The Equity Commons Community Input Survey

Volunteer Calgary's Equity Commons Project

Thank you for your willingness to complete this survey.

Volunteer Calgary believes that equity matters in volunteering. Through our Equity Commons project, we're developing a sector-wide learning and capacity-building program to reduce barriers and increase equity in volunteer engagement.

Our goal is to better understand your current volunteer recruitment practices, identify any gaps or challenges you may be experiencing, and explore ways we can strengthen and support a more inclusive and effective recruitment process. Your insights will help us shape tools, strategies, and resources that truly meet the needs of volunteer managers and the communities you serve.

Before you begin, we invite you to take a brief grounding moment:
Take one slow breath in… and one slow breath out.
Notice your feet on the floor, your body supported by the chair, and allow yourself a moment of presence.

This survey is about learning together, reflecting honestly, and finding opportunities for growth and improvement.

It is an anonymous survey. Responses will be kept confidential and reported only in aggregate or as high-level themes. No individual or organization will be identified.

Thank you for your leadership and your commitment to volunteerism and community.

Privacy Notice: Your responses will be used by Volunteer Calgary the organization behind the VolunteerConnector to improve our services. Individual names or emails will not be shared publicly. Your feedback may be summarized in reports, but individual details (such as names or emails) will never be shared publicly. By completing this survey, you consent to us using your information in line with our Terms of Service.

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* 1. Where are you located (Select your province/territory)? w 0

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* 2. Where do you live? (Please enter the first three digits of your postal code ex. T2T) w 0

Section 1: State of Volunteerism at Your Organization
Please tell us more about your organization

Question Title

* 3. Thinking about the past six month, please rate how strongly you agree with the following statements. w 0

	Strongly disagree	Disagree	Agree	Strongly Agree	N/A
In the past six months, my organization has been able to fill most or all of our volunteer roles.	In the past six months, my organization has been able to fill most or all of our volunteer roles. Strongly disagree	In the past six months, my organization has been able to fill most or all of our volunteer roles. Disagree	In the past six months, my organization has been able to fill most or all of our volunteer roles. Agree	In the past six months, my organization has been able to fill most or all of our volunteer roles. Strongly Agree	In the past six months, my organization has been able to fill most or all of our volunteer roles. N/A
In the past six months, our volunteer base has reflected the diversity of the communities we work with.	In the past six months, our volunteer base has reflected the diversity of the communities we work with. Strongly disagree	In the past six months, our volunteer base has reflected the diversity of the communities we work with. Disagree	In the past six months, our volunteer base has reflected the diversity of the communities we work with. Agree	In the past six months, our volunteer base has reflected the diversity of the communities we work with. Strongly Agree	In the past six months, our volunteer base has reflected the diversity of the communities we work with. N/A
In the past six months, my organization has reviewed volunteer policies or procedures to identify barriers to participation.	In the past six months, my organization has reviewed volunteer policies or procedures to identify barriers to participation. Strongly disagree	In the past six months, my organization has reviewed volunteer policies or procedures to identify barriers to participation. Disagree	In the past six months, my organization has reviewed volunteer policies or procedures to identify barriers to participation. Agree	In the past six months, my organization has reviewed volunteer policies or procedures to identify barriers to participation. Strongly Agree	In the past six months, my organization has reviewed volunteer policies or procedures to identify barriers to participation. N/A
In the past six months, our organization has made changes to at least one volunteer policy or procedure to reduce barriers to participation.	In the past six months, our organization has made changes to at least one volunteer policy or procedure to reduce barriers to participation. Strongly disagree	In the past six months, our organization has made changes to at least one volunteer policy or procedure to reduce barriers to participation. Disagree	In the past six months, our organization has made changes to at least one volunteer policy or procedure to reduce barriers to participation. Agree	In the past six months, our organization has made changes to at least one volunteer policy or procedure to reduce barriers to participation. Strongly Agree	In the past six months, our organization has made changes to at least one volunteer policy or procedure to reduce barriers to participation. N/A
In the past six months, I have had the time, resources, and supports to focus on improving volunteer engagement strategies.	In the past six months, I have had the time, resources, and supports to focus on improving volunteer engagement strategies. Strongly disagree	In the past six months, I have had the time, resources, and supports to focus on improving volunteer engagement strategies. Disagree	In the past six months, I have had the time, resources, and supports to focus on improving volunteer engagement strategies. Agree	In the past six months, I have had the time, resources, and supports to focus on improving volunteer engagement strategies. Strongly Agree	In the past six months, I have had the time, resources, and supports to focus on improving volunteer engagement strategies. N/A

