Volunteer Central is excited to be spearheading a new skill-sharing volunteer program which connects professionals, entrepreneurs, and students with local nonprofits. Community organizations have great information, connections to the community, and a great depth of focus in specific areas. Their staff have a breadth of education, experience, and expertise in dealing with complex social problems.

Many local nonprofits are looking for volunteers to make an even greater impact on the communities they serve. Skill-sharing builds stronger communities and strengthens organizational sustainability when skilled volunteers are able to volunteer their expertise to an organization that may otherwise not have access to.

An organization can only survive if it develops and grows over time.  The only way these organizations can get there is by having access to the necessary skills and knowledge, which may be a  barrier to a nonprofit.  Skilled volunteers can support our local nonprofits in becoming more efficient and effective in delivering impact in our community. The average nonprofit spends just 2% of its organizational budget on overhead, compared with the average business that spends 20% (1).

A strong business case can be made for skills-based volunteering programs, too. Skills-sharing volunteering programs have been shown to increase employee engagement and retention, while also measurably enhancing the skills and talents that employees bring back to their desks (2).  Providing time for employees to volunteer cultivates enhanced or additional skills development. And, 68% of Canadians say, given the choice between two jobs, they would choose the one at the company with the stronger volunteering culture. (2017 Volunteer Canada/ Ipsos Public Affairs). Giving back to the community is a positive way to create awareness of your business brand, too. 

We know it’s been tough out there, and many individuals have are looking for work.  If you’re looking to take a fresh path into the workforce, consider volunteering your time first. Skill-sharing is a great way to keep your skills relevant, and gain experience in new or developing skills. Skill-sharing also helps in developing your professional network, and gives a boost to your resume. Experience is valuable and is often a key characteristic of what employers look for in a valuable candidate. While demonstrating skills and gaining unique experiences is one thing, caring for the community with a willingness to learn new things in your own personal time, can be attractive attributes to a prospective employer.