridge Terry Fox Run

Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association

MADD Lethbridge and Area

Martha Retreat Centre Society

McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association

MyCityCare

Nord-Bridge Senior Citizens Association

Oldman Watershed Council

Opokaa'sin Early Intervention Society

Parks Canada – Waterton Lakes

National Park

Peak Vocational and Support Services

Prairie Tractor and Engine Museum Society

Project Sunflower Aid Society

Rotary Club – Downtown

Rotary Club-Mosaic

Salvation Army Lethbridge

Southern Alberta Art Gallery

Southern Alberta Crime Stoppers

Southern Alberta Ethnic Association

St. John Ambulance Lethbridge

Stitch It Forward Society

Streets Alive

The Lethbridge Twinning Society

United For Literacy

United Way of Lethbridge & Southwestern Alberta

Womanspace Resource Centre

YMCA of Lethbridge

Youth One

YWCA Lethbridge & District

Membership Manager

Volunteer Lethbridge

extends our deepest gratitude for the continued agency support and engagement. Your dedication and commitment to volunteerism not only shape our community but also showcase the remarkable adaptability and resilience of nonprofit organizations and their staff and volunteers. Recognizing your invaluable impact, we have embraced innovative approaches to celebrate and support your contributions.

In our mission to cater to your evolving needs, we have facilitated meaningful discussions with key grantors and addressed a myriad of inquiries regarding volunteer recognition, retention, succession planning, and grant writing. Our expanded digital presence allowed us to highlight the exceptional work of member agencies and volunteers, creating moments of celebration and acknowledgment through themes, including Member Mondays and Shout Out Saturdays.

Our advocacy efforts spanned municipal, provincial and federal levels, aiming to emphasize the critical importance and requirements of the nonprofit sector. Our goal is to amplify the voice of volunteerism in Lethbridge, demonstrating its profound impact on our community.

We are thrilled to share plans for enhancements aimed at further supporting our members:

An upgraded platform to enable you to promptly post volunteer opportunities, broadening your reach and connecting with a wider audience more efficiently than before.

The launch of a dedicated member’s portal on our website will provide a treasure trove of resources on topics you've expressed interest in, ensuring you have the information you need at your fingertips.

We are committed to continuous growth and improvement, guided by your insights and feedback Expect to hear from us as we roll out surveys seeking your valuable suggestions.

Your remarkable efforts fuel our passion and vision for the future. Volunteer Lethbridge is excited to embark on this journey with you, building on our collective achievements and exploring new horizons in the coming year.

Here's to a future filled with even greater success and collaboration.

Innovating Volunteer Management

Volunteer Lethbridge is proud

to introduce the new centralized volunteer operating model, a transformative approach designed to streamline volunteer recruitment and reduce onboarding complexities for nonprofit organizations. This model enables us to swiftly connect volunteers with opportunities, breaking down barriers to civic engagement and fostering a vibrant ecosystem of volunteerism across diverse sectors and populations

Youth(0-24yrs)

Adult(2564yrs)

Senior(65yrs+)

TotalApplicants

In 2023:

Meetings with Volunteers

402 Referrals to Member Agencies

Lethbridge Estimates Based on Provincial Projections:

Volunteer Hours Logged

678

900 New Applicants

57%

277M Of Lethbridge`s Population Volunteer in some Capacity (formal or informal)

Police Information Checks

174 has not only optimized volunteer recruitment and management processes but also enriched the volunteer experience, enabling more focused and impactful community service. As we move forward, we are excited about the continued evolution of our services, including the launch of the new volunteer opportunities board, which offers an even more structured and accessible platform for volunteer engagement.

Our new centralized volunteer operating model

We extend our deepest gratitude to volunteers, member agencies, and community partners for their support and collaboration in making the new operating model a success. Your dedication fuels our mission, and together, we are creating a lasting impact in Lethbridge.

Measuring the Impacts of Volunteers Accessing the New Model:

2023

Volunteer Lethbridge helped me know what is happening in my community.

Volunteer Lethbridge helped me discover how to help other people in my community

As a result of connecting with Volunteer Lethbridge, I help out more in my community by volunteering

As a result of connecting with Volunteer Lethbridge, I believe I am making my community a better place.

(# of individuals)

Get Out The Vote Campaign

The Nonprofit Vote

Thank you for all your help recruiting volunteers for the Lethbridge Roots Music Festival.

All our positions were well-staffed at the event, and we had a successful festival. This would not have been possible without your help, and we appreciate your efforts.

is an annual advocacy campaign for Volunteer Lethbridge and its provincial peers. It is a nonpartisan, province-wide movement aimed at building champions for policy and platform issues that support and advance the work of Lethbridge and Alberta's nonprofits.

Executive Director Amanda Jensen and provincial peers gathered with Government of Alberta leaders at the Legislature to talk about the state of the sector and to identify its priorities, which included:

2

Top Concerns:

Volunteer

Lethbridge will continue to work with provincial counterparts to require accountability from our government partners.

In preparation for the provincial election in May, Volunteer Lethbridge and The Nonprofit Vote actively engaged the community to highlight the needs of the nonprofit sector In March, we initiated a nonprofit sector discussion to pinpoint our community's priorities for local government in which candidates from both Lethbridge-West and Lethbridge-East ridings presented their visions and priorities for the nonprofit sector in Lethbridge and Alberta, such as the 5 priorities aforementioned.

Campaign Partners

UVolunteer embraced a new chapter, steering its mission towards enriching Work-Integrated Learning, while also commemorating the conclusion of a remarkable eight-year voyage with our community partners.