Comments:

Section 2: Volunteer Engagement Strategies
Tell us more about how you engage volunteers

2a: Frequency of Use

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* 4. In the past year, how often has your organization used the following approaches to recruit or engage volunteers? w 0

	Never	Once or twice	Several times	Regularly	N/A
Visiting community spaces (e.g., churches, friendship centres, youth hubs, settlement agencies).	Visiting community spaces (e.g., churches, friendship centres, youth hubs, settlement agencies). Never	Visiting community spaces (e.g., churches, friendship centres, youth hubs, settlement agencies). Once or twice	Visiting community spaces (e.g., churches, friendship centres, youth hubs, settlement agencies). Several times	Visiting community spaces (e.g., churches, friendship centres, youth hubs, settlement agencies). Regularly	Visiting community spaces (e.g., churches, friendship centres, youth hubs, settlement agencies). N/A
Partnering with community leaders or community-based organizations.	Partnering with community leaders or community-based organizations. Never	Partnering with community leaders or community-based organizations. Once or twice	Partnering with community leaders or community-based organizations. Several times	Partnering with community leaders or community-based organizations. Regularly	Partnering with community leaders or community-based organizations. N/A
Offering flexible volunteer roles that accommodate different schedules or capacities.	Offering flexible volunteer roles that accommodate different schedules or capacities. Never	Offering flexible volunteer roles that accommodate different schedules or capacities. Once or twice	Offering flexible volunteer roles that accommodate different schedules or capacities. Several times	Offering flexible volunteer roles that accommodate different schedules or capacities. Regularly	Offering flexible volunteer roles that accommodate different schedules or capacities. N/A
Simplifying the volunteer application process and removing unnecessary requirements.	Simplifying the volunteer application process and removing unnecessary requirements. Never	Simplifying the volunteer application process and removing unnecessary requirements. Once or twice	Simplifying the volunteer application process and removing unnecessary requirements. Several times	Simplifying the volunteer application process and removing unnecessary requirements. Regularly	Simplifying the volunteer application process and removing unnecessary requirements. N/A
Providing recruitment or onboarding materials in multiple languages or with interpretation support.	Providing recruitment or onboarding materials in multiple languages or with interpretation support. Never	Providing recruitment or onboarding materials in multiple languages or with interpretation support. Once or twice	Providing recruitment or onboarding materials in multiple languages or with interpretation support. Several times	Providing recruitment or onboarding materials in multiple languages or with interpretation support. Regularly	Providing recruitment or onboarding materials in multiple languages or with interpretation support. N/A
Offering practical supports (e.g., transit tickets, food, childcare) to enable participation.	Offering practical supports (e.g., transit tickets, food, childcare) to enable participation. Never	Offering practical supports (e.g., transit tickets, food, childcare) to enable participation. Once or twice	Offering practical supports (e.g., transit tickets, food, childcare) to enable participation. Several times	Offering practical supports (e.g., transit tickets, food, childcare) to enable participation. Regularly	Offering practical supports (e.g., transit tickets, food, childcare) to enable participation. N/A
Focusing on long-term relationship-building rather than one-time outreach.	Focusing on long-term relationship-building rather than one-time outreach. Never	Focusing on long-term relationship-building rather than one-time outreach. Once or twice	Focusing on long-term relationship-building rather than one-time outreach. Several times	Focusing on long-term relationship-building rather than one-time outreach. Regularly	Focusing on long-term relationship-building rather than one-time outreach. N/A
Hosting informal “meet and greet” or information sessions for prospective volunteers.	Hosting informal “meet and greet” or information sessions for prospective volunteers. Never	Hosting informal “meet and greet” or information sessions for prospective volunteers. Once or twice	Hosting informal “meet and greet” or information sessions for prospective volunteers. Several times	Hosting informal “meet and greet” or information sessions for prospective volunteers. Regularly	Hosting informal “meet and greet” or information sessions for prospective volunteers. N/A
Allowing volunteers to shape roles based on their strengths and interests.	Allowing volunteers to shape roles based on their strengths and interests. Never	Allowing volunteers to shape roles based on their strengths and interests. Once or twice	Allowing volunteers to shape roles based on their strengths and interests. Several times	Allowing volunteers to shape roles based on their strengths and interests. Regularly	Allowing volunteers to shape roles based on their strengths and interests. N/A
Using an explicit equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) framework to guide volunteer recruitment.	Using an explicit equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) framework to guide volunteer recruitment. Never	Using an explicit equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) framework to guide volunteer recruitment. Once or twice	Using an explicit equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) framework to guide volunteer recruitment. Several times	Using an explicit equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) framework to guide volunteer recruitment. Regularly	Using an explicit equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) framework to guide volunteer recruitment. N/A

