Learn Earn Lead

Sustainable employment is critical to independence and self-suffiency for individuals, families and the community. The YWCA Employment and Learning Centre supports individuals in this process.

We are committed to helping our clients gain increased independence and ability in pursuit of their goals. Whether the need is a single appointment to prepare a resume or longer-term counseling to gain life and work skill, we are committed to supporting individuals on their life's journey.

We offer unique services in an effort to strengthen our community one person at a time.


Tuesday, April 03, 2012

52 Reasons to Love Saskatoon Volunteering

I often write and speak about volunteering in your community as a way to increase the chances of finding a job, by highlighting the benefits you receive from volunteering including resume building, skill development, references, networking, etc.



Our community newspaper, The StarPhoenix recently completed a yearlong weekly series called 52 Reasons to Love Saskatoon, which included reason number 52 highlighting Saskatoon as being the volunteer capital of Canada.  The article noted, politicians and other community boosters repeat the mantra like it's a law, but it’s true…a 2007 Statistics Canada study pegged Saskatchewan's volunteer rate as the highest in the country at 57 per cent, which means more than half the province's population over the age of 16 volunteered at least once in 365 days. In addition, a 2010 study by the Community University Institute for Social Research 62 per cent of found Saskatoon residents volunteered at least once in the previous three years.

A quick scan of the articles suggests that a full 30 of the 52 Reasons to Love Saskatoon involve voluntarism of some sort.  You can volunteer to serve on a board, do fundraising, read to a senior, support a sporting event, or take tickets at a cultural event …all of which support our community and will increase your chances of finding the right job.