Volunteering has long played an integral role in Canadian society, contributing significantly to the country’s social, economic, and cultural fabric. Each year, millions of Canadians participate in volunteer work to support important causes through nonprofits, charities, schools, hospitals and more. However, with the changing dynamics of society and advancements in technology, the volunteer landscape is evolving.
Traditional volunteer recruitment and management methods no longer meet the expectations of today’s volunteers, and organizations must modernize to retain and attract essential volunteer support. Volunteer management platforms, like Rosterfy, are transforming how organizations engage with volunteers, helping them adapt to the evolving volunteer landscape.
Let’s explore the evolving expectations of Canadian volunteers and how forward-thinking organizations are adapting their programs to address new demands. By streamlining previously piecemeal operations onto systemised digital platforms, organizations can focus less on administrative tasks and more on delivering impactful experiences valued by volunteers.
The changing face of volunteering in Canada
The spirit of volunteerism in Canada remains strong, but the face of volunteering is changing. Demographic shifts, including an aging population and a more tech-savvy younger generation, are reshaping how volunteers want to engage. Today’s volunteers demand flexibility – they seek opportunities that require them to contribute on their own terms, whether that’s remotely, during non-traditional hours, or through short-term projects.
Additionally, volunteers today expect to feel a deeper connection to the causes they support. They want to understand the direct impact of their work and see how their contributions are making a difference. As a result, organizations need to rethink how they engage volunteers, and create meaningful, flexible, and accessible opportunities that resonate with volunteers’ values and lifestyles.
The need for modernization in volunteer management
The need to modernize volunteer programs is critical for ensuring sustained engagement. Several trends highlight the importance of this shift:
- Digital Transformation: Volunteers today expect an online, mobile-friendly experience for all aspects of volunteering, from registration to communication.
- Flexible Opportunities: Volunteers seek roles that fit into their schedules and allow for remote participation or short-term commitments.
- Improved Communication: Volunteers want real-time updates and streamlined communication to stay engaged.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Technology offers valuable insights into volunteer behaviour, helping organizations make informed decisions to improve recruitment and retention.
How Rosterfy transformed volunteer management for SPORTERA
A prime example of how digital solutions can transform volunteer management is Rosterfy’s partnership with SPORTERA, a company that manages international MUDGIRL races across Canada, USA, France, and the UK. SPORTERA, with just 25 employees and a volunteer base of over 2,000, needed a solution to effectively manage its diverse volunteer pool.
SPORTERA faced challenges coordinating volunteers across time zones, languages, and cultural differences. Rosterfy’s platform helped streamline operations, enabling SPORTERA to manage its international events seamlessly. As Quentin Poilblanc, Sport Sponsorship & Partnership Manager at SPORTERA, explained:
“We’re able to set up events in all our countries using just one platform. No juggling with different tools – it’s all streamlined and unified, making our global reach smooth and hassle-free.”
Rosterfy’s automated communication tools also streamlined logistics, reducing administrative burdens and keeping volunteers engaged with timely updates. By using Rosterfy, SPORTERA enhanced its events and ensured a smooth, impactful volunteer experience.
The next generation of volunteering apps
To meet the evolving needs of both organizations and volunteers, Rosterfy has launched a modern and engaging mobile app. The new Rosterfy App enables nonprofit organizations to connect with individuals looking to make a difference, by offering a user-friendly platform for discovering and signing up for volunteer opportunities.
With the Rosterfy App, volunteers can easily explore opportunities, register for shifts, and track their impact – anytime, anywhere. What sets this app apart is its ability to fully replicate the desktop experience, ensuring that volunteers can access everything they need right from their mobile devices with just a tap.
Designed with the next generation of tech-savvy volunteers in mind, the Rosterfy App offers an intuitive and flexible experience that meets the needs of today’s passionate, cause-driven volunteers. Whether managing large events or community programs, the app helps nonprofits streamline operations and boost volunteer engagement.
Rosterfy: The solution to effective volunteer management
Volunteering in Canada is being shaped by shifting expectations and the need for modernization. As volunteers seek more flexibility, meaningful experiences, and streamlined communication, organizations must evolve to stay relevant and effective.
Rosterfy’s volunteer management system allows you to simplify operations, making it easier to recruit, engage, and retain volunteers.
For more information on how Rosterfy can help enhance your volunteer management program, book a call with Rosterfy today, or download the free white paper ‘Optimizing Volunteer Onboarding and Screening: A guide to volunteer management for Canadian Charities‘.
