Teresa Edwards March 2012 Exploring Volunteering among Aboriginal Peoples and Ways of Encouraging and Sustaining Engagement in Volunteerism: Key Informant

Teresa Edwards March 2012

Exploring Volunteering among Aboriginal Peoples and Ways of Encouraging and

Sustaining Engagement in Volunteerism: Key Informant Interview and Survey Findings

Overview

Introduction Methodology Perception of Volunteering Informal and Formal Volunteering Benefits of Informal Volunteerism Benefits of Formal Volunteerism Social and Personal Outcomes of Informal

and Formal Volunteering

Teresa Edwards March 2012

Teresa Edwards March 2012 3

Overview continued…

Routes of Volunteerism Where Aboriginal Peoples Volunteer Recruitment Challenges and Best Practices Retention Challenges and Best Practices Questions

IntroductionNative Women’s Association of Canada Aboriginal Peoples – History and StatisticsProject explored routes and barriers to

volunteerism, recruitment and retention challenges, organizational supports needed, anecdotal impressions and participant views while working with Aboriginal Peoples


Methodology A literature review was conducted to assess what has already been established on

the subject matter. A total of 65 people participants took part in the project at several sessions and

meetings, primarily made up of First Nations (on and off reserve) and Métis. Participants from other equality-seeking human rights organizations were able to

participate; one Inuit specific session was held to obtain the views and challenges that are faced by Inuit Peoples when dealing with the issue of volunteering.

An Inuit specific project would be best in the future to address challenges encountered.

The information gathered was analyzed and trends were identified.

Quick Profile of Participants: 40 participants completed the survey/questionnaire 25 Interviews were conducted 57 participants self-identified as Aboriginal 8 participants identified as non-Aboriginal 50 of the 65 turned out to be women ranging from 20-60 years of ages


Perception of Volunteering

Volunteering among Aboriginal Peoples is:• Understood as an inherent part of Aboriginal culture• Helping out• A selfless duty• A tradition that has been passed on through family and cultural living• A social and spiritual connection and responsibility to the Creator, your Nation, other Nations, your community, and your family


Informal vs. Formal VolunteeringQuick Facts Informal volunteerism is more frequent in Aboriginal communities. Aboriginal

volunteers tend to volunteer within their community, by performing any task that is required.

More women than men volunteer. Volunteer activities performed by women and men are often gender-specific. Young people are expected to volunteer within the culture. Adults volunteer when they want to be involved and/or support change in

their communities. Seniors often volunteer on a regular basis- they have stronger link to their

traditional values. More people are likely to volunteer within their community then when living

off reserve or a settlement, or for an Aboriginal specific organization within urban centres.


Benefits of Informal Volunteerism

Allows Aboriginal Peoples to take on a variety of tasks in a more comfortable work structure

Removes any discomfort Aboriginal Peoples may have with mainstream hierarchical infrastructure

Volunteers have the ability to select events, venues and tasks that they want to help do

Allows Aboriginal Peoples the flexibility to participate when they can given multiple commitments and barriers


Benefits of Formal Volunteerism

Strengthens local economies Volunteer fundraising events also help

generate value to the community’s profile Organizations can provide services to the

community that they otherwise would not be able to provide due to financial limitations


Social Outcomes of Informal and Formal Volunteering Brings the communities together Offers new perspectives and awareness Builds stronger relationships between members of the community Builds mutual respect and social cohesion between Canada’s

Aboriginal Peoples and non-Aboriginal populations Offers Restorative Justice alternatives to the justice system – circle

sentencing Makes communities safer, and more connected Enhances health and well-being Strengthens urban Aboriginal communities Creates a sense of community and belonging


Personal Outcomes of Informal and Formal Volunteering Human connection Sense of belonging Interpersonal skills, communication skills and

organizational skills Increased knowledge of issues related to their

volunteer experience Develop job skills Develop a network Helps with finding employment


Routes of Volunteerism

School employment programs Media (internet, newspapers, radio, social

media) Word of mouth Outreach by organizations – contacting

Aboriginal communities Recruiting previous volunteers so that they can

in turn recruit new volunteers from their community


Where Aboriginal Peoples VolunteerOrganizations where Aboriginal Peoples Volunteer

Activities performed by Volunteers

• Senior organizations on reserves, the Senior home and within Senior Clubs;• Sporting events and organizations;•School councils;• Organizations for improved health, Medical Centres;• Aboriginal events;• Aboriginal Community Organizations;• Friendship Centres; •Cultural School and Community Events; and • Etc.

• Cooking;• Cleaning;• Recreational activities such as Youth sports: hockey, wrestling, and lacrosse are favorite volunteering situations for people with money but little time;• Assisting Seniors;• Helping with powwows, prayers, openings in events and blessings ceremonies;• Giving teachings, dancing, drumming and singing; and• Etc.


Recruitment Challenges Lack of transportation and poor economic conditions Absence of support Systemic barriers, including racism, cultural insensitivity,

and lack of relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people

Mainstream hierarchical titles (such as President) conflicting with community values

Lack of self-esteem and feeling of purposeFamily status: single mothers and caregivers for Elders,

family and extended family crises, such as poverty, crime, incarceration, and substance abuse


Recruitment Challenges Continued…

Time-constraints Employment status Legalities: The requirements of formal volunteerism can

be too demanding – require signing waivers, filling out documents, etc.

High rate of turn-over: it is difficult to retain volunteers due to the lack of pecuniary payment to the individuals for their time and services

Lack of skills required: Some volunteer positions require particular skills that come volunteers may not have, and training is not offered


Recruitment Best Practices

Link volunteerism with the notion of “helping out” as understood in Aboriginal culture

Aboriginal representation within the organization’s staff

Targeted recruitment – Aboriginal staff to recruit Simple and clear recruitment process Having a positive reputation/relationship in

Aboriginal communities Organizations should be transparent and credible


Recruitment Best Practices Organizations should have good financial supports. Organizations should offer and advertise great

experiences such as travel opportunities and professional training.

Organizations should make sure to really advertise their volunteer positions.

Organizations can recruit a volunteer coordinator in order to establish the processes required to better attract, engage, and enable Aboriginal volunteerism.

Non-Aboriginal organizations should familiarize themselves with Aboriginal culture and protocols.


Retention Challenges

Retention is directly linked to recruitment challenges.Time constraints – Aboriginal Peoples may have

responsibility for children and Elder parents, etc.Repetition: There is a tendency for the same people

to volunteering all the time. They risk being overwhelmed and eventually stop volunteering.

Lack of commitment: the informal volunteers tend to lack commitment unless the tasks are enjoyable.


Retention Best Practices Providing training to volunteers helps them feel prepared Providing ongoing supervision and support Providing feedback to the volunteer Encouraging family volunteering, and providing care Appreciation for volunteers – praise, recognition, gifts, meals

provided Providing unstructured volunteer opportunities Creating a comfortable and inclusive environment Providing proper culturally relevant mechanisms to deal with

difficult situations, such as conflict resolution Building relationships with organizations and communities Offering support and encouragement


Retention Best PracticesOrganizations can offer cultural communication methods and

conflict resolution solutions.Organizations should offer an interesting volunteer

environment.Organizations should encourage its volunteers to participate in

the activities that are most geared toward their interests.Organizations should be upfront with the volunteers about the

commitment that is expected of them.Organizations should make it fun for volunteers to participate! Questions?


Wela’lioq! Thank You! Merci!

Teresa [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Documents

Teresa Edwards March 2012 Exploring Volunteering among Aboriginal Peoples and Ways of Encouraging and Sustaining Engagement in Volunteerism: Key Informant