Food banks are turning away clients because they don't have volunteers to sort donations. Crime watch programs are struggling to spread their thin resources. Community leagues are shutting down vital programs, and senior centers are reducing their hours.
Volunteerism in Alberta has reached a crisis point. Participation has dropped significantly in recent years, and organizations are feeling it. But this isn't just a problem for nonprofits. It affects all of us. When volunteer organizations struggle, our communities become less connected, less safe, and less vibrant places to live.
But understanding why people aren't volunteering anymore is the first step toward rebuilding the volunteer culture that strengthens Alberta communities.
Why Aren't People Volunteering Anymore?
The decline in volunteerism isn't because people suddenly stopped caring. It's because the barriers to volunteering have outgrown the traditional volunteer model.
“No Time” and Competing Demands
Life has gotten busier for most Albertans. Many households now require two incomes (or more) just to make ends meet, leaving little time for volunteer commitments. Parents are juggling work, childcare, and increasingly demanding schedules.
The Aging Volunteer Base
Right now, the majority of volunteers in rural Alberta are over 55. These dedicated community members have been carrying organizations for decades, but they're reaching a point where they can't continue. Meanwhile, younger generations haven't filled the gap.
Lack of Awareness and Connection
Many Albertans don't know what volunteer opportunities are available in their communities. Organizations that used to recruit through word of mouth and community bulletin boards are struggling to reach people when everyone is online.
There's also a disconnect in how volunteering is perceived. Younger people may not see themselves in traditional volunteer roles, or they may not realize that their skills, such as social media management, event planning, and grant writing, are desperately needed.
Volunteer Burnout
When organizations need to expand to meet the growing demand for their services or lose volunteers, the remaining volunteers pick up the slack. This leads to burnout, which causes more volunteers to quit, creating a cycle that may lead nonprofits to shut down. People who want to help are often asked to take on more and more responsibilities until volunteering stops being fulfilling and starts feeling like an unpaid job.
The Real Cost of the Volunteer Gap
When volunteer organizations struggle or shut down, the impact ripples through the entire community.
Essential Services Disappear
Food banks, meal programs, transportation services, and support groups often operate entirely on volunteer power. When they close, vulnerable community members lose support.
Safety and Security Suffer
Rural crime watch programs, neighbourhood patrols, and community safety initiatives depend on volunteers. When these programs shut down, crime increases and residents feel less secure.
People Feel More Alone
Community events, seniors programs, and youth activities bring people together. Without volunteers to organize them, people become isolated and disconnected.
Economic Impact
Volunteer organizations contribute billions to Alberta's economy through services that would otherwise require paid staff or government funding. When they disappear, everyone pays the price.
What Nonprofits Can Do
Adapting to Attract Modern Volunteers
If your organization is struggling to recruit and retain volunteers, it may be time to rethink your approach.
Make It Flexible
It makes it difficult for volunteers if you’re expecting them to commit to weekly shifts or year-long terms. Instead, offer:
- Micro-volunteering opportunities, like one-time tasks that take an hour or two
- Project-based roles, such as a specific event or initiative, with a clear start and end date
- Flexible shifts, like drop-ins, where people can help when their schedule allows
- Virtual tasks people can do from home on their own time
- Family-friendly options where parents can bring their kids along
Meet People Where They Are
Don't just post a notice on the community bulletin board and hope people show up.
- Post opportunities on Facebook, Instagram, and community groups
- Partner with companies that encourage employee volunteering
- Connect with schools. Students often need volunteer hours for graduation
- Set up at farmers' markets, hockey games, or local events
Make Roles Meaningful and Specific
Instead of generic "we need volunteers" requests, get specific.
- Describe exactly what the role involves and how much time it takes
- Explain the impact: "Your two hours will help feed 50 families."
- Match opportunities to skills: social media help, event planning, handyman work, driving, etc.
- Show how their contribution matters to real people
Reduce Barriers
Make it as easy as possible for people to say yes.
- Simplify your application process – don't make people fill out 10 pages of forms for a one-time role
- Offer training and support so people feel confident
- Reimburse expenses like mileage or provide gas cards
- Be understanding about cancellations and schedule changes
Embrace Virtual Volunteering
Not everyone can show up in person, but they might be able to help remotely.
- Social media management and content creation
- Grant writing and fundraising research
- Graphic design and marketing materials
- Data entry and administrative tasks
- Virtual tutoring or mentoring
Why You Should Volunteer
If you're reading this and thinking "I should volunteer, but...", there are a lot more reasons why making time to volunteer is one of the best investments you can make.
Personal Benefits
- Helping others gives you a sense of purpose and accomplishment that's hard to find elsewhere.
- Volunteering introduces you to people you might have never otherwise met.
- Whether you're learning event planning, leadership, or technical skills, volunteering builds your resume and capabilities.
Benefits for Nonprofits and Organizations
- Volunteers allow organizations to serve more people and offer more programs.
- Volunteers bring fresh ideas, different skills, and new approaches.
Community Benefits
- When neighbours work together, communities become more connected and resilient.
- Community engagement and volunteer programs reduce crime.
- Volunteer organizations provide services that government and businesses can't or won't.
Support Rural Crime Watch as a Volunteer
Alberta Rural Crime Watch is an organization that relies on community members to power our crime prevention efforts. We appreciate all the volunteers who share their time and knowledge to make Alberta a safer place for everyone. If you are interested in supporting our organization, there are a couple of volunteer options for you to consider.
With Your Local Chapter
You can volunteer with your local Rural Crime Watch chapter. Every chapter across Alberta is rolling out crime prevention initiatives, but they need the expertise and hands to make it happen. Whether you want to become a member or just volunteer your time, they need your help.
We encourage you to contact your local Rural Crime Watch chapter to see how you can help.
With Wise Owl
Do you want to help the seniors in your community? Are you a tech wiz? Want to stay up to date on emerging scams?
We are looking for volunteers to run our Wise Owl presentations, which help educate seniors on how to spot and stop online scams.
If you are interested in volunteering, please email us at .
Alberta Needs You
Alberta's volunteer organizations are at a crossroads. They can either adapt and find new ways to engage volunteers, or they can struggle with outdated structures until they are forced to close their doors.
And Albertans who care about their communities need to step up in whatever way fits their lives right now.
Together, we can rebuild the volunteer culture that makes Alberta communities strong, connected, and resilient.
January 05, 2026