It’s official — we’re CCVI certified by Volunteer Canada!
It gives us great pleasure to announce that the National Association of Federal Retirees has been recognized and certified as a code adoptee of Volunteer Canada’s Canadian Code of Volunteer Involvement (CCVI) and is featured on Volunteer Canada’s website.
Volunteer Canada developed a road map for organizations to integrate volunteers strategically into their work. The code is a mechanism for organizations to recognize the high standards of volunteer support and management. Accreditation requires organizations to commit to the adoption of the following 10 standards of practice related to volunteer engagement:
- Mission-based approach
- Human resources
- Infrastructure for volunteer involvement
- Evaluation, tracking, measuring and reporting
- Volunteer roles and recruitment
- Risk management
- Screening
- Orientation and training
- Support and supervision
- Recognition
Volunteer Canada is an organization that was established to provide national leadership and expertise on volunteer engagement to increase the participation, quality and diversity of volunteer experiences. Since 1977, it has collaborated closely with volunteer centres, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, government and educational institutions to promote and broaden volunteering. Its programs, research, training, tools, resources and national initiatives provide leadership on issues and trends in Canada’s volunteer landscape.
In 2017, the Association conducted a self-assessment to determine if the Association’s volunteer practices met the code standard in place at the time. Consultations were held with key groups of volunteers and staff. Results revealed that the Association was performing very well against most of the code criteria, but some gaps and barriers were identified precluding the Association from adopting the code.
“That the Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement be adopted by the National Association of Federal Retirees as an integral part of operational practice, to be made known to every employee and volunteer, and to be made readily available to every staff member and volunteer for consistent reference and consultation.”
A working group consisting of representation from key senior volunteers was established, led by Gail Curran, volunteer engagement officer, to complete the Volunteer Canada’s code audit. The working group’s objective was to submit the application by end of 2022, which was completed on Dec. 9, 2022.
By adopting the code, the Association joins 283 organizations across the country, acknowledged by Volunteer Canada. Many national and high-profile volunteer supported organizations have adopted the code, including:
- The Canadian Cancer Society
- Oxfam Canada
- Association pour l’enseignement de la science et de la technologie au Québec
- United Way
- Ontario Society of Seniors’ Organizations
- Ronald McDonald House
Congratulations to the outstanding Federal Retirees volunteer team in helping us qualify for this prestigious accreditation!