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As we practice social distancing and self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many individuals that need support and require assistance. It is a natural instinct to want to help those in need. This page offers the latest information we have as it pertains to volunteerism and we aim to update it regularly with resources and support.
The Edmonton Police Service now accepts Police Information Checks online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Police Information Check & Alarm Control Section office is closed to the public.
Various checks can be processed online, including for volunteers, employees, immigration, housing, and more.
Last week, we joined our friends from Propellus to chat with CBC Radio Active’s Adrienne Pan about the state of volunteering during COVID-19.
Click the link below to hear about how charities are switching gears during the pandemic and where eager volunteers can go to find opportunities to help.
What Volunteer Canada says:
Volunteer Canada recognizes that in times of community distress many individuals want to be of assistance, helping where there is need. In almost every form of emergency, the offer of help and willingness to gather to get things done is appreciated. In a pandemic, this is not the case. Social distancing is the recommended course for containing virus spread. We also know that social isolation can be very damaging and that this is a time when we need to be conscious of people in need within our families, social circles, and neighbourhoods. One to one contact is not advised, but check in calls, emails and social media contact can be very helpful. Adding regular connecting via technology is a great way for individuals to help.
Volunteering during social distancing
Here are three important elements you should consider before volunteering during the pandemic:
Stay Safe, Stay Cautious, and maybe Stay at Home
Although our first instincts tend to focus on how to help, the best thing you can do in this situation is prioritize yourself and your health, and unfortunately this means staying home. This assists with community efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you must go out in public, ensure that you practice social distancing.
There are numerous resources on how to stay safe. Check out resources from the Government of Alberta and the World Health Organization.
If you are in a situation in which you must volunteer (for instance, for a pre-existing commitment), ensure you are taking every precaution possible including:
When in doubt, defer to the advice of your volunteer managers and representatives. Not only will their insight be the most accurate, but your cooperation will go a long way in lessening their stress and workload during this time.
Also be cautious when managing or volunteering for grassroots initiatives without clear and comprehensive guidelines and screening procedures. Unscreened and unofficial volunteers put themselves and initiatives at risk of being held legally liable for damages or injuries that occur while volunteering.
Consider Remote Volunteering
Remote volunteerism and virtual volunteerism are fantastic alternatives if you’re eager to contribute to your community, while providing options for you to use some of that at-home time in a productive manner.
What is remote volunteerism?
Remote volunteering allows you to volunteer from the comfort of your own home. While charities and non-profits assess and identify their greatest needs from volunteers, there are easy and effective options for you to consider without needing to leave the house.
Microvolunteering is defined by key aspects, including a short commitment, centered around a specific project and primarily done on one’s own time. There are multiple online resources for how you can contribute, but to get you thinking here are some examples of microvolunteerism:
There are multiple opportunities available on Volunteer Canada’s website. Click here to learn more and find your microvolunteerism opportunity.
Support your community!
Left unchecked, isolation can become quite harmful to many individuals. A fantastic way to support those around you is to maintain conversations through daily or regular check-ins by phone or videoconference. Physical distancing doesn’t mean we can’t stay social; get creative to ensure those around you feel supported.
For more resources, we encourage you to visit the Canadian Mental Health Association’s website.
It can be incredibly difficult to cope not just with isolation, but also with the acceptance that, in this case, our efforts to help may cause more harm than good.
We’ll be speaking with non-profits extensive in the coming days and weeks to get a better understanding of where there is a demand for volunteers to help during COVID-19.
By diverting your efforts towards a virtual space and maintaining social distancing, you can have a profoundly positive impact on our society, both immediately and long-term.
In the meantime, we encourage you to share your favourite volunteer activity, organization, or story with your friends, family and on social media to maintain Edmonton’s incredible volunteer spirit.
That way, once we transition back towards normal social patterns, our thousands of non-profits and charities will have no problem finding their next star volunteers.
COVID-19 Skill Share & Volunteer Initiative
Communities thrive on support from people like yourself, who embody Edmonton’s volunteer spirit and provide helping hands by volunteering, donating, and creating awareness for services and resources the non-profit sector has to offer.
Many charities and non-profits in Edmonton need additional support from volunteers to respond to increased demand for information and services during this unprecedented global crisis. At the same time, many employers find that their employees’ time and skills are being under-utilized during this economic downturn. To bridge this gap, we’ve partnered with the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce and others in the charitable community to help connect skilled volunteers with the organizations who could use a helping hand.
If your business or charity lands on either side of this gap, we encourage you to register for the program using one of the options below.
Need Support?
If you’re a charity or volunteer-based organization and would benefit from professional help from a skilled volunteer, please fill out this form linked below and identify the specific support(s) you are looking for.
We’ll do our best to match you with a skilled volunteer with the tools to support you in that work from a pool of volunteers who opted in to the program.
If you have any questions, please contact: Ilya Ushakov, Director of Volunteerism & Programs at 780-801-4720 or volunteerism@wordpress-778227-2652451.cloudwaysapps.com.
Have skills to share?
Do you have staff whose time and skills are currently under-utilized? Their skills may be exactly what your non-profit neighbour needs right now.
We encourage business owners and managers to consider dedicating a portion of your staff’s time to help a sector that is largely overwhelmed from increased demand and limited capacity. Needs vary from organization to organization—from program and logistical support to financial and project management expertise—and commitments vary from a single shift to projects tackled over several days or weeks. In the latter cases, employment secondment agreements may help formalize the role and expectations.
Whatever skills your business and its team can offer, please register through the link below and match with an organization that would greatly benefit from your support.
Once a suitable match has been found, we will reach out with additional details and next steps.
For any questions, contact Sarah Morin, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce at smorin@edmontonchamber.com.
Another option for eager volunteers
If you’re looking to volunteer beyond the scope of your workplace or professional skills, there are always plenty of diverse opportunities throughout Edmonton.
Alberta Cares Connector is a free platform that lists current volunteer opportunities around Alberta. Its current focus is promoting opportunities that are available during the response to COVID-19.
We encourage non-profits to add their opportunities as they arise so that we can share an accurate and up-to-date list of where volunteers are needed in Edmonton.
Interested in volunteering but can’t find something that interests you? Check back in a few days—new opportunities are added daily!
Want to learn more about volunteering in Edmonton? Visit the ECVO Blog for posts on various topics related to volunteerism!
