VolunteerConnector

September 30 is Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Across Calgary, organizations and community groups are creating opportunities to learn, reflect, honour Survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and engage with Indigenous culture and community.

If you’re looking for ways to participate, here are a few events happening around Calgary on September 30:

The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland
Free Orange Shirt Day programming throughout the day, including opportunities to learn and reflect.
📅 September 30 | 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Pokaiks Reconciliation Society
A Reconciliation Walk followed by Indigenous art, performances, games, tipi teachings and family activities.
📅 September 30 | 11:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Heritage Park
A Truth & Reconciliation Pow Wow featuring Indigenous dancers, drum groups, performances, vendors, food and art.
📅 September 30 | 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Werklund Centre
Ceremonies, an Indigenous Makers Market and Powwow Showcase, ending with a community Round Dance.
📅 September 30 | 11:00 a.m.
📍 Jack Singer Concert Hall

These are just a few of the opportunities happening in Calgary. Find more events and ways to participate here: https://calgarychamber.com/whats-new/events-for-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-day/

At Volunteer Calgary, we believe community connection starts with showing up. This September 30, we encourage you to make space to learn, listen and reflect.

Early bird registration is now open! Join us for the 2026 Volunteer Management Hybrid Conference on October 20, with early bird pricing available until September 30.

Volunteer Calgary is excited to once again host a local site for VMHC, bringing volunteer engagement professionals together for a day of learning, connection, and networking.

📅 October 20, 2026
🕐 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM MT
📍 cSpace Studio Theatre | 1721 29 Ave SW, Calgary

Join us for live broadcast sessions, networking, lunch, refreshments, and the opportunity to connect with fellow volunteer engagement professionals.

Save your spot and take advantage of early bird pricing.

👉 Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2001021987631?aff=oddtdtcreator

The 2026 Volunteer Management Hybrid Conference is coming to Calgary!

Volunteer Calgary is excited to once again be a local host site for the Volunteer Management Hybrid Conference (VMHC), bringing volunteer engagement professionals together for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration.

This year’s theme, Embracing the Future of Volunteer Engagement: Building for Resilience and Sustainability, will explore the ideas, strategies, and innovations shaping the future of our profession.

📅 October 20, 2026
🕣 8:30 AM–3:30 PM MT
📍 cSpace Studio Theatre, Calgary

Connect with colleagues, learn from speakers across the volunteer engagement sector, and be part of this global conference experience right here in Calgary.

Registration opens next week, and space will be limited. Mark your calendar and watch for the registration link!

Welcome to the board, Dr. Umashanie Reddy!

Dr. Umashanie Reddy is a social justice advocate, academic scholar, researcher, and professional librarian with more than 35 years of experience serving diverse communities. Her work has centred on equity, diversity, and inclusion, with a longstanding commitment to advancing social justice and supporting more equitable and inclusive communities.

Dr. Reddy currently serves as Manager of the National Refugee Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) National Coordinating Body, where she works to strengthen refugee resettlement across Canada. Her contributions to community and social impact have been recognized through honours including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award, and Immigrants of Distinction Award.

Guided by the African philosophy of Ubuntu, “I am because you are”, Dr. Reddy brings a wealth of experience, a passion for equity and inclusion, and a deep commitment to serving others.

We’re excited to have Dr. Reddy’s experience and perspective on our board as we continue working to strengthen our community through volunteerism.

Welcome to the board, Robert!

Robert is a finance and strategy executive with over 25 years of international experience across manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, financial services, and nonprofit organizations. He has held senior leadership roles, including Chief Financial Officer, helping organizations strengthen governance, improve performance, and achieve sustainable growth.

As a strategic advisor to boards, Robert has supported nonprofit organizations through strategic planning, governance enhancements, and organizational transformation. An award-winning global mentor, he brings strong financial and governance expertise, a collaborative leadership style, and a passion for community impact.

