Volunteer Matters Podcast: Inclusive Communities for Dementia with Carolyn Brandley

Welcome to another edition of the Volunteer Matters podcast, hosted from the boardroom of Volunteer Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. In this episode, we speak with Carolyn Brandley about her important initiative to foster inclusion for people with dementia in the city of Victoria. Carolyn shares insights on integrating those living with dementia into community life, highlighting the barriers and supports in city programs and services. The conversation covers the stereotypes associated with dementia, the various types of dementia, and the impact of creating an inclusive environment. Carolyn also delves into her personal journey, community engagement, and practical advice for organizations considering volunteer roles for individuals with dementia. Join us for a compelling and informative discussion aimed at enhancing community support and understanding for those living with dementia.

Help Build a Dementia Inclusive Community!

The Fostering Inclusion for people with dementia project is about supporting people with dementia to stay connected within their community. The project is a research partnership between the City of Victoria's Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the University of Victoria exploring the City’s built and social environments (spaces, programs, services, & policies) through a dementia-inclusive lens.

Take the Survey: ⁠https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/SRWSGKW⁠

• • ALL community members, whether living with dementia or not, are invited to participate in the online survey.

• • The survey will take 5-10 minutes to complete,

• • Your responses are completely anonymous and will be combined with those from other respondents to inform recommendations.

Questions? Contact Carolyn Brandly, Research Associate at ⁠cbrandly@victoria.ca⁠

00:00 Introduction to Volunteer Matters Podcast

00:57 Meet Carolyn Brandley: A Journey of Service

01:39 Fostering Inclusion for People with Dementia

04:57 Challenging Stereotypes About Dementia

08:31 City of Victoria's Forward-Thinking Initiatives

13:01 Carolyn's Personal Connection to Dementia

16:48 How to Get Involved and Support the Initiative

19:58 Collaborating with Alzheimer's Organizations

20:18 Integrating Volunteers with Alzheimer's

21:05 Addressing Concerns and Stereotypes

21:58 Successful Volunteer Roles for Alzheimer's Patients

22:58 Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer's

24:18 Personal Background and Community Involvement

25:42 Volunteering and Community Engagement

28:49 Three Fun Questions

32:24 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Catalina Roberts: Driving Global Change with Innovative Communities | Volunteer Matters

Guest:

Catalina Roberts BA, FRSA,

Chairperson – Board of Directors, InnovativeCommunities.Org Foundation

Join us for another inspiring episode of Volunteer Matters, where we meet the extraordinary Catalina Roberts, a dedicated volunteer with the Innovative Communities.org Foundation. Broadcasting from the beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, the episode dives deep into Catalina's eight-year journey with ICO, an organization known for its bottom-up approach to community development in over 25 countries. Learn how this all-volunteer foundation builds schools, provides clean water, and offers eye care to marginalized communities. Catalina shares heartwarming stories of personal impact and underscores the values of friendship and sustainability. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or new to community service, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement to get involved. Tune in to be inspired and see how you can make a difference!

00:00 Introduction to Volunteer Matters

01:03 Meet Catalina Roberts

02:20 Innovative Communities: A Bottom-Up Approach

04:20 Sustainability and Global Impact

08:38 Youth Involvement and Personal Journey

17:29 The Power of Volunteering

19:32 Volunteer Service and Corporate Engagement

20:44 Employer Supported Volunteerism

21:16 Three Fun Questions

26:40 Future of Innovative Communities Org

28:53 Personal Reflections and Board Experience

32:10 Final Thoughts and Commitment to ICO

https://www.innovativecommunities.org/

Exploring Leadership and Legacy with John Hughes | Volunteer Matters Podcast

Welcome to Volunteer Matters, a podcast coming to you from beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. In this episode, we sit down with John Hughes, the Executive Director of Craigdarroch Castle, a historic house museum with a rich tapestry of stories and a vital role in the community. Join us as we delve into John's journey from a jewelry designer to a nonprofit leader, the significance of the Castle, and the vibrant culture in Victoria’s nonprofit sector. We also discuss the importance of volunteers, leadership philosophies, and the overarching challenges and opportunities within the nonprofit landscape. John’s insights and experiences offer a compelling narrative for anyone interested in community service, leadership, and heritage preservation. Tune in for an enlightening conversation and discover the heart behind the history of Craigdarroch Castle.

00:00 Welcome to Volunteer Matters

01:05 Introducing John Hughes and Craigdarroch Castle

02:10 The History of Craigdarroch Castle

03:59 Craigdarroch Castle Today

09:29 The Role of Volunteers at Craigdarroch Castle

14:16 John Hughes' Journey to Executive Director

20:25 Starting a Journey in Goldsmithing

20:52 Early Influences and High School Experiences

22:16 Transition to Jewelry Design

23:29 Leadership and Business Skills

25:33 Challenges and Rewards of Leadership

27:54 Balancing Work and Personal Life

30:36 Reviving a Passion for Jewelry Making

32:28 The Future of Goldsmithing

35:02 Non-Profit Sector Insights

37:57 The Importance of Volunteering

41:07 Final Thoughts and Conclusion