I’ve entered the world of volunteerism in a serious way and that’s part of why you haven’t heard much from me over the past couple of months. Yes, I’m volunteering but that’s nothing new. It’s pretty much something I’ve always done.
What’s new is that I accepted a one year contract as Communications and Community Outreach for the Ontario Volunteer Centre Network (OVCN) in late March. It’s a small organization that works on behalf of 25 Volunteer Centres across Ontario. We’re the point people on projects that can benefit all of our members such as the youth volunteering initiative ChangeTheWorld. We’re also involved with promoting and enhancing volunteerism as a strategic way to build healthier communities.
Building awareness of the value of PREB certificates
A major responsibility is to make sure people know about PREB certificates. It documents a volunteer’s experience with an emphasis upon the tasks performed and the skills and competencies demonstrated. It acts as form of reference for people who desire to use their volunteering to pursue employment or academic goals. Any voluntary organization can arranged to be trained on the set of online tools known as PREB Ontario and enhance their volunteer recognition. This article that we submitted to Hilborn is a good overview of the benefits of participating in this exciting new program. Interested in getting involved? Contact your local Volunteer Centre.
What’s in it for you?
One of the things that excites me about this opportunity is to directly put into practice many of the tools and tactics that I have written about on this blog. A chance to walk the talk especially on social media that has changed so much since my last full-time gig.
I especially look forward to blogging here about my experience from a nonprofit communicator’s perspective.
So whether you have an interest in volunteering or just want to see me doing my thing, I encourage you to check out and get involved with the OVCN especially through our social media.
- A re-energized Facebook page and Twitter account plus an enhanced presence on Youtube
- A brand new LinkedIn company page
And a redesigned website that is still in transition.
Communicate & Howe! still in business
My business remains open. If your nonprofit could use communications help delivering its mission and striving for its vision, let me know.
I’m excited to share some videos created as part of my work with Blue Door Shelters which assists people experiencing homelessness in York Region. I’ll let you know when they’ve been released.
And I’m about to get started on a small website project.
