Thinking of volunteering?
“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”
87% of Canadians agree: without volunteering, society would suffer. According to a study by Volunteer Canada, 12.7 million Canadians volunteer an average of 154 hours per year each through non-profit organizations, charities, and public institutions—and there are more volunteers in Alberta than the national average (50 per cent versus 44 per cent). Needless to say, your time, talent, and energy are huge assets to the community. Not only is volunteering a tremendous help to the organization or cause you want to support, it’s a meaningful opportunity for you to put your passion into action, develop (or use your best!) skills, expand your social circle, and improve your health.
In 2020, 20,473 people volunteered with the United Way community alone, contributing 323,308 hours to improving local lives.
Research shows that volunteering has a proven positive impact on our physical and mental health. As a result of giving back:
Are you ready to take the next step?
Start building a stronger community, boost your health and feel great about making a difference today! Check out some of the opportunities below:
All In for Youth
All In for Youth — a citywide initiative to help youth stay in school and graduate on time–is always in need of volunteers to tutor, speak at a career talk, or otherwise make a difference in the lives of youth. Volunteer positions are open across the city to support youth in achieving academic success.
Workplace Campaigns
Workplace campaigns are intended to rally employees in a fundraising effort to support United Way. Staff who volunteer to coordinate a workplace campaign at their company are supported by our campaign associates and campaign cabinet.
The GAIN Team
The GAIN Team can help your non-profit organization increase capacity to meet the needs of the people you serve. A small team from our volunteer group of over 50 highly skilled private and public sector leaders will partner with your agency to provide help where needed. If you are interested in working with the GAIN Team to build capacity in your organization, please click learn more or email uway@calgaryunitedway.org.
Join our Speakers Bureau
Become a speaker to share, highlight, and raise awareness about local social issues. Speakers will have the opportunity to engage with our community and gain valuable public speaking experience. You will work directly with our United Way team to be matched with audiences from workplaces across Calgary and area that want to hear your story. See our speakers FAQs. For more information, please email speakers@calgaryunitedway.org.
Volunteering around Calgary
Want to find a meaningful volunteer opportunity around the city? Visit United Way partner Propellus for their full list at varying skill levels and time commitments.