Volunteer Alberta

📣 Happening Next Monday! Join us for an interactive session on June 29 with the Rural Mental Health Network (RMHN), a province-wide initiative dedicated to strengthening mental health and well-being in rural Alberta through connection, collaboration, and grassroots action.

Discover how RMHN partners with nonprofits, community groups, and local leaders to amplify the great work already happening, build cross-sector partnerships, and make mental health support more accessible in ways that reflect each community's unique needs.

You’ll learn how to:
▪️ Strengthen wellbeing in your community
▪️ Build cross-sector partnerships
▪️ Weave mental health into the work you already do
▪️ Get involved with RMHN as a Supporter sharing initiatives, a Community Animator leading local activities, or a Backbone Organization providing fiscal and logistical support

Explore how mental health fits into your organization, and leave with insights, answers to your questions, and new connections.

👉 Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/iEHB5dpASmm39V4HwCv2Xg
👉 Learn more about the RMHN: https://www.ruralmentalhealth.ca/

📣 Volunteer Alberta's Screening Development Micro-grant (SDM) is open for applications! 📣

Alberta organizations committed to safer, stronger volunteer programs can now apply for SDM micro-grants. Selected organizations can receive up to $3,000 to enhance existing volunteer screening practices or implement new ones.

Funds may be used to:
✔️ Update policies, manuals, or application forms
✔️ Offset staff time dedicated to updating policies or processes
✔️ Cover costs related to professional development or hiring external expertise

👉 Review full eligibility requirements: https://volunteeralberta.ab.ca/programs/volunteer-screening-program

This is a great opportunity to strengthen your organization's volunteer program, grow internal capabilities, and retain a dedicated volunteer community. The SDM is available thanks to the generous support of YourAlberta (Government of Alberta)!

🗓️ Apply by Friday, July 24th, 2026.

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to celebrate the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and enduring contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who continue to shape Alberta and Canada today.

As we continue our (un)learning journey at Volunteer Alberta, we're reminded how important it is to reflect on our ties to each other and the land, and how we can show up in our values, programs, and ways of knowing and being rooted in reciprocity, relationship, and care.

We invite you to reflect with us and consider how we might create spaces, policies, and practices that honour Indigenous perspectives and build more inclusive, caring communities. Let's continue to listen, learn, and celebrate today and beyond.

Hear what our staff have been listening to and learning from lately in the graphics below 👇:

📖 Books:
“The Serviceberry” by Robin Wall Kimmerer https://www.robinwallkimmerer.com/
“52 Ways to Reconcile” by David A. Robertson https://www.indigenousbox.ca/products/52-ways-to-reconcile-how-to-walk-with-indigenous-peoples-on-the-path-to-healing-by-david-a-robertson

🎙️ Podcasts:
EleV podcast series https://mastercardfdn.org/en/what-we-do/our-programs/elev/elev-podcasts/
Telling Our Twisted Histories (CBC) https://www.google.com/search?q=Telling+Our+Twisted+Histories+podcast&sca_esv=a3bf3e4fbd71f451&rlz=1C1HKFL_enCA1207CA1207&biw=1920&bih=911&sxsrf=APpeQns9suhLqLNHK5J4UxcCmIYubE4LpA%3A1782155208509&ei=yIc5aojYHorD0PEPu7Xb8Ak&ved=0ahUKEwiI3IzBxZuVAxWKITQIHbvaFp4Q4dUDCBI&uact=5&oq=Telling+Our+Twisted+Histories+podcast&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiJVRlbGxpbmcgT3VyIFR3aXN0ZWQgSGlzdG9yaWVzIHBvZGNhc3QyChAjGIAEGIoFGCcyBhAAGAcYHjIFEAAYgAQyCBAAGIkFGKIEMggQABiJBRiiBDIFEAAY7wVItUxQtAZYjDRwAXgBkAEAmAFuoAHnBqoBBDExLjG4AQPIAQD4AQGYAg2gApUHwgIKEAAYRxjWBBiwA8ICFxAuGNwGGLgGGNoGGNgCGMgDGLAD2AEBwgIHECMYsAIYJ8ICBxAAGIAEGA3CAggQABgIGB4YDcICBhAAGAgYHpgDAIgGAZAGCroGBAgBGBmSBwQxMi4xoAf1RrIHBDExLjG4B48HwgcGMC4xMS4yyAchgAgB&sclient=gws-wiz-serp

