Volunteer sector surging
Sat, August 8, 2009
By HANK DANISZEWSKI
For London’s growing army of unemployed, volunteering could be a useful bridge back to a job.
With unemployment soaring across the continent, reports from the United States show a surge in the volunteer sector, especially among young graduates.
Michelle Baldwin, executive director of the Pillar Nonprofit Network in London, said there’s no sign of a similar pattern in this area yet, but she expects interest in volunteer opportunities will grow as the job situation deteriorates.
“Employment agencies are definitely recommending individuals volunteer as a way to build up their resume and their network,” she said.
The Pillar Nonprofit Network encourages volunteerism and maintains a database of volunteer opportunities at non-profit agencies.
Baldwin said volunteering is valued by employers and allows job seekers to build contacts.
“Employers are looking at volunteer experience on resumes. It may not equal job experience, but it is taken into consideration,” she said.
She said recent immigrants find volunteering a good way to build experience in the community.
