The following is a guest blog post written and researched by one of Volunteer Victoria’s volunteer writers, Kate Lautens. Kate is one of two Volunteer Victoria Media Copy Writers that have been with us for over a year. Enjoy! !
The Youth Volunteer Connections Program (YVCP), Volunteer Victoria’s program supporting young people 15-29 in finding meaningful and rewarding volunteer opportunities, recently added three new staff members, Vik Dhindsa, Ebony Logins and Amy Hartzenberg. Under the leadership of Leanna Hill, program coordinator of the YVCP and recent recipient of the Vancity youth award at the Victoria Leadership Awards, these three enthusiastic individuals will be reaching out to youth in the community in a variety of ways. They’ll be visiting local high schools to meet with youth looking for volunteer positions and helping them find the perfect fit. In addition, the extra staff will allow Volunteer Victoria to remain open until 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, providing further opportunities for youth to make use of our services. Let’s get to know the new YVCP team members!
Vik Dhindsa
Don’t expect to see Vik Dhindsa cooped up in the Volunteer Victoria office all day: he’ll also be at Victoria High School to help students who are excited and interested in volunteering. “I am very excited to help youth find volunteer positions that they truly value, and promoting the importance of the impact youth can have in our communities,” Vik says. His first few days on the job were quite seamless, he says, thanks to the welcoming and supportive team at Volunteer Victoria. “It is a great feeling knowing I have such a supportive group of wonderful individuals in my corner!”
While born inEdmonton, Vik considers himself to have been raised inVictoria. He completed a Bachelors of Science degree at UVic, majoring in biology. In addition to his new role at Volunteer Victoria, he is an Inclusion Facilitator at the Teen Community Connections Program, run out of Community Living Victoria. The program supports youth who have various developmental disabilities. He also helps run a volunteer organization at theUniversityofVictoriathat promotes the importance of youth engagement in their communities. “The combination of these two [jobs] really played a big role in my decision to apply for the job at Volunteer Victoria,” Vik says. “I have strong passion for working with youth, and truly believe volunteerism can be a key player in changing our communities for the better.”
Ebony Logins
As part of her role in the YVCT, Ebony Logins is looking forward to meeting youth in the community and helping them find an enjoyable volunteer position. “I will be going to high schools as a friendly face for youth to meet with and discuss volunteerism,” Ebony says. “Sometimes it can be hard finding an opportunity that is the right fit for your needs, and we are here to help make your experiences fun and rewarding,” she adds.
Originally from “the distantlandofSooke,” Ebony left to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management atVancouver IslandUniversity. “Some of my favourite courses dealt with leadership, volunteer management, youth engagement in community planning, and cultural issues,” she says. “Luckily, these topics have related to many aspects of my life, including my role with Volunteer Victoria.”
Before joining the YVCP, Ebony was an event coordinator, working on weddings and corporate events. While she still loves planning events, she says she’s on a mission to add passion to her life. “I love the non-profit sector because everyone loves what they do,” she says, “and it shows!” After finishing her degree, Ebony moved back to Sooke, where she spends a lot of time at Whiffen Spit with Monty, her dog.
Now, she says she’s very excited to be working with the YVCP, which she calls an amazing resource for youth inVictoria. “If you’re looking for hours, want to give back, need help finding placement, or want to try something new, I am more than happy to help in any way possible,” Amber says. “VolunteerVictoriais full of amazing people who are always willing to help and go the extra mile for you. This is the kind of environment I truly enjoy being a part of.”
Amy Hartzenberg
Amy Hartzenberg, who is working as a supporting member of the YVCP, first came to Volunteer Victoria as a practicum student, creating workshops for youth during spring break. “When an opportunity came up to become more involved and have the chance to work with youth beyond just my volunteer position, I jumped at the chance,” Amy says. Her role in the YVCP involves talking to youth about volunteering, then helping them find engaging volunteer positions, along with any other work that will help get youth inVictoria involved. “It’s really exciting to be part of a team with so much energy,” she says.
“I’m ready for anything,” Amy says of her new position. “I know that [with] youth going through transitions – such as becoming more involved in a community, whether at university or their local neighborhood – anything can happen. So I am trying to be prepared for the unexpected,” she says.
Originally from the Lower Mainland, Amy moved toVictoriato attend UVic. She’s almost finished a degree in economics and environmental studies, in the hopes that it will help her have a positive impact on the world, she says. “During my time inVictoria, my interest in change at the community level and appreciation for volunteer work has continued to grow. It’s no wonder I found my way to Volunteer Victoria!”
VolunteerVictoria is glad that all three of you did!