📚 Learn:
Indigenous Canada (free course from the University of Alberta) https://www.ualberta.ca/en/admissions-programs/online-courses/indigenous-canada/index.html
Home on Native Land (free self-guided course) https://homeonnativeland.com/
“Go Smudge Yourself” (Jen Greenway's Substack) https://jengreenway.substack.com/
Immersive Link Indigenous Cultural VR resource (accessible way to experience cultural practices) https://immersivelink.ca/training-workshops/indigenous-cultural-knowledge

📝 Guides:
Inclusivity “Honouring Truth and Reconciliation in the Workplace"
https://inclusivityinsight.com/guide-truth-and-reconciliation/
Len Pierre Consulting https://www.lenpierreconsulting.com/

📅 Find an event near you: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/list-events.html

In 2025, we followed the currents—the visible ripples and the deeper undercurrents shaping volunteerism across Alberta.

From conducting research that reimagines how communities engage volunteers to programs that turned small moments of connection into waves of province-wide impact, this was a year of convergence: streams of work, relationships, and shared purpose flowing together.

Explore the stories, highlights, and numbers that defined the year. Read our 2025 Annual Report to see how we're flowing forward together.https://volunteeralberta.ab.ca/_uploads/6a29ff0ca5c3a.pdf

Good news! Volunteer Canada’s latest "What We're Hearing" Report on the National Volunteer Action Strategy (NVAS) is out, and we are honoured to have contributed to this national conversation!

From Round Tables in Banff and Calgary to the Volunteering Matters convening in St. John's, we’re proud to have played a part in amplifying voices from local communities across the country.

We're also glad to see learnings from our (Re)Engaged research initiative with InWithForward informing shifts in thinking beyond demographics and toward volunteer engagement rooted in shared values, motivation, and trust.

👉 Check out the full report for insights on rural volunteerism, inclusive engagement, youth participation, and much more:https://www.volunteerstrategy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/what-were-hearing-fall-2025-3.pdf

What does volunteering in Canada look like right now?

We asked. You answered.

The latest "What We're Hearing Report" from the National Volunteer Action Strategy (NVAS) brings together voices from across the country—highlighting barriers, breakthroughs, and what’s needed to build a stronger, more inclusive volunteer movement.

Let’s turn insights into action.

Read it here:https://www.volunteerstrategy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/what-were-hearing-fall-2025-3.pdf

📣 Mark your calendars! Join us for an interactive session on June 29 with the Rural Mental Health Network (RMHN), a province-wide initiative dedicated to strengthening mental health and well-being in rural Alberta through connection, collaboration, and grassroots action.

Discover how RMHN partners with nonprofits, community groups, and local leaders to amplify the great work already happening, build cross-sector partnerships, and make mental health support more accessible in ways that reflect each community's unique needs.

You’ll learn how to:
▪️ Strengthen wellbeing in your community
▪️ Build cross-sector partnerships
▪️ Weave mental health into the work you already do
▪️ Get involved with RMHN as a Supporter sharing initiatives, a Community Animator leading local activities, or a Backbone Organization providing fiscal and logistical support

Explore how mental health fits into your organization, and leave with insights, answers to your questions, and new connections.

👉 Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/iEHB5dpASmm39V4HwCv2Xg
👉 Learn more about the RMHN: https://www.ruralmentalhealth.ca/

📣 The Expressions of Interest deadline has been extended to June 26!

The Alberta Nonprofit Network - ABNN and Volunteer Alberta are still seeking experts in pensions, policy, finance, or nonprofit leadership to join our Pension Project Task Force. This group will review existing research, evaluate pension structures, and deliver recommendations on whether a sector-wide pension option is possible for Alberta's nonprofit workforce.

