Want to volunteer with Arts Ottawa? Fill out the form below:
If you have any questions around volunteering, please email us at info@artsottawa.ca
Please note that all volunteers must review and abide by our Volunteer Handbook.
Shaping the Volunteer Experience Together
At Arts Ottawa, volunteers are at the heart of our work, from helping with events to shaping how we make decisions. But we know that volunteering isn’t always easy or accessible. That’s why we invited community members to join us in a co-creation session to map out what the volunteer experience should feel like, from the first time someone hears about us to when they move on to other things. Together, we looked at the full volunteer journey across five stages:
Attract → Onboard → Engage → Grow → Exit
What We Heard: A Volunteer Journey That Feels Welcoming, Clear, and Meaningful
Attract
People are drawn to Arts Ottawa when they feel they belong and when the purpose of the work is clear. But barriers like confusing language (“art speak”), lack of financial support, or not seeing themselves represented can make it harder to say yes.
Onboard
Volunteers want to feel seen and supported from the start. They asked for buddy systems, clear training, and welcome kits. When onboarding is unclear or inconsistent, it creates stress.
Engage
The key to keeping volunteers involved is feeling appreciated and connected. Good communication, flexible roles, and small gestures like food or thank-you messages go a long way. When roles are unclear or people feel left out, they start to disconnect.
Grow
Many volunteers want to build new skills or take on more responsibility. But we heard that there’s often no clear path forward. Mentorship, learning opportunities, and a way to track growth would help people stay longer and feel proud of their work.
Exit
When volunteers leave, they want closure. They suggested things like exit interviews, reference letters, and the chance to stay connected as mentors or alumni. Without this, volunteers leave without being thanked or without a way to return.
What’s Next: How We’re Responding
We’ve taken all this feedback to heart. Here’s how we’re starting to make changes in ways that work for our small team and help build long-term support for volunteers.
1. Laying the Groundwork for a Volunteer Hub
As we grow, we plan to create a simple online space with everything in one place: open roles, training info, FAQs, and ways to get involved.
When: Fall 2025
How It Helps: Makes it easier for people to get involved and stay involved at their own pace
2. Clear Role Snapshots
We’re writing short and easy-to-read descriptions for all our main volunteer roles. These will explain what’s involved, how to get started, and any skills you can build along the way.
When: Posted online by Fall of 2025
How It Helps: Makes it easier for people to find a role that fits them and understand what they’ll gain from the experience
3. Ongoing Recognition
Dedicated monthly shoutouts to volunteers on social media channels showing our appreciation more often. We’ll also build a special recognition moment once a year at an event.
When: January 2026
How It Helps: Keeps volunteers feeling valued, seen, and connected to the bigger picture
4. Quarterly Volunteer Meetups
We’ll host low-key gatherings (online or in-person) every few months to say thank you, share updates, and stay connected. Volunteers can help plan or host.
When: First session in February 2026
How It Helps: Builds relationships and makes space for feedback and celebration
5. A Better Welcome for Every Volunteer
We’re creating a simple welcome sheet and matching each new volunteer with a contact person. This ensures you know what to expect and who to turn to for help, whether you're joining a short-term event or helping shape our programs.
When: Starting Summer 2026
How It Helps: Reduces confusion and supports a stronger sense of belonging from Day 1
6. Exit and Return Pathways
We’ll invite volunteers who are stepping back to fill out a short exit form. It’s a chance to reflect on what worked, what could improve, and whether they’d like to return or mentor in the future.
When: Piloting in 2026
How It Helps: Builds long-term relationships and helps us learn from every volunteer experience
We’re Building With You
This roadmap is a starting point, and we’ll keep shaping it with your input. We’re working with limited staff and resources, so each change will be rolled out gradually. But the goal is clear: a volunteer experience that is welcoming, flexible, and rooted in community care.
Want to get involved or offer feedback?
Email Joni Hamlin at joni@artsottawa.ca
Looking for other volunteer opportunities in Ottawa? Check out Volunteer Ottawa & Ottawa Festival Network