We’re excited to have Robert’s experience and perspective on our board as we continue working to strengthen our community through volunteerism.

Welcome to the Team, Jasmine!

Please join us in welcoming Jasmine Garland (She/Her) to the Volunteer Calgary team! We're excited to have her on board and look forward to the experience, collaboration, and community connections she'll bring to our team.

Jasmine is a community engagement and strategic partnerships professional with over a decade of experience across the non-profit and commercial sectors. She brings expertise in cultivating meaningful multi-sector relationships, navigating municipal policy, and driving high-impact community programs. Deeply committed to civic contribution, Jasmine also serves on the Board of Directors for Calgary Outlink and as a member of the City of Calgary's Social Wellbeing Advisory Committee.

Outside of work, Jasmine is passionate about how sports can foster connected communities. A committed homebody, she also loves taking on heavy DIY projects while always being up for venturing outdoors and experiencing something new. With a global perspective shaped by travelling to more than 30 countries, Jasmine brings a spirit of curiosity and connection to everything she does.

We're excited to have Jasmine as part of the Volunteer Calgary team and look forward to the impact she'll make in this role!

Welcome to the Board, Daudi Kawooya!

Daudi brings 10 years of experience in Calgary’s charitable sector and a strong commitment to community and service.

As a Grants Associate at Calgary Foundation, he supports organizations through funding programs that strengthen communities and create lasting impact. He also brings his experience to community and volunteer roles with MNP Community & Sport Centre, Rotary Club of Calgary Downtown, and Alberta Ecotrust.

Known for his people-first approach and strong community connections, Daudi brings a thoughtful, collaborative perspective to this work.

We’re grateful to have Daudi alongside us and look forward to the experience and perspective he’ll bring to the Board.

Today is National Nonprofit Day!

Nonprofits strengthen communities by creating opportunities, responding to needs, and connecting people to causes that matter.

We see this impact every day through the connection between volunteers and the organizations they support. Volunteers bring their time, skills, and passion to help create meaningful change.

Looking to get involved? Explore volunteer opportunities in your community at https://www.volunteerconnector.org/

Welcome to the Team, Stephanie!

Please join us in welcoming Stephanie Kot (She/Her) to the Volunteer Calgary team as our new Senior Manager of Programs & Partnerships. We're excited to have her on board and look forward to the experience, collaboration, and leadership she'll bring to our team.

Stephanie brings more than a decade of experience working in policy with both provincial and federal governments, along with valuable experience in the non-profit sector. Known for building strong relationships, driving collaboration, and creating meaningful impact, she is passionate about bringing people together to achieve shared goals and is excited to contribute her expertise to Volunteer Calgary's mission.

Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys exploring the outdoors through biking and paddleboarding, as well as spending quality time with family and friends. Bilingual in English and French, she enjoys opportunities to practice her French language skills.

We're excited to have Stephanie as part of the Volunteer Calgary team and look forward to the impact she'll make in this role.

This week, we welcomed both Equity in Action cohorts back for Session 2, where we explored how language shapes belonging in volunteer spaces.

Through real-world scenarios, guided reflection, and collaborative activities, participants examined how everyday words and practices can unintentionally create barriers to participation. Together, we explored how shifting our language can help create volunteer experiences rooted in dignity, access, and fairness.

Across both sessions, participants reflected on the assumptions embedded in common volunteer communications and worked together to reframe them through an equity lens. These conversations encouraged organizations to consider how language, systems, and practices can either reinforce barriers or create opportunities for belonging.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Cohort 1 and Cohort 2. Your openness, curiosity, and willingness to engage made these conversations thoughtful and impactful.

A special thank you to Nitu Purna, RSW, for facilitating these sessions and creating a space for meaningful dialogue, reflection, and shared learning.

This was another step in our Equity in Action learning journey, and we look forward to gathering again next month for Session 3.

Together, we continue building volunteer spaces where everyone has the opportunity to belong.