National Volunteer Week (NVW) offers a powerful moment to recognize the contributions of volunteers, and it also offers an opportunity to lift up the vital role of those in the profession of volunteer engagement (VE).

Despite its importance, the profession is sometimes undervalued or misunderstood. Behind every impactful volunteer program is a skilled professional like you. You play a critical role in ensuring that community efforts are effective, ethical and sustainable. Advocating for our VE profession means acknowledging the multifaceted expertise required to manage volunteer resources.
 
Some Practical Tips To Advocate:

• Share impact stories that clearly demonstrate how VE contributes to organizational success and community outcomes
• Use social media strategically (e.g., LinkedIn posts, short videos, infographics) to highlight best practices and results
• Provide internal presentations to leadership on ROI (return on investment) of effective volunteer programs
• Translate volunteer contributions into measurable outcomes (hours → dollars, impact metrics, mission advancement)
• Pursue and promote certifications, such as CVA (Certified in Volunteer Administration)
• Advocate for clear job descriptions, fair compensation, and career pathways in VE roles
• Use consistent terminology that reflects expertise (e.g., “Volunteer Engagement Professional” instead of “Volunteer Coordinator”)
• Collaborate with HR, communications, and leadership teams to align VE with organizational goals
• Partner with other organizations to share resources, data, and advocacy efforts
• Participate in consultations, advisory groups, or local government initiatives related to the nonprofit sector
• Advocate for funding and policies that support volunteer infrastructure and capacity building
• Join or contribute to professional associations that advocate for the field 
• Lead strategic planning initiatives that include VE as a core component
• Track volunteer metrics (retention, satisfaction, impact, diversity, etc.)
• Benchmark against other organizations to show standards and growth opportunities
• Frame VE as community-building, not just task support
• Celebrate successes and recognize excellence within the field

Thank you to our cherished Volunteer Engagement Professionals across Ontario and beyond. Happy National Volunteer Week!