Empowering Community Through Volunteerism: A Conversation with Councillor Steve Duck

In this episode of Volunteer Matters, recorded at Volunteer Victoria in British Columbia, the hosts delve into the importance of volunteerism in community building and personal growth. The episode features an engaging conversation with Steve Duck, a proactive city councillor in Sidney, Victoria, who shares his extensive experience in volunteerism, board participation, and his personal journey of giving back to the community through various roles and projects. From founding community groups to operating a travel destination company, Steve underscores the significance of seizing opportunities (Carpe Diem) and the joy found in serving others. The discussion also touches on the impact of volunteer work on personal happiness, the importance of involving youth in board decision-making, and the value of in-person connections in an increasingly digital world. George Colussi, the program's host, also shares his perspective, underscoring the episode's theme of the diverse benefits of volunteer service.

00:00 Welcome to Volunteer Matters: A Deep Dive into Volunteerism

01:16 Meet Steve Duck: A Life Dedicated to Community Service

02:31 The Journey of a Councillor: Insights from Steve Duck

02:57 Exploring the World of Municipal Politics

05:49 The Role of Community Associations in Shaping Our Cities

08:32 Steve Duck's Entrepreneurial Spirit: The Tides Group

15:08 The Importance of Board Participation in Volunteerism

17:52 Steve's First Steps into Volunteering and Its Impact

20:55 Encouraging Youth Participation in Boards and Volunteerism

23:35 The Simple Joy of Volunteering: From Cinema to Cycling Without Age

30:52 Looking Ahead: Steve Duck's Vision for the Future

35:16 Closing Thoughts and the Value of Personal Connection

A Candid Discussion with Maureen Young on the Power of Volunteering

In this episode of the 'Volunteer Matters' podcast, Maureen Young, Vice President of Social Purpose at Coast Capital, is welcomed to discuss various aspects of volunteering and social impact. Personal anecdotes from her life, experiences from her time with Coast Capital, and the company's philanthropy projects are shared. She underscores the significance of community economic development, and discusses the experiences employees of Coast Capital have had while volunteering at various organizations. Additionally, the importance of nurturing a volunteering culture within a company, some powerful life-changing experiences, and advice for businesses looking to initiate community giving back are discussed. The interview concludes with Maureen stating how the social impact initiatives that Coast Capital is working on continues to inspire her.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:11 Getting to Know Maureen Young

01:52 Maureen's Childhood and Early Life

02:47 First Encounters with Volunteering and Community Service

08:59 Career Path and Journey to Coast Capital

13:18 Understanding the Social Purpose Vision

18:00 Fostering a Culture of Volunteerism and Community Giving

19:39 The Importance of Team Bonding and Volunteering

19:51 Partnership with Volunteer Victoria and Its Impact

21:40 Rewarding Employees for Volunteering

23:15 Record Breaking Volunteering Achievements

23:52 Personal Volunteering Experiences and Impact

24:16 The Future Education Fund and Its Impact

27:57 Tips for Organizations to Engage Youth in Volunteering

30:39 The Power of Volunteering and Its Impact on Personal Growth

32:04 Encouraging Volunteering Across All Ages

35:09 Impactful Employee Volunteering Stories

38:22 Tips for Businesses to Engage in Community Giving

40:15 The Power of Volunteering in Building Connections and Impact

42:11 The Motivation Behind Long-Term Commitment to Volunteering

In this episode of Volunteer Matters, George Colussi and Lisa Mort-Putland host Pedro Arrais, a seasoned reporter from the Times Colonist in Victoria, British Columbia, discussing his journey into journalism, community services, and volunteering. Pedro provides insights into the changing dynamics of the media industry and how local newspaper plays a crucial role in a community's development. Addressing the significance of volunteerism, Pedro shares his first-hand volunteering experience, highlighting the needs of non-profit organizations and the impact of individual efforts. He suggests mentoring and exploring passion areas as ways to get involved in volunteering. Lastly, he examines current challenges facing voluntary organizations, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:52 Introducing the Guest: Pedro Arrais

