Behind the Scenes: Real Stories of Volunteer Engagement in the Community - Part 3

• December 3, 2024

  Posted by: Kamillah El-Giadaa

  

  We're back with part three of our Behind the Scenes series, sharing stories about volunteer engagers in the community! From welcoming new volunteers to enhancing program efficiency, these stories showcase the real impact of our workshops and the essential role volunteer engagers play in our communities. See part one and two here and here!

  Meet Max Harley

  Max is new to the field and thriving! As the Volunteer Coordinator at Rainbow Resource Centre, Max has been leading their volunteer program for 4 months, creating meaningful engagement opportunities for the community. Kamillah got to chat with Max right after the workshop!

  1.What is Rainbow Resource Centre?

  Rainbow Resource Centre supports the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Winnipeg and surrounding areas through a wide range of programs and services. We have Youth Programming for ages 10-21 (which includes two incredible summer camps!), older adult programming for ages 55+ and identity-based social groups led by peer facilitators. Plus, we provide harm reduction supplies to the community, and short-term counselling services.

  2. What is your role at Rainbow Resource Centre?

  I'm the Volunteer Coordinator. My role is to support the folks who run our social groups, manage volunteers for events like our galas, and recruit, train, and support the volunteers for our youth programs. It's about ensuring everyone feels included and supported in their roles.

  3. What role do volunteers play at Rainbow Resource Centre?

  Everything and anything! Volunteers are absolutely essential to what we do.

  4. How long have you been engaging volunteers in your career?

  I've been engaging with the volunteers who assist Rainbow Resource Centre for 18 months but have only taken on the role of volunteer coordination for 4 months. It's been such a rewarding experience.

  5. How has the workshop changed your perspective on volunteer management?

  It has shown me a breadth of ways to engage with volunteers. Learning how other organizations involve their volunteers has been enlightening and inspiring!

  6. What advice would you give anyone working with volunteers?

  You can never tell your volunteers you appreciate them enough. No one I've worked with has ever been upset by being thanked too often!

  Thank you, Max!

  Thank you, Max Harley, Volunteer Coordinator at Rainbow Resource Centre, for taking the time for the interview! It's always interesting to hear how the Volunteer Management Essentials workshop impacted the work volunteer engagers do.

  Register for the Volunteer Management Essentials workshop here!

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