COVID-19 Members Update

Last updated: May 26, 2020

Volunteer Ottawa staff are working remotely while continuing to provide services to members. We want to hear from you about how we can help and any special requirements you may have. If you have any urgent needs that can be relayed to our volunteer pool, or have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Sophie at membership@volunteerottawa.ca.

We know that volunteer roles and not-for-profit needs are changing rapidly and that your ability to respond to volunteer applications may be limited. In view of this, we would we ask that you close any volunteer opportunities that you may have open on our website that are no longer available, while continuing to post any new volunteer needs as they arise.

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

As a precaution, in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Health Guidelines, we recommend organizations take the following steps to prevent risk and safeguard volunteers and clients participating in program activities:

• VO has posted a health and safety protocols. Feel free to use this information and adapt for your own needs.
  
  
• Ensure hand washing stations are available and accessible. Encourage staff, volunteers and visitors to thoroughly and regularly wash their hands and keep hands away from their face.

• Remind volunteers of the most effective ways to stay healthy by posting or distributing informational posters.
  
  
• Post signage and advise volunteers who are ill to stay home and postpone their volunteer activities.
  
  
• Ottawa Public Health’s Novel Coronavirus web page provides information and updates to residents and contains answers to many frequently asked questions.
  
  
• Keeping Safe During the Pandemic: https://www.wsps.ca/COVID19

TRAINING:

All scheduled training sessions will now be delivered online. Check our training page for updates and to register. If you have any questions, please contact Maria Lahiffe, Education Officer education@volunteerottawa.ca or by phone at 613-736-5266 ext 114.

Here are some other training opportunities for you to consider:

• Seminar: Engaging and Supporting Volunteers During Coronavirus
  
  
• Safety in Virtual Volunteering
  
  
• Responding to COVID-19: Actionable Steps for Volunteer Managers 

OTHER RESOURCES AND FUNDING:

• Volunteer Ottawa blog has some great information about Mental Health and COVID-19.
  
  
• Volunteer Canada has a number of resources on volunteer management and engagement and not-for-profit support.
  
  
• VolunteerPro has created a guide on managing uncertainty.
  
  
• The Ontario Non-Profit Network has many resources to help not-for-profits respond to and recover from COVID-19.
  
  
• Volunteer Canada's blog - Social Distancing in the Social Sector: The Volunteering Lens of COVID-19.
  
  
• The COVID-19 Fundraising Template Kit for Nonprofits - Information, research and resources for fundraisers and their leaders:
  
  
• LEADING THROUGH COVID-19
  
  
• Post Pandemic Business Resumption Checklist
  
  
• The Government of Canada’s $350 million Emergency Community Support Fund is now open. The Emergency Community Support Fund supports community organizations helping vulnerable people during the COVID-19 crisis. Community organizations may seek funds to undertake a wide range of activities and to serve a wide range of vulnerable groups.
  
  
• Non-profit organizations may apply to the Canadian Red Cross’ national portal here (deadline is July 7th).
  
  
• Registered charities and other qualified donees may apply to Community Foundations of Canada’s national portal here (deadline is July 27th) or to their local United Way Centraide (check the United Way Centraide Canada’s website here for information on how to apply).