Fraser Coast, QLD Good Governance course imparts best practices for community group leadership
Volunteer group and sports club leaders learn about their roles through the council's virtual course. Good Governance participants find out about leadership responsibilities including meeting management, finances, and risk assessment. Training capsules also explore group by-laws, constitutions, and member manuals. This entirely online training course can be completed in as little as five hours of self-paced learning.
Fraser Coast, QLD
Australia
Roswell, NM Volunteer Value Program rewards local groups for completing service projects
Local sports clubs, nonprofits, and other organizations apply for Volunteer Value Accounts through the city. Each hour of verified volunteer work results in a $25 credit to the account. These credits can be used for facility usage fees at city properties. Roswell's list of approved volunteer projects ranges from park cleanups to staffing community events. The Volunteer Value Program encourages volunteerism and assists understaffed departments with important tasks.
Roswell, NM
United States
Stirling Council, GB Community Winter Volunteer Scheme extends reach of road treatment resources
Individuals and local groups will fill gaps in a 2022-2023 Winter Service Policy focused on high-traffic roads. Community Winter Volunteers receive shovels, gritting equipment, and safety gear for the duration of the pilot. A best-practices guide educates participants on how to avoid injuries through proper snow removal techniques. Stirling's Road Service provides ongoing support to maximize volunteer impacts on less-traveled roads and sidewalks.
Stirling Council, GB
United Kingdom
Paris, IDF creates Droits de l’Enfant volunteer team for the protection of childrens' rights
The program recruits 20 volunteers aged 18 to 25 for each 10-month cohort. Participants receive three weeks of training from lawyers, psychologists, and experts familiar with issues facing local families. This training is followed by an eight-day course leading to qualification for childcare aptitude certificates. Droits de l’Enfant members teach kids throughout Paris about topics covered in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child like discrimination and exploitation.
Paris, IDF
France
North Liberty, IA Neighborhood Ambassador program creates localized information networks
North Liberty recruited at least one volunteer ambassador for 34 neighborhoods and a senior living facility. Neighborhood Ambassadors learn and use the best media - from Nextdoor to face-to-face conversations - for disseminating city news to their neighbors. The volunteer team mobilizes for quick communications about emergency situations and updates about city services. Participants can improve their service to the community with free implicit bias and emergency response training.
North Liberty, IA
United States
Castlegar, BC and WildSafeBC respond to increased bear activity with Harvest Match pilot program
Local officials identified fruits and nuts from trees on private lots as bear attractants in the summer of 2021. Harvest Match pairs tree owners with residents interested in collecting free fruits and nuts. The pilot uses a dedicated Facebook group as well as phone and email sign-ups to mobilize participants. Reduced attractants for bears and community education continue Castlegar's participation in the regional Bear Smart Community Program.
Castlegar, BC
Canada
Yarra Ranges, VIC Healing in our Gardens initiative builds resiliency following 2021 storms
One thousand residents experienced tree loss and significant garden damage during the storms. Healing in our Gardens partners volunteers not impacted by the storms with affected neighbors. The council, local landscapers, and gardening groups provide advice to partnered residents about replacing what was lost with beneficial plants. This project is part of a Resilient Yarra Ranges effort that includes a microgrid feasibility study and solar power for disaster relief centers.
Yarra Ranges, VIC
Australia
Medicine Hat, AB Adopt-a-Tree Program seeks community help with roadside tree care
City officials identified 2,400 public trees in difficult environmental conditions with limited water supplies. The Adopt-a-Tree Program recruited 200 volunteers to water public trees on nearby sidewalks and medians. Participants were eligible for free water bags or discounted soaker hoses and rain barrels necessary for weekly waterings through September 2022. Parks officials provided guidance on optimal water amounts based on assigned tree sizes and ages.
Medicine Hat, AB
Canada
West Berkshire Council, GB recruits volunteers for Draughtbusters home energy improvement team
Council officials approved the team's creation in anticipation of higher energy bills in the upcoming winter. Volunteer Centre West Berkshire assists with recruiting handy volunteers for in-home energy evaluations, minor repairs, and insulation work. This recruitment effort also seeks administrative volunteers to handle requests, training, and coordination with service providers. Draughtbusters will evolve into an independent organization funded by donations and grants.
West Berkshire Council, GB
United Kingdom
Rotterdam, ZH is creating neighborhood networks and cafés for Ukrainian refugee host families
The municipality of Rotterdam is setting up host family cafés for residents who are providing shelter for Ukrainian refugees. The municipality also wants to set up neighborhood circles and neighborhood networks to bring people, both the refugees themselves and the host parents, into contact with each other for all kinds of questions.
Rotterdam, ZH
Netherlands
East Gippsland, VIC connects experienced and emerging entrepreneurs through Business Boost program
East Gippsland received a state grant to leverage existing business knowledge for sustainable economic growth. Local entrepreneurs and industry experts participate in the program as Resource Team members. Each volunteer mentor learns how to communicate with diverse communities during training sessions with Ignite Small Business Start-ups. Resource Team members are paired with students and early-career entrepreneurs for personalized support toward their professional goals.
East Gippsland, VIC
Australia
Herefordshire Council, GB expands the network of local repair cafes with grant funding scheme
Local councils and nonprofit organizations are eligible for up to £2,500 for repair cafe development. The funding can be used for venue rental, tools, training, and volunteer recruitment costs. Grant recipients can expand existing repair cafes or open new locations not currently served by four existing cafes. Herefordshire Council approved the scheme because of its impacts on social cohesion, sustainability, and skill development.
Herefordshire Council, GB
United Kingdom