🗓️ Expressions of Interest (EOI) are open until June 26, 2026.
🔗 Read the full EOI description here:
✉️ Submit EOI to [email protected]

💡 Read our newest article, “Closing the Gap: A Retirement Plan for Alberta’s Nonprofit Workforce,” to learn what's happening and why it matters:
https://volunteeralberta.ab.ca/articles/closing-the-gap-a-retirement-plan-for-albertas-nonprofit-workforce-2026-06-04

Know someone with the right expertise? Repost and share to help us spread the word.

📣 The 2026 Screening Development Micro-Grant (SDM) is open for applications! 📣

Organizations in Alberta looking to enhance their volunteer screening practices can now apply for the SDM! Micro-grants of up to $3,000 are available to select organizations that are committed to improving their volunteer screening processes or are implementing new screening practices.

Funds may be used to:
✔️ Update policies, manuals, or application forms
✔️ Offset staff time dedicated to updating policies or processes
✔️ Cover costs related to professional development or hiring external expertise

This is a great opportunity to strengthen your organization's volunteer program, grow capabilities, and retain a dedicated volunteer community. The SDM is available thanks to the generous support of YourAlberta (Government of Alberta).

📅 Application Deadline is Friday, July 24th at 11:59 PM MDT.
👉 Read Eligibility Requirements and Apply: https://volunteeralberta.ab.ca/programs/volunteer-screening-program

A sincere thank you to everyone who joined our 2026 AGM! 💜 Your support brings us closer to our vision of thriving communities across Alberta.

A huge thank you to our Fireside Chat guests for sparking such enriching conversation:
▪️ Shona Dickie, Anabell Marroquin, and Melanie Connellan – City of Medicine Hat
▪️ Niki Gray – Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta

It's through conversations like these that we can cultivate conditions for volunteerism and civic engagement and shine a light on promising ways forward for the sector.

Gratitude to outgoing Board Members Ken Kirk and Brian Boucher—your dedication has left a lasting mark. Thank you! 🙏

We're thrilled to welcome new Board Members Alice Coatu (Calgary) and Karen Wronko (Sherwood Park), joined by returning members Amanda Reaume (Lethbridge), Meenakshi Ramanathan (Edmonton), and continuing board members Annand Ollivierre (Edmonton), Doray Veno (Hanna), and Scott Pileckas (Canmore).
Together, this team brings a wealth of experience and perspective, and we can't wait to see what the year ahead brings. ✨

🔗 Meet Our Board: https://volunteeralberta.ab.ca/about-us/board
🔗 2025 Annual Report:https://volunteeralberta.ab.ca/_uploads/6a29ff0ca5c3a.pdf
🔗AGM webpage: https://volunteeralberta.ab.ca/articles/save-the-date-vas-2026-agm-2026-04-14
🔗 Currents of Community–A Fireside Chat (Recording): https://youtu.be/ScyUREB5L4g
🔗 Medicine Hat’s Community Wellbeing Plan: https://shapeyourcity.medicinehat.ca/community-wellbeing-plan

📣 Join us on June 29 for an interactive session introducing the Rural Mental Health Network – Building Connections for Stronger Communities (RMHN), a province-wide initiative focused on strengthening mental health and well-being in rural Alberta through connection, collaboration, and community-led action.

Learn how the RMHN works alongside nonprofits, community groups, and local leaders to amplify existing efforts, build partnerships, and make it easier for rural communities to access and support mental health in ways that fit their unique context.

You will learn how to:
▪️ Strengthen community well-being
▪️ Build meaningful partnerships across sectors
▪️ Integrate mental health into existing work
▪️ Engage with RMHN, including as a supporter to share initiatives, Community Animator leading local activities, or Backbone Organization logistical, fiscal, and administrative support

Whether you are already involved in community well-being work or just starting to explore how mental health fits into your organization, this session will offer practical insights, Q&A, and opportunities to connect.

👉Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/iEHB5dpASmm39V4HwCv2Xg
👉Learn about the RMHN: https://www.ruralmentalhealth.ca/