RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the report entitled “Town of Markham Volunteerism” prepared by the Director, Corporate Communications, dated December 5, 2005 be received;
AND THAT the following recommendations be adopted:
- That a part-time,
contract Volunteer Coordinator be appointed to oversee new initiatives to
generate an increased level of volunteerism in Markham upon
confirmation of sponsor or partnership funding. The coordinator will
network with businesses and not-for-profit organizations, introducing
businesses to not-for-profit organizations requiring support. An area of focus would be the
identification of strong candidates to join not-for-profit boards of
directors;
- That The Town of Markham
host two meetings a year for the
senior managers of not-for-profit organizations to network and discuss common
concerns and challenges;
- That a focus be put on finding
volunteer opportunities for new Canadians, especially those with
professional training and qualifications, to provide Canadian work
experience that will help them compete more effectively in the job market;
- That, with the support of
the Markham Board of Trade, The Chinese Business Association and other
business associations, Markham’s major corporate organizations (such as IBM,
American Express or Motorola) be
asked to present information about their corporate volunteerism programs
to other Markham-based businesses, encouraging them to develop similar
programs;
- That The Town of Markham encourage
partnerships between Markham-based businesses and not-for-profit
organizations to enhance existing programs supported by volunteers or to
make new programs possible. It is also
recommended that an annual award be established to recognize partnering
organizations for the community benefits achieved through their
partnerships;
- That The Town of Markham
communicate the need for volunteers and promote Markham-based volunteer
opportunities through both existing communications vehicles and new materials
designed to support the goal of increased volunteerism. It is also
recommended that the services provided by Information Markham be included
in these communications;
- That the Town of Markham track the
impact of its focus on volunteerism by gathering year-over-year statistics
on the number of volunteers working within the community and the number of
volunteer hours contributed.
- It is recommended that the salary of a Volunteer
Coordinator and the costs for communications materials be supported
through corporate partnership or sponsorship.
PURPOSE:
To promote and increase volunteerism throughout
the Town of Markham.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
There is a general decrease in the number of
volunteers supporting not-for-profit organizations and an increasing need for
volunteer support at all levels across Canada. The Town of Markham is ideally
positioned to be a catalyst to foster and support increased volunteerism in Markham communities.
This report outlines the results of
meetings the Mayor hosted with Senior Managers of a number of Town of Markham not-for-profit organizations and with
Markham-based corporations. The recommendations in the report are in response
to many of the specific needs expressed by participants at the meetings.
BACKGROUND:
Not-for-profit organizations in Markham are experiencing a decline in
volunteerism. Council previously requested
that staff prepare recommendations that would help reverse this trend. Although
Information Markham and the York Region CIVIC website promote volunteerism in
the community, there is a need for greater awareness of these services. There is also a need to encourage Markham-based
businesses to embrace corporate volunteerism programs.
DISCUSSION:
Discussions with Executive Directors and Senior
Managers at a number of Markham-based not-for-profit organizations gave rise to
the following concerns.
- There is a continuing
need for qualified individuals to serve as board members.
- There is an on-going need
for volunteers to support various programs and activities on a regular,
scheduled basis.
- There is a need for more
volunteers from Markham’s multi-cultural
communities.
- A volunteer co-ordinator working
with the Markham business
community and the community at large would stimulate greater awareness of
the need for volunteers; help businesses understand the benefits of
volunteerism for their employees and their companies; and identify ways to
meet the volunteer needs within the Town of Markham.
- There is a desire for
more opportunities to effectively promote Markham-based not-for-profit organizations,
helping to create increased awareness of their programs and their
volunteer needs.
Organizations appreciated the opportunity to
meet with each other to exchange ideas, share experiences and gain different
perspectives on challenges they may be facing.
They encouraged the Town to provide similar opportunities in the future.
During a meeting with senior executives from a
number of Markham-based businesses there was a high degree of support for the
Town of Markham to act as a
catalyst to stimulate increased volunteerism in the community. They agreed that businesses and their staff could
benefit from participation in volunteer activities and enthusiastically
supported the concept of working with the Town and not-for-profit organizations
to stimulate increased volunteerism.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Partner or sponsor funding of $40,000 to
$50,000 is required to retain the services of a Volunteer Coordinator and cover
overhead and expenses for the first year.
An additional $40,000 to $50,000 of partner or sponsor funding would fund
the development, printing and distribution of communications support materials.
ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSIDERATIONS:
There are no environmental considerations
ACCESSIBILITY
CONSIDERATIONS:
There are no accessibility considerations
BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED
AND AFFECTED:
Corporate Communications has provided recommendations based on the discussions
with community organizations and members of the corporate community.
Information Markham and Markham Libraries CEO
Catherine Biss have been actively engaged in discussions related to the current
programs matching volunteers with opportunities and the desire to increase
awareness and understanding of the existing system while creating new
approaches to stimulate increased volunteerism.
Economic Development has participated in
discussions related to the participation of Town of Markham corporations.
Human Resources suggested this program could be a Character Community
initiative. Details of the reporting structure for this position would be
determined once program funding is secured.
Marketing and Community Partnerships have been
consulted regarding the need for partner or sponsor support. They cautioned
that on-going support may be difficult to secure.
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Janet Carnegie
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Andy Taylor
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