Fort Simpson (Oct 22/04) - Call it virtual volunteerism. Volunteer NWT launched its Web site when committee members met in Fort Simpson Oct. 15-17.

Committee chair Bill Graham said the Internet site -- www.volunteernwt.ca -- is apropos as the organization doesn't have any office space.

The committee is also preparing to release nine books on the topics of volunteer recruitment, support and recognition.

Formed in December 2003, Volunteer NWT has $70,000 in federal funding for projects in 2004-05.

Speaking at a dinner recognizing volunteers, Graham said volunteerism has to be "recognized by the Government of the Northwest Territories in a meaningful way."

Encouraging one's MLA to endorse volunteer initiatives brought before the government would be helpful, he said. A GNWT action plan to support the voluntary sector was prepared more than a year ago, but has yet to go before cabinet for approval, Graham pointed out.

He added volunteerism should play a more prominent role in schools, from elementary through post-secondary.

Earlier this year, the committee organized test workshops in Inuvik and Fort Resolution to promote, support and recruit Northerners looking to help out others. Further workshops are expected from November through February.

Co-ordinator Aggie Brockman said the organization is hoping for more invitations from NWT communities to host similar workshops. She said Volunteer NWT strives to represent people from various sectors.

"The more diverse the views we can have on the committee, the better we'll be able to meet people's needs," Brockman said. "We're really looking for people to contact us and tell us how we can do a better job over the next year.

Fort Smith's Bea Campbell, a committee member who is in her fifth year as president of the NWT Seniors Society, said she volunteers because she feels great knowing she's an advocate for her peers.

She said the territorial government provides a number of commendable breaks for seniors such as a fuel subsidy, housing and health benefits and property tax benefits. Her role, and the role of her society, is to ensure that the government doesn't reduce or eliminate that assistance.

"They do listen to us, you know," she said. "The NWT is the place to retire, really."

Susan Ross, programs co-ordinator for the Ingamo Hall Friendship Centre in Inuvik, said she has devoted some of her time to an on-the-land program and an elders' luncheon. A couple of holidays -- Aboriginal Day and Canada Day -- proved particularly rewarding over the past year, according to Ross. Feasts, parades and traditional events brought the community together, she said.

"Everybody helped out with the cooking (and) the fun games, and they were mingling with the elders," said Ross. "That really made me feel good."