Comment:

2b: Effectiveness

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* 5. When your organization has used these approaches, how effective have they been in supporting inclusive and meaningful volunteer engagement? (Choose N/A for items you have not used) w 0

	Not Effective	Somewhat effective	Effective	Very Effective	N/A
Visiting community spaces (e.g., churches, friendship centres, youth hubs, settlement agencies).	Visiting community spaces (e.g., churches, friendship centres, youth hubs, settlement agencies). Not Effective	Visiting community spaces (e.g., churches, friendship centres, youth hubs, settlement agencies). Somewhat effective	Visiting community spaces (e.g., churches, friendship centres, youth hubs, settlement agencies). Effective	Visiting community spaces (e.g., churches, friendship centres, youth hubs, settlement agencies). Very Effective	Visiting community spaces (e.g., churches, friendship centres, youth hubs, settlement agencies). N/A
Partnering with community leaders or community-based organizations.	Partnering with community leaders or community-based organizations. Not Effective	Partnering with community leaders or community-based organizations. Somewhat effective	Partnering with community leaders or community-based organizations. Effective	Partnering with community leaders or community-based organizations. Very Effective	Partnering with community leaders or community-based organizations. N/A
Offering flexible volunteer roles that accommodate different schedules or capacities.	Offering flexible volunteer roles that accommodate different schedules or capacities. Not Effective	Offering flexible volunteer roles that accommodate different schedules or capacities. Somewhat effective	Offering flexible volunteer roles that accommodate different schedules or capacities. Effective	Offering flexible volunteer roles that accommodate different schedules or capacities. Very Effective	Offering flexible volunteer roles that accommodate different schedules or capacities. N/A
Simplifying the volunteer application process and removing unnecessary requirements.	Simplifying the volunteer application process and removing unnecessary requirements. Not Effective	Simplifying the volunteer application process and removing unnecessary requirements. Somewhat effective	Simplifying the volunteer application process and removing unnecessary requirements. Effective	Simplifying the volunteer application process and removing unnecessary requirements. Very Effective	Simplifying the volunteer application process and removing unnecessary requirements. N/A
Providing recruitment or onboarding materials in multiple languages or with interpretation support.	Providing recruitment or onboarding materials in multiple languages or with interpretation support. Not Effective	Providing recruitment or onboarding materials in multiple languages or with interpretation support. Somewhat effective	Providing recruitment or onboarding materials in multiple languages or with interpretation support. Effective	Providing recruitment or onboarding materials in multiple languages or with interpretation support. Very Effective	Providing recruitment or onboarding materials in multiple languages or with interpretation support. N/A
Offering practical supports (e.g., transit tickets, food, childcare) to enable participation.	Offering practical supports (e.g., transit tickets, food, childcare) to enable participation. Not Effective	Offering practical supports (e.g., transit tickets, food, childcare) to enable participation. Somewhat effective	Offering practical supports (e.g., transit tickets, food, childcare) to enable participation. Effective	Offering practical supports (e.g., transit tickets, food, childcare) to enable participation. Very Effective	Offering practical supports (e.g., transit tickets, food, childcare) to enable participation. N/A
Focusing on long-term relationship-building rather than one-time outreach.	Focusing on long-term relationship-building rather than one-time outreach. Not Effective	Focusing on long-term relationship-building rather than one-time outreach. Somewhat effective	Focusing on long-term relationship-building rather than one-time outreach. Effective	Focusing on long-term relationship-building rather than one-time outreach. Very Effective	Focusing on long-term relationship-building rather than one-time outreach. N/A
Hosting informal “meet and greet” or information sessions for prospective volunteers.	Hosting informal “meet and greet” or information sessions for prospective volunteers. Not Effective	Hosting informal “meet and greet” or information sessions for prospective volunteers. Somewhat effective	Hosting informal “meet and greet” or information sessions for prospective volunteers. Effective	Hosting informal “meet and greet” or information sessions for prospective volunteers. Very Effective	Hosting informal “meet and greet” or information sessions for prospective volunteers. N/A
Allowing volunteers to shape roles based on their strengths and interests.	Allowing volunteers to shape roles based on their strengths and interests. Not Effective	Allowing volunteers to shape roles based on their strengths and interests. Somewhat effective	Allowing volunteers to shape roles based on their strengths and interests. Effective	Allowing volunteers to shape roles based on their strengths and interests. Very Effective	Allowing volunteers to shape roles based on their strengths and interests. N/A
Using an explicit equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) framework to guide volunteer recruitment.	Using an explicit equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) framework to guide volunteer recruitment. Not Effective	Using an explicit equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) framework to guide volunteer recruitment. Somewhat effective	Using an explicit equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) framework to guide volunteer recruitment. Effective	Using an explicit equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) framework to guide volunteer recruitment. Very Effective	Using an explicit equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) framework to guide volunteer recruitment. N/A

