Volunteering - Path to Inclusion
Environmental Scan
As part of this project, OCASI surveyed its member agencies to determine existing programs, resources, needs and recommendations. One of the objectives of the Survey was to obtain information about existing activities, program and resources on civic participation and engagement, community development, social inclusion and voluntarism.
In the specific area of Community Volunteers over 95% of agencies indicated that they recruit and utilize volunteers from the community. Some indicated that they recruit new volunteers from clients who participate in organizational or public events. Over 85% have a formal assessment and/or application process for prospective volunteers and provide them with an orientation and training.
Over 72% or respondents indicated that they consider as volunteers agency clients or former clients that are community advocates or that provide input in the organization's planning of programs and services, while 66% of respondent indicate that their clients are leaders of community associations and considered volunteers. Forty one percent of the respondents expressed that clients invited as participants in community consultations are considered volunteers.
Further input from agencies indicated that several of them have hundreds of volunteers. The opportunities are displayed in the agencies' websites, publicized in their areas of services and advertised during their membership drive.
Different organizations provide from summary orientation to detailed training for their volunteers. Only a fraction of the organizations has a Volunteer Coordinator position. Several of them have produced volunteers' policy and procedures, volunteers' rights and responsibilities and detailed volunteers manuals.
Facilitator Guide to Encourage Newcomer Voluntarism
As part of this project, OCASI produced the Facilitator Guide to Encourage Newcomer Voluntarism - PDF format (369 KB, 55 pages). The purpose of this Guide is to provide staff and volunteers who work with newcomers with a practical and easy to use resource to assist them to introduce newcomers to opportunities to become engaged in civic and community participation through voluntarism.
OCASI is encouraging its member agencies and other immigrant service organization to use this Guide. If your organization is interested to pilot the use of this Guide, please contact Paulina Maciulis at pmaciulis@ocasi.org.