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Volunteer Services and Leisure Access Survey

Survey Discussion

November 30, 2011

J.J. JohnsonDouglas College

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Today

Survey Introduction Survey Results Hopes, Challenges and

Recommendations

Introduction

Service-Learning Project through Douglas College Assess current Volunteer practices within

Recreation/Leisure Access departments with the hope of laying the groundwork for an updated Volunteer services strategy; to form a Volunteer management and retention program specific to Recreation Access.

Demographics

9 of 20 respondents from communities of Burnaby, North Vancouver, West Vancouver North Delta, Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows; Richmond, Calgary, AB

224 total centres served, 27 average Calgary - 180

Volunteer Co-ordination

Co-ordination of Volunteers: Who is responsible for ‘Volunteers’ in your Access department? Coordination Specific to Recreation Access

Services 57.1% (4 responses) Provided by General Parks and Recreation 28.6%

(2) Third-party partner (e.g., advocacy support group;

health care system) 14.3% (1)

Volunteer Co-ordination

5 out of 7 have a dedicated staff position for Volunteer Services within Leisure Access. 3 FT or FTE, 1 PT

UVic Co-op Ed Student Access Services partnering with Volunteer, Youth

and Children Services Volunteer Recruitment/Training under

[Programmer’s] role

Volunteers’ Roles

Volunteers … Assist staff with tasks and reduce

consumer/staff ratio - 85.7% (6 responses)

Provide Physical Assistance - 71.4% (5) Social/Emotional Support - 85.7 (6)

Partners / Tech

Most Access departments (5/7) are actively partnering with community agencies (Health Authority, CLBC, community volunteer networks)

8 of 9 groups are using some form of Volunteer management software (CLASS, Volunteer Impact, Volunteer Workers, Samaratin Technologies, Filemaker Pro)

Commitment / Confidentiality

Length of Volunteer time commitment varies (No minimum commitment to 6 months – 1 year)

Exchange of Personal Info OK? (5 of 7) Confidentiality and access to participant

information (split), many sign confidentiality agreements, share only necessary information to help participant.

Supervision / Duties

Supervision: Most Access departments provide direct supervision from staff while on duty (5 of 8)

Written Job/Duty Expectations? Mostly for 1:1 volunteer

placements Not as many written

expectations in “group settings”

Training / Recognition

Training: For most… Small Group 1-2 hours Orientation and Training as needed

Training split evenly “Exclusive to Access” and “with other Volunteers and Parks Departments”

Recognition: Seasonal events, free Rec passes

Hopes and Challenges

Challenge in recruiting, training and maintaining Volunteers specific to Leisure Access. (temporary placements, work

experience/practicum hours) To obtain data on cities of similar size/scope to

Vancouver.

Benefits

Top benefits of volunteering … for the volunteer…

“Sharing interests” “Personal growth and skill development” “An opportunity to be generous” “Sense of community” “Gaining work/experience, career

exploration”

Benefits

Top benefits of volunteering … for your organization/department…

“Community engagement; supporting community” “Extending our mission” “An opportunity to provide accessible recreation

programs” “Integration [and] Inclusion of all” “Enhancement of community involvement; making

a difference”

Benefits

Perceived benefits of Access Volunteer Coordinator/Program Assistant” position… (to those who do not presently have one)

“More resources spent on volunteers.” “Stronger communication” “Increased involvement…” “Better experience by participant[s].” “Assist with Diversity Services Initiatives.” “Coordinate a program to integrate new immigrant

volunteers.”

Recommendations

Continue to develop Volunteer Recruitment and Management Program specific to Recreation Access Seek community partnerships of mutual benefit Consider benefits of creating an Access Volunteer

Leader position Recognize Volunteers as valuable assets to your

organization (and even potential Future Employees!) Gain valuable knowledge and skillset, familiarity

with programs and participant needs.

Melanie Joseph, Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation

Jan Vetter, GF Strong Rehab Centre

Serena Frew, Vancouver Coastal Health

Katharine Proudlove, Vancouver Coastal Health

Thanks

“Volunteering can be an exciting, growing, enjoyable experience. It is truly gratifying to serve a cause, practice one's ideals, work with people, solve problems, see benefits, and know one had a hand in them.”

    Harriet Naylor