Comment:

Section 3: Role of Equitable Volunteer Engagement

3a: Individual Awareness and Capacity

Question Title

* 6. Thinking specifically about volunteers from racialized and newcomer communities… w 0

	Strongly disagree	Disagree	Agree	Strongly agree	N/A
I understand how volunteer recruitment and engagement practices can create barriers for racialized and newcomer volunteers.	I understand how volunteer recruitment and engagement practices can create barriers for racialized and newcomer volunteers. Strongly disagree	I understand how volunteer recruitment and engagement practices can create barriers for racialized and newcomer volunteers. Disagree	I understand how volunteer recruitment and engagement practices can create barriers for racialized and newcomer volunteers. Agree	I understand how volunteer recruitment and engagement practices can create barriers for racialized and newcomer volunteers. Strongly agree	I understand how volunteer recruitment and engagement practices can create barriers for racialized and newcomer volunteers. N/A
I feel capable of identifying where our volunteer practices may unintentionally exclude racialized or newcomer volunteers.	I feel capable of identifying where our volunteer practices may unintentionally exclude racialized or newcomer volunteers. Strongly disagree	I feel capable of identifying where our volunteer practices may unintentionally exclude racialized or newcomer volunteers. Disagree	I feel capable of identifying where our volunteer practices may unintentionally exclude racialized or newcomer volunteers. Agree	I feel capable of identifying where our volunteer practices may unintentionally exclude racialized or newcomer volunteers. Strongly agree	I feel capable of identifying where our volunteer practices may unintentionally exclude racialized or newcomer volunteers. N/A
I feel confident adapting volunteer engagement approaches to better support racialized and newcomer volunteers.	I feel confident adapting volunteer engagement approaches to better support racialized and newcomer volunteers. Strongly disagree	I feel confident adapting volunteer engagement approaches to better support racialized and newcomer volunteers. Disagree	I feel confident adapting volunteer engagement approaches to better support racialized and newcomer volunteers. Agree	I feel confident adapting volunteer engagement approaches to better support racialized and newcomer volunteers. Strongly agree	I feel confident adapting volunteer engagement approaches to better support racialized and newcomer volunteers. N/A

