For Immediate Release

January 29, 2001

Technical Volunteer Web to Support Non-Profits, Volunteers

(Vancouver, BC) – The Technical Volunteer Web will connect technical volunteers and students with non-profit groups under a new collaboration between the Vancouver Community Network (VCN), Vancouver Community College and Volunteer Vancouver. The BC Ministry of Community Development, Co-operatives and Volunteers InVolveBC program funding was presented today by Vancouver-Burrard MLA Tim Stevenson.

VCN Co-ordinator of Volunteer Services Carolyn Nantais said the Technical Volunteer Web will develop a set of practices for connecting technical volunteers in non-profit organizations with a larger technical resource network that can provide additional recruitment, training and support to complement non-profit organizations’ volunteer programs.

“Many small to medium sized non-profit organizations depend on volunteer support to build and maintain their information and communication technology (ICT) capacity,” said Nantais. “These groups often develop technical volunteer programs in isolation from larger technical support networks and their volunteers lack support in developing their skills with reference to the bigger picture of ICT developments.”

The project will develop an intake, training and deployment process for 60 volunteers to serve 10 non-profit organizations over the next year, with on-line tools providing complementary support and long-term sustainability. The Technical Volunteer Web will build on the existing resources of the partner agencies including the successful training programs of Vancouver Community College and the networked knowledge and intake structures of Volunteer Vancouver. The web will be expanded to include other volunteer centres, educational institutions and non-profit groups through the development of transferable successes of the project and an online volunteer matching site.

In operation since 1993, the Vancouver Community Network provides access to the Internet for 700 non-profit groups and around 7000 individuals in the lower mainland of BC. It currently provides volunteer opportunities for supporting these users and groups through technical support and training.

For information, contact:

Peter Royce, Project Manager, VCN Co-ordinator

Carolyn Nantais, VCN Co-ordinator of Volunteer Services

(604) 408-9483 Email: [email protected]

Technical Volunteer Web details at: http://www.vcn.bc.ca/vcn/involve