2023 marked the end

of an era the last year of the Volunteer program We cannot thank the University of Lethbridge nough for their great commitment to student involvement in the ommunity, and to Volunteer Lethbridge We know there will be dditional long-term partnerships between the University of Lethbridge nd Volunteer Lethbridge

This partnership facilitated more than 2,600 documented hours of volunteer civic participation by university students, with an average commitment of 13 hours individual.

The legacy of UVolunteer is rich with empowerment, connection, and future possibilities, providing a robust platform for ongoing engagement with the nonprofit sector and broader community. Our collective endeavor has equipped students with invaluable life skills and experiences, promising a legacy of excellence and commitment to community service beyond the program's lifespan.

As we reflect on the UVolunteer journey, we celebrate the strengthened relationships with academic faculties, departments, and student organizations, which have been instrumental in perpetuating the ethos of community service through Volunteer Lethbridge. At the heart of UVolunteer was the vision to blend academic achievement with professional skill development, a vision that found resonance, especially within the Liberal Education Department. Additionally, our collaboration with Career Bridge has been a cornerstone, evolving the narrative of volunteerism through a tailored competency framework, thus ensuring that student volunteers' efforts are precisely acknowledged and showcased through the MyExperience Transcript (MET), paving their way to professional recognition.

Nonprofit Shared Location Study

Nonprofit organizations

in Lethbridge have long considered co-location as a way to enhance collaboration, share services, cut costs, and better serve their community. Partnering with the University of Lethbridge and key partners,

Volunteer Lethbridge initiated a research-based exploration of this concept. We conducted an exploratory survey to fill a gap not met by other nonpartisan organizations. This undertaking aims to ground the shared location conversation in research that emphasizes nonprofit voices in decision-making.

The feedback received from survey respondents confirmed the importance and relevance of this issue and quantified the community's interest in exploring this concept further. Moving forward, phase 2 entails a research feasibility study, which will investigate successful practices in other communities, the specific needs of Lethbridge and its constituents, and strategies for aligning the nonprofit sector with business, government, and the public. This phase builds directly on our initial findings, aiming to create a cohesive strategy that enhances community benefits through collaborative partnerships.

Diverse Participation

A wide range of organizations across the sector shows broad interest in shared spaces

Experienced Interest

Office Coordinator

Social Audience

Followers - 3,713

Visits - 9,886

Reach - 33,728

Followers - 2,263

Visits - 1,259

Reach - 3,538

Digital Presence

Our social media strategy

has been revitalized, shining a light on the extraordinary work of our member agencies with daily themed posts, from Member Mondays to Shout Out Saturdays, fostering a stronger community bond.

The Lethbridge Herald generously donates space to feature the Agency of the Week where Volunteer Lethbridge Member Agencies are promoted and details on how the community can engage with them.

The Volunteer Column appears every Tuesday in the Lethbridge Herald and is emailed out to community members featuring Member Agency volunteer opportunities.

418

Our Nonprofit Builder e-newsletter is distributed twice a month packed full with important sector news and events.

Connecting With the Community:

Fundraising Organizer

243

Subscribers

Click rate 35%

Unique Scans

7

Different Events

Volunteer Lethbridge provides programs and services to help build the ability of nonprofit organizations in Southern Alberta to better meet their mandate and serve their stakeholders.

Event Highlights

Community Events and Presentations Attended 19 Individuals Connected With 1800+

National Volunteer Week

Volunteer Celebration Gala

NonProfit

Trivia Night

International Volunteer Day

The 2023 NVW theme was ‘Volunteering Weaves Us Together’. In conjunction with the national celebrations, we held several successful events, including nonprofit trivia night, the Volunteer Celebration Gala and a free matinee at The Movie Mill for the whole community

Gift Wrapping

Our debut trivia event was not just a night of fun but a meaningful celebration of the nonprofit sector's critical role in Lethbridge, bringing our community together in a unique and enlightening way.

Volunteer Lethbridge extends heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated volunteers for their unwavering support and gift wrapping talents Although we did not participate in gift wrapping in 2023, we deeply appreciate your time, creativity, and community spirit that have made past seasons both fun and festive. Your efforts in handling everything from cherished toys to the most unexpected items with endless enthusiasm and skill have not gone unnoticed.

Thanks Volunteer

Lethbridge for highlighting our work in the community. We sure appreciate your support and the amazing work you do building a stronger and more connected community.

Building Brains Together

Our Supporters

98.1 | 2DayFM

Anonymous (4)

Avail LLP

Camila Dias

Campus Collective

Centre

Canadian Brewhouse

Cavendish Farms

Chelsea Eastman

Christmas Hope

Collaborative Strategies

Cuppers

Davis GMC

Gas King

Grizzly Media

HatChap Productions

Hope Wiebe

Integrated Coordinated

Access System City of Lethbridge

Jenna Bailey

JustServe

Kim Laing

Lealta Buildings

Lethbridge College

Lethbridge Herald

Lethbridge Hurricanes

Move Mill

Nicole Bosh

North & Company

Office of Rachael

Thomas

Prime Catering

Ron Ducheminsky

Rose Hapin

Sandra Annis

Save-On-Foods — North

Select Recruiting

Servus Credit Union

Shelley Ducheminsky

Sound Barrier

Stringam LLP

Tammy Firth

University of Lethbridge

Liberal Education

Warwick Printing

Wesbridge Construction

Westland Insurance

Funders

Volunteer Lethbridge celebrates the power of what we can achieve when we all work together.