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This week in Cobourg, during National Volunteer Week, young people are actively volunteering their time renovating a home for a client family of Habitat for Humanity. They might have chosen to spend their spare time in any number of leisure activities, but they chose to become volunteers.
It’s worth being reminded that community life is thriving in many small communities, and that Ontario’s voluntary sector is at the heart of that vibrancy.
Small towns in Ontario have always had special challenges. Shifting economies and demographics, youth out-migration, access to services – these all present undeniable challenges. But many small communities are rising to those challenges by engaging the community in creative ways.
We shouldn’t be surprised. At the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) we recently took a close look at six small towns in the province, to observe challenges and opportunities, and to discern where we might do a better job in supporting the important work of community groups. We found these small communities were indeed dealing with serious issues.
Many smaller towns, especially in the North, depend heavily on a single major employer. So if the main industry starts to decline, it spells disaster. But our study found that many small towns refuse to just shrivel up when their principal employers leave. They look ahead and work to create new industries to replace them.
Education and skill levels in many small communities are not keeping up with the needs of today’s new knowledge-based economy. That can close the door to economic development, and make small towns less attractive to potential employers.
Demographics are changing, too. Our study found that rural populations have a marked under-representation of youth aged 15 to 24, as young people elect to migrate to cities. On this trend, Dr. David Foot, noted demographer and author of Boom, Bust and Echo, has a refreshing observation.
“While young people are indeed leaving small-town Ontario for the bright lights of the big city, this is not a new trend,” says Foot. “It’s been going on for generations. Many of them will return. Communities would benefit by anticipating this, staying in touch, then getting them involved in community life when they come back in their thirties to raise families or later when they reach retirement age.”
Smaller towns also have more trouble getting access to resources and services than urban areas do. They have fewer sources of capital for infrastructure and fewer health care facilities. Public transportation is scarce or non-existent, and up-to-date technology, like high-speed Internet, often does not exist.
Yet, in spite of the limitations, our study observed remarkable stories of innovation, persistence and promise. While the themes of volunteer burnout, funding challenges and leadership retention are common, many community groups are attracting interest from young people, retirees and part-time residents through programs that are innovative and exciting.
In Cobourg, Habitat for Humanity Northumberland organized YBuild, which targets only young people as volunteers. Over 250 students answered a call on the Internet and came out from across Northumberland County – and Canada – to renovate a home for a family in need. They’re learning about carpentry, teamwork and co-operation, and will leave the project with an enormous sense of satisfaction and a spirit of goodwill.
In Kenora, OTF supported an upgrade of cross country ski trails that in turn has led to a growth in winter tourism. Volunteers from the Kenora Nordic Trails Association applied for the grant to improve conditions for local skiers. Little did they know that the investment would help diversify and strengthen the local economy.
A bit further south, an organization called Cottage Dreams Recovery in Haliburton is offering cancer survivors an opportunity to rest and recover. The OTF-supported volunteer program is expanding the project, touching over 100 people and involving more than 100 volunteers.
The people of Goderich formed the Menesetung Bridge Association, gathering together to rehabilitate a historic bridge that connects the town with a well-used walking trail. At the same time, they strengthened their civic pride and gave their community something that will last for generations to come.
The spirit of volunteerism is helping to sustain and enliven Ontario’s small towns. But as a society, we need to sustain Ontario’s volunteers. Communities can attract, engage and grow their numbers by finding new and meaningful ways to use their energy and motivation.
Small communities need the management skills of recent retirees who, as David Foot predicts, will move back. Many will gladly donate their leadership and administrative skills to not-for-profit organizations if they know they can make a difference. Young people are willing to become engaged when they’re involved in projects that teach valuable skills, provide social opportunities, and allow them to give back something of real value.
The trends point out that many small towns will continue to have challenges. But in challenges there are opportunities. Many of Ontario’s small towns are finding solutions that engage community volunteers in innovative and meaningful ways. And, they’re pointing the way for the rest of us in the process.
April 27 to May 3 is National Volunteer Week. We can find out what small towns know by taking a look at their vibrant volunteer networks, and by celebrating and supporting their vitally important work.
L. Robin Cardozo is Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario.
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