03:01 The Start of Pedro's Journalism Career

03:09 Pedro's Passion for Storytelling

05:56 The Role of Volunteerism in Pedro's Life

12:38 Pedro's Transition into News Reporting

15:56 The Impact of Digital Transformation on Journalism

17:29 The Importance of Local News and Community

20:48 Pedro's Community Column in Times Colonist

26:47 Discussion on 'Fake News' and Media Integrity

27:45 The Impact of Social Media on News Dissemination

28:21 The Consequences of Spreading False Information

28:59 The Importance of Reliable News Sources

30:04 Transitioning from Media to Volunteering

30:20 First Experiences with Volunteering

30:54 The Joy of Volunteering and Its Impact

32:31 The Power of Volunteering and Its Challenges

33:00 The Role of Passion in Volunteering

34:00 Overcoming Writer's Block and the Importance of Practice

35:06 The First Steps Towards Volunteering

37:24 The Impact of Volunteering on Personal Life

43:40 The Challenges and Needs of Nonprofits

49:06 The Power of Community and Volunteering

50:58 Closing Thoughts on Volunteering

In this captivating episode of the Volunteer Matters Podcast, join host George Colussi as he delves into the remarkable life and experiences of Yana Hempler. From her early challenges as a young immigrant from Russia to being celebrated as a Saanich Local Hero, Yana's journey unfolds as a testament to the transformative power of volunteerism. Discover how her passion for running became intricately woven with her philanthropic endeavors, leading to the founding of Dream Nation Apparel, a venture committed to giving back to the community. Join us in celebrating Yana Hempler's glorious vision towards the horizon, where every stride, whether on the running track or in volunteer initiatives, becomes a powerful step towards enriching the community and inspiring others to follow suit.

Website - https://www.yanahempler.com/

Dream Nation Apparel - https://dreamnationapparel.com/

In the Volunteer Victoria's Volunteer Matters podcast, hosts welcome Bruce Williams, CEO of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce, and Brenda MacFarlane, a board member of Volunteer Victoria, for a discussion on community service. Bruce sheds light on the Chamber's role as the voice of business, advocating for members and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. He shares insights on the challenges and opportunities faced by businesses in 2023. Brenda, Treasurer of Volunteer Victoria, discusses her involvement in organizing Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada, emphasizing the importance of volunteering based on personal interests. Both guests express the profound impact and satisfaction derived from community engagement, highlighting the unique language and growth experiences that come with volunteering in the non-profit sector.

The Volunteer Matters podcast, hosted by George Colussi, explores the world of volunteerism and community service in Victoria, BC, Canada. In the third episode, George interviews Dr. Cara Gibson, the Executive Director of Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, discussing her background in entomology and her passion for insects. They delve into various topics related to volunteerism, community engagement, and the value of being of service to others. The podcast highlights the importance of connecting with nature, forging connections with people, and the transformative power of volunteer work.

The "Volunteer Victoria Volunteer Matters" podcast, hosted by George Colussi, features conversations with people who have dedicated their lives to service and volunteerism in the community. In the second episode, George interviews his partner of nearly three decades, Michelle Colussi, who is deeply involved in various community organizations, including Shift Collaborative and Building Resilient Neighborhoods. They discuss the power of volunteerism and the impact it has on individuals and communities. Michelle emphasizes the importance of embracing an attitude of valuing what you have to offer and encourages listeners to be strategic in finding the right volunteer fit for themselves. The podcast explores the value of volunteering and its ability to empower individuals while contributing to the betterment of society.

https://shiftcollaborative.ca/

https://www.resilientneighbourhoods.ca/

The podcast features George Colussi interviewing Don Monsour, a seasoned volunteer with over 65 years of experience. Don shares insights about his journey into volunteering and highlights the importance of volunteering for individuals of all ages. He emphasizes that you're never too old to volunteer and that volunteering can enhance employability and personal growth. Don also recounts an amusing anecdote from his volunteer experiences in India. The podcast aims to inspire and promote the value of volunteering in the community.