TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: July 22, 2024 Report No. ADM-24-041
TO: Council
FROM: Vicki Gannon, Director of HR and Community Relations
SUBJECT: Community Volunteer Recognition
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council:
1. Approve the volunteer groups identified in Staff Report ADM-24-041 for invitation to the annual volunteer recognition event;
2. Direct Council Liaisons to formally recognize the community volunteer groups that they are appointed to annually on behalf of Mayor and Council; and,
3. Approve the changes to PER-07 Community Volunteer Attraction and Policy.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
During a Council meeting held on January 29, 2024, Council approved staff organizing an annual volunteer recruitment event, that staff continue to recognize volunteers within Emergency Management through both an informal summer and a formal winter event, and further that staff recognize other volunteer groups by holding an annual recognition event. What was not determined was who, in terms of volunteer groups, would be invited to the annual event.
BACKGROUND:
Since 2008, volunteers have been formally recognized by attending an annual event. Up until 2017, the volunteer groups invited were limited to those volunteers on Council Committees, and staff-led volunteer groups (Emergency Services and Archives). Over the years, more and more volunteer groups were invited, with 19 groups being invited in 2023.
ANALYSIS:
Since the invite list was expanded, and because there is currently no specific rationale as to who should be invited, some volunteer groups were unintentionally missed, leading to disappointment and perceived favoritism. Further, the attendee list grew significantly, resulting in the event moving from volunteers plus a guest being invited, to volunteers only. Costs have also increased substantially.
Volunteer groups and volunteers are now being recognized in a more fulsome manner. Volunteer groups are invited to partici...
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