Yellowknife (Mar 29/04) - Bill Graham, the chair of Volunteer NWT, wants all volunteers to have positive experiences.

"If people are happy at what they're doing, they may do a little more of it," Graham said.

And he would also like to see all volunteers placed in roles that fit their skills.

"Some people get slotted into inappropriate jobs they're not suited to handle," he explained, using the example of an introvert asked to be a greeter at an event.

Enhancing the volunteer experience is one of the main goals of Volunteer NWT, a new organization formed late last year.

Volunteers themselves have various ideas for improving the experience.

Fort Smith's Dixie Penner -- the NWT's Volunteer of the Year in 2002 -- says organizations should be mindful of what they ask people to do.

"When I was president of the animal shelter, I was very careful what tasks I would give volunteers and that they could handle them emotionally," she said, noting some people were simply not able to euthanize an animal.

When she co-ordinated the South Slave Friendship Festival, Penner said she would ask volunteers what they wanted to do to help out.

She said it is also important not to overwork volunteers.

"If you are good, people rely on you more and more," she cautioned.

Organizations should publicly thank volunteers for their efforts, Penner added.

"It makes you think your work is being appreciated."

More funding

In Fort Resolution, Arthur Sanderson volunteers in many ways, from running the arena's Zamboni to serving as fire chief.

Sanderson said he is not sure if government or any organization can do much to ensure a positive volunteer experience.

However, he suggested that more recognition for volunteers would help.

And he believes more government funding for community projects would help attract volunteers.

"Maybe then more people would get involved," said Sanderson.

Sanderson said he gets personal satisfaction from volunteering and helping the community, especially young people.

Setting a good example

Shirley Lamalice recently completed a major volunteer role -- co-ordinating the annual K'amba Carnival on the Hay River Reserve.

Lamalice says volunteering could be promoted as an opportunity for adults to set a good example for the younger generation.

"I think the more they volunteer, the more they make the community look good," she said. "It's a good role model for the community. It's really good for the young people to see that."

Personally, she said volunteering runs in her family. She recalls that, when she was younger, people would gather at her grandfather's home in the Old Village.

Lamalice still enjoys social gatherings. "You always hear a lot of laughter. I like that."

Volunteer camaraderie

Sharon Brunes and Carolyn McMeekin have been volunteering at The Thrift Shop in Hay River for several years.

Brunes said she enjoys volunteering because it makes her feel good to help people.

McMeekin adds she enjoys the camaraderie between the women at The Thrift Shop.

"It's visiting time. It's not just work," she said.

While both women recognize the importance of volunteering, they still have concerns.

Brunes noted that, if organizations like schools depend too much on volunteers, they don't get the financial support they need from government.

McMeekin also believes more older people could benefit from volunteering.

"I think it's therapeutic for them," she said.

However, she added, many seniors are shy and doubt their services would be valued. Or they don't drive and have difficulty getting around.

"If they stay home, they lose confidence," she said.

Volunteerism important

Graham says volunteerism plays an important role in society.

"Given our position in the NWT where we lack, for a variety of reasons, services in communities and other resources, government has transferred some things to the volunteer sector," he said, listing such things as cultural heritage, sports programs, and arts and music festivals.

Graham said many people believe the per capita level of volunteerism in the NWT is above the national average but there are no statistics to prove it.