The Canada Volunteerism Initiative (CVI) aims to improve the
ability of organizations to benefit from the contribution of volunteers,
to encourage Canadians to participate in voluntary organizations,
and to enhance the experience of volunteering. Announced in December
2001, the CVI represents the first ongoing program to be implemented
under the broader Voluntary
Sector Initiative.
The CVI established three national centres and
thirteen local networks, one in each province
and territory. The national centres deliver a
range of programs and services related to volunteerism, as follows:
- The Knowledge Development
Centre provides support for both local and national research
to improve our understanding of volunteerism. The Centre is
operated by Imagine Canada (formerly the Canadian Centre for
Philanthropy).
- The Information,
Capacity-Building and Awareness Centre manages a resource
centre, an awareness campaign, and a capacity-building program.
The Centre is operated by Volunteer Canada
- The Community
Support Centre provides support for organizations to develop and test innovative
methods for sustaining volunteerism. This Centre is also operated by Volunteer Canada.
The local
networks ensure the CVI responds to the needs of voluntary
organizations and volunteers in each province and territory. Through
these networks, voluntary organizations of all sizes and representatives
from various levels of government meet to exchange ideas and develop
a better understanding of local priorities. Each network has developed
a volunteerism action plan and community investment strategy for
their respective region.
A Strategic
Management and Coordination Committee oversees all aspects
of the CVI. The Committee is co-chaired by Volunteer Canada, on
behalf of the voluntary sector, and the Community Partnerships
Program at the Department of Canadian Heritage, on behalf of the
federal government. The CVI is funded by the Community
Participation Program.
The Canada Volunteerism Initiative is the result of a year-long effort by the National
Volunteerism Initiative Joint Table. Composed of representatives from voluntary organizations
and the Government of Canada, the Joint Table’s task was to develop proposals that
would sustain and enhance volunteerism in Canada and serve as a lasting legacy of International
Year of Volunteers 2001.