Comment:

3b: Organizational Awareness and Capacity

Question Title

* 7. Thinking specifically about volunteers from racialized and newcomer communities… w 0

	Strongly disagree	Disagree	Agree	Strongly agree	N/A
My organization recognizes that racialized and newcomer volunteers may experience barriers that differ from those faced by other volunteers.	My organization recognizes that racialized and newcomer volunteers may experience barriers that differ from those faced by other volunteers. Strongly disagree	My organization recognizes that racialized and newcomer volunteers may experience barriers that differ from those faced by other volunteers. Disagree	My organization recognizes that racialized and newcomer volunteers may experience barriers that differ from those faced by other volunteers. Agree	My organization recognizes that racialized and newcomer volunteers may experience barriers that differ from those faced by other volunteers. Strongly agree	My organization recognizes that racialized and newcomer volunteers may experience barriers that differ from those faced by other volunteers. N/A
My organization is willing to examine how policies, procedures, or norms may contribute to inequitable volunteer engagement.	My organization is willing to examine how policies, procedures, or norms may contribute to inequitable volunteer engagement. Strongly disagree	My organization is willing to examine how policies, procedures, or norms may contribute to inequitable volunteer engagement. Disagree	My organization is willing to examine how policies, procedures, or norms may contribute to inequitable volunteer engagement. Agree	My organization is willing to examine how policies, procedures, or norms may contribute to inequitable volunteer engagement. Strongly agree	My organization is willing to examine how policies, procedures, or norms may contribute to inequitable volunteer engagement. N/A
My organization has the capacity (e.g., leadership support, resources, decision-making authority) to act on what we learn about equitable volunteer engagement.	My organization has the capacity (e.g., leadership support, resources, decision-making authority) to act on what we learn about equitable volunteer engagement. Strongly disagree	My organization has the capacity (e.g., leadership support, resources, decision-making authority) to act on what we learn about equitable volunteer engagement. Disagree	My organization has the capacity (e.g., leadership support, resources, decision-making authority) to act on what we learn about equitable volunteer engagement. Agree	My organization has the capacity (e.g., leadership support, resources, decision-making authority) to act on what we learn about equitable volunteer engagement. Strongly agree	My organization has the capacity (e.g., leadership support, resources, decision-making authority) to act on what we learn about equitable volunteer engagement. N/A

Comment:

Section 4: Capacity, Confidence, and Learning

4a: Current Capacity

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* 8. Thinking about current capacity as a volunteer manager, please rate how strongly you agree with the following statements. w 0

