Dr. Megan Conway
President and CEO, Volunteer Canada
Volunteering is not just about giving your time—it’s about actively creating the world we want.
By contributing our time, skills, and resources to shape our communities we help build the kind of society that values equity, opportunity, and social connection. One of the most powerful ways to drive this change is through observation, reflection and community participation.
Take a moment to look around you—whether it’s at school, work, your neighbourhood, or within your social or sports teams. What do you see? Are there areas where people could use support, where resources are lacking, or where inequalities exist? These observations can be the first step toward making a difference. Volunteering, whether you do so alone, with friends, family, or through your workplace, is an act of contributing to making a change. It builds social cohesion and creates spaces where everyone feels they belong.
When we volunteer, we’re not just helping individuals, we’re strengthening the social fabric that binds our communities together. By tackling these issues, we create opportunities for people to connect, support one another, and thrive. It’s through this collective effort that we work toward building a more just and equitable society for all.
However, participation in volunteerism isn’t always easy. Structural barriers—such as time constraints, financial limitations, or simply not knowing where to begin—can sometimes prevent people from getting involved. But volunteering doesn’t always require a formal commitment. Simple acts of kindness, such as helping a neighbour, offering a listening ear, or assisting someone in need, are all meaningful acts of participation. These small, everyday acts of generosity can have a huge impact.
To get involved on a larger scale, you can also start by connecting with your local volunteer centre. These organizations offer resources that can help you find opportunities that match your skills, interests, and availability, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact with a non-profit.
The non-profit sector plays an essential role in our economy, not only addressing social issues but also contributing to GDP growth and societal well-being. By providing services in education, healthcare, and social justice, non-profits foster social cohesion and improve quality of life for many people in Canada. Business leaders also play an important role in this ecosystem. When businesses invest in local communities, they support a framework where both individuals and the economy can thrive. It’s a win-win—economic growth and a stronger, more resilient society.
Right now, Volunteer Canada is playing a leadership role in exploring, researching, and consulting with a variety of stakeholders to better understand barriers and opportunities related to volunteering. Through the National Volunteer Action Strategy, we hope to tell new stories about volunteering and build new tools and foundations that will support the non-profit sector to be more sustainable, and help individuals and communities flourish into the future.
Volunteering isn’t just about what you give; it’s about the lasting impact that even small contributions can have. In the end, it’s about working together—giving time, talent, or treasure to social causes that create lasting change. Volunteerism offers a chance to shape the Canada we all want to live in—a Canada that is more just, connected, and hopeful for everyone.
Learn more at volunteer.ca.
