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Home My WebLink AboutCSD-06-113 - International Volunteer Day - Dec 5 ) ~ Community Services ~ Report To: Date of Meeting: Submitted By: Prepared By: Ward(s) Involved: Date of Report: Report No.: Subject: Community Services Committee November 20, 2006 Mark Hildebrand, Interim Director, Community Programs and Services (ext 2687) Jo-Ann Hutchison, Facilitator of Volunteer Resources & Community Engagement (ext 2227) All Wards November 1 , 2006 CSD-06-113 INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY - DEC 5TH RECOMMENDATION: For information only. BACKGROUND: December 5th of each year is International Volunteer Day (IVD). This day provides an opportunity for volunteer-involving organizations and individual volunteers to work together on projects and campaigns promoting their contributions to economic and social development at local, national, and international levels. By merging the support of the United Nations with a grassroots mandate, IVD is a unique opportunity for government agencies, non-profit organizations, community groups, and the private sector to work together to attain common goals. Throughout the years, IVD has been used strategically. Many countries and communities have focused recent IVD celebrations on volunteers' contributions and encouraged further voluntary action to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs are a set of time bound targets to combat poverty, hunger, disease, literacy, environmental degradation, and discrimination against women. In 2006, the Canadian media campaign is dedicated to creating awareness and interest in Canadian volunteers who are achieving these goals, and to inspire others to get involved and do their part to make the world a better place. The slogan for the 2006 Canadian IVD Campaign is "Be the Change". The attached appendix outlines the Millennium Development goals and how people can work towards them on a local level. Report No. CSD-06-113 Page 2 REPORT: The City of Kitchener has distributed these Millennium Goals to staff who work with volunteers and affiliated groups. As well, the City is celebrating IVD through the following ways: '" Posting of colour IVD posters in City Hall elevators and City facilities. '" Distribution of complimentary notepads to volunteers, staff and public counters. '" Message on pay stubs of City staff and encouraging staff to put messages in their email autosignature and on voicemail messages. '" Using a postage dye on outgoing City mail that thanks volunteers '" Messages on street signs at City facilities. '" Supplying City staff that works with volunteers and community groups with information and resources so they can plan their own recognition or promotional activities. '" The 2007 City of Kitchener volunteer lapel pin and volunteer calendar will be sent to City Council and General Managers on December 5th. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: IVD initiatives are relatively low cost (approximately $100) and are financed through an already existing operating budget. COMMUNICATIONS: The Corporate Communications office has helped in this year's preparations by designing posters, notepads, volunteer pins, and volunteer calendars. Staff who work with volunteers and community groups were also made aware of this day so they can organize their own celebrations and use the day to promote volunteerism, create awareness of and work towards the Millennium Development Goals, and, most importantly, to thank the legions of volunteers who make Kitchener a great place to live, work, and play. CONCLUSION: International Volunteer Day is a time to reflect upon and work towards the Millennium Development Goals and to celebrate the significant contributions of our volunteers, many of whom work tirelessly in all aspects of our community, often quietly and without publicity, year round. Mark Hildebrand Interim Director, Community Programs & Services AP Appendix 1 Millennium Develooment Goals: Be the Chanae Goal # 1 - Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger · Reduce by half the proportion of people living on less than half a dollar a day · Reduce by half the proportion of people who suffer from hunger What can you do? o Volunteer at a local food bank, soup kitchen, or breakfast program o Organize a food drive in your workplace, school or neighbourhood Goal # 2 - Achieve universal primary education · Ensure that all boys and girls complete a full course of primary schooling What can you do? o Donate books to a school library or participate in a literacy program o Collect school supplies to send to children in developing countries Goal # 3 - Promote gender equality and empower women · Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education by 2005, and at all levels by 2015 What can you do? o Volunteer at a women's shelter or a community group that supports women Goal # 4 - Reduce child mortality · Reduce by two thirds the mortality rate among children under five What can you do? o Volunteer for organizations and hospitals that support sick children o Collect medical supplies for children in developing countries Goal # 5 - Improve maternal health · Reduce by three quarters the maternal mortality ratio What can you do? o Coordinate a collection or prenatal vitamins to send to developing countries Goal # 6 - Combat HIV/ AIDS, malaria and other diseases · Halt & begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS & incidence of malaria & other diseases What can you do? o Volunteer for an organization that increases awareness about HIV/AIDS Goal # 7 - Ensure environmental sustainability · Integrate the principles of sustainable development into policies and programs; reverse loss of environmental resources · Reduce by half the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water What can you do? o Inform yourself about the principles of sustainable development o Volunteer with environmental and eco-friendly organizations in your area partnership for development more information & how you can help achieve this goal