	Strongly disagree	Disagree	Agree	Strongly agree	N/A
I feel confident in my ability to recruit volunteers from diverse communities.	I feel confident in my ability to recruit volunteers from diverse communities. Strongly disagree	I feel confident in my ability to recruit volunteers from diverse communities. Disagree	I feel confident in my ability to recruit volunteers from diverse communities. Agree	I feel confident in my ability to recruit volunteers from diverse communities. Strongly agree	I feel confident in my ability to recruit volunteers from diverse communities. N/A
I have access to practical tools or frameworks that support equitable volunteer engagement.	I have access to practical tools or frameworks that support equitable volunteer engagement. Strongly disagree	I have access to practical tools or frameworks that support equitable volunteer engagement. Disagree	I have access to practical tools or frameworks that support equitable volunteer engagement. Agree	I have access to practical tools or frameworks that support equitable volunteer engagement. Strongly agree	I have access to practical tools or frameworks that support equitable volunteer engagement. N/A
My organization supports learning and reflection about equity in volunteer engagement.	My organization supports learning and reflection about equity in volunteer engagement. Strongly disagree	My organization supports learning and reflection about equity in volunteer engagement. Disagree	My organization supports learning and reflection about equity in volunteer engagement. Agree	My organization supports learning and reflection about equity in volunteer engagement. Strongly agree	My organization supports learning and reflection about equity in volunteer engagement. N/A
I have opportunities to work with peers to help improve volunteer engagement practices.	I have opportunities to work with peers to help improve volunteer engagement practices. Strongly disagree	I have opportunities to work with peers to help improve volunteer engagement practices. Disagree	I have opportunities to work with peers to help improve volunteer engagement practices. Agree	I have opportunities to work with peers to help improve volunteer engagement practices. Strongly agree	I have opportunities to work with peers to help improve volunteer engagement practices. N/A

Comment:

4b: Learning

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* 9. Please rate how interested you are in each of the following learning topics. w 0

	Not at all interested	Slightly interested	Interested	Very interested	N/A
Building consistent, equity‑focused recruitment practices.	Building consistent, equity‑focused recruitment practices. Not at all interested	Building consistent, equity‑focused recruitment practices. Slightly interested	Building consistent, equity‑focused recruitment practices. Interested	Building consistent, equity‑focused recruitment practices. Very interested	Building consistent, equity‑focused recruitment practices. N/A
Reviewing and updating organizational policies to make them more inclusive of diverse communities.	Reviewing and updating organizational policies to make them more inclusive of diverse communities. Not at all interested	Reviewing and updating organizational policies to make them more inclusive of diverse communities. Slightly interested	Reviewing and updating organizational policies to make them more inclusive of diverse communities. Interested	Reviewing and updating organizational policies to make them more inclusive of diverse communities. Very interested	Reviewing and updating organizational policies to make them more inclusive of diverse communities. N/A
Building team capacity to engage effectively with diverse communities.	Building team capacity to engage effectively with diverse communities. Not at all interested	Building team capacity to engage effectively with diverse communities. Slightly interested	Building team capacity to engage effectively with diverse communities. Interested	Building team capacity to engage effectively with diverse communities. Very interested	Building team capacity to engage effectively with diverse communities. N/A
Opportunities to learn from organizations with strong community engagement models.	Opportunities to learn from organizations with strong community engagement models. Not at all interested	Opportunities to learn from organizations with strong community engagement models. Slightly interested	Opportunities to learn from organizations with strong community engagement models. Interested	Opportunities to learn from organizations with strong community engagement models. Very interested	Opportunities to learn from organizations with strong community engagement models. N/A
Equity-focused support in aligning volunteer recruitment strategies with organizational goals and values.	Equity-focused support in aligning volunteer recruitment strategies with organizational goals and values. Not at all interested	Equity-focused support in aligning volunteer recruitment strategies with organizational goals and values. Slightly interested	Equity-focused support in aligning volunteer recruitment strategies with organizational goals and values. Interested	Equity-focused support in aligning volunteer recruitment strategies with organizational goals and values. Very interested	Equity-focused support in aligning volunteer recruitment strategies with organizational goals and values. N/A
Coaching or mentoring that helps strengthen our overall volunteer strategy.	Coaching or mentoring that helps strengthen our overall volunteer strategy. Not at all interested	Coaching or mentoring that helps strengthen our overall volunteer strategy. Slightly interested	Coaching or mentoring that helps strengthen our overall volunteer strategy. Interested	Coaching or mentoring that helps strengthen our overall volunteer strategy. Very interested	Coaching or mentoring that helps strengthen our overall volunteer strategy. N/A

Comment:

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* 10. What is your preferred way to attend an Equity Commons session? w 0

In Person

Online

Hybrid

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* 11. How often do you feel at ease attending sessions? w 0

Weekly

Bi-weekly

Once a month

Other (please specify)