Volunteer Alberta

📣 Volunteer Alberta's Screening Development Micro-grant (SDM) is open for applications! 📣

Alberta organizations committed to safer, stronger volunteer programs can now apply for SDM micro-grants. Selected organizations can receive up to $3,000 to enhance existing volunteer screening practices or implement new ones.

Funds may be used to:
✔️ Update policies, manuals, or application forms
✔️ Offset staff time dedicated to updating policies or processes
✔️ Cover costs related to professional development or hiring external expertise

👉 Review full eligibility requirements: https://volunteeralberta.ab.ca/programs/volunteer-screening-program

This is a great opportunity to strengthen your organization's volunteer program, grow internal capabilities, and retain a dedicated volunteer community. The SDM is available thanks to the generous support of YourAlberta (Government of Alberta)!

🗓️ Apply by Friday, July 24th, 2026.

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to celebrate the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and enduring contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who continue to shape Alberta and Canada today.

As we continue our (un)learning journey at Volunteer Alberta, we're reminded how important it is to reflect on our ties to each other and the land, and how we can show up in our values, programs, and ways of knowing and being rooted in reciprocity, relationship, and care.

We invite you to reflect with us and consider how we might create spaces, policies, and practices that honour Indigenous perspectives and build more inclusive, caring communities. Let's continue to listen, learn, and celebrate today and beyond.

Hear what our staff have been listening to and learning from lately in the graphics below 👇:

📖 Books:
“The Serviceberry” by Robin Wall Kimmerer https://www.robinwallkimmerer.com/
“52 Ways to Reconcile” by David A. Robertson https://www.indigenousbox.ca/products/52-ways-to-reconcile-how-to-walk-with-indigenous-peoples-on-the-path-to-healing-by-david-a-robertson

🎙️ Podcasts:
EleV podcast series https://mastercardfdn.org/en/what-we-do/our-programs/elev/elev-podcasts/
Telling Our Twisted Histories (CBC) https://www.google.com/search?q=Telling+Our+Twisted+Histories+podcast&sca_esv=a3bf3e4fbd71f451&rlz=1C1HKFL_enCA1207CA1207&biw=1920&bih=911&sxsrf=APpeQns9suhLqLNHK5J4UxcCmIYubE4LpA%3A1782155208509&ei=yIc5aojYHorD0PEPu7Xb8Ak&ved=0ahUKEwiI3IzBxZuVAxWKITQIHbvaFp4Q4dUDCBI&uact=5&oq=Telling+Our+Twisted+Histories+podcast&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiJVRlbGxpbmcgT3VyIFR3aXN0ZWQgSGlzdG9yaWVzIHBvZGNhc3QyChAjGIAEGIoFGCcyBhAAGAcYHjIFEAAYgAQyCBAAGIkFGKIEMggQABiJBRiiBDIFEAAY7wVItUxQtAZYjDRwAXgBkAEAmAFuoAHnBqoBBDExLjG4AQPIAQD4AQGYAg2gApUHwgIKEAAYRxjWBBiwA8ICFxAuGNwGGLgGGNoGGNgCGMgDGLAD2AEBwgIHECMYsAIYJ8ICBxAAGIAEGA3CAggQABgIGB4YDcICBhAAGAgYHpgDAIgGAZAGCroGBAgBGBmSBwQxMi4xoAf1RrIHBDExLjG4B48HwgcGMC4xMS4yyAchgAgB&sclient=gws-wiz-serp

📚 Learn:
Indigenous Canada (free course from the University of Alberta) https://www.ualberta.ca/en/admissions-programs/online-courses/indigenous-canada/index.html
Home on Native Land (free self-guided course) https://homeonnativeland.com/
“Go Smudge Yourself” (Jen Greenway's Substack) https://jengreenway.substack.com/
Immersive Link Indigenous Cultural VR resource (accessible way to experience cultural practices) https://immersivelink.ca/training-workshops/indigenous-cultural-knowledge

📝 Guides:
Inclusivity “Honouring Truth and Reconciliation in the Workplace"
https://inclusivityinsight.com/guide-truth-and-reconciliation/
Len Pierre Consulting https://www.lenpierreconsulting.com/

📅 Find an event near you: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/list-events.html