Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Northerners have strong traditions of sharing and giving to others. These virtues are often expressed through volunteerism. Volunteering ranges from individual acts, like sharing food, to participating in community organizations and membership on volunteer boards. Active every day in our communities, volunteers not only help to build healthy and safe communities but promote personal well-being and enjoyment. The more people volunteer, the healthier NWT communities are likely to be.
Our many volunteer organizations make a major difference to the quality of life in the North, Mr. Speaker. By providing opportunities for volunteer service, they support northern people who are developing or enhancing their careers through volunteer activities. These activities are the perfect opportunity to develop the kinds of skills important to being contributing members of a community.
Mr. Speaker, the Departments of Education, Culture and Employment and Municipal and Community Affairs have worked together to produce two handbooks to assist and support volunteers, volunteer organizations and employers, which, through their work with volunteers, are supporting positive growth in Northwest Territories' communities. Looking In/Reaching Out is a practical guide for people who choose to volunteer and are developing their careers while providing service to their community. The second handbook, Looking In/Giving Back, provides help to volunteer organizations and employers in the recruitment, selection and ongoing support of volunteers.
Mr. Speaker, many non-government and community organizations rely on volunteers to help them realize their goals. Enthusiasm and time are the only real prerequisites of volunteering. However, the quality of the volunteer experience will be enhanced by the information in these two documents. The positive feelings that volunteering evokes will be increased when volunteers have been properly oriented and trained. Looking In/Giving Back will help to guide community organizations and employers in a way that maximizes the benefits of volunteerism for everyone.
Looking In/Reaching Out aims to encourage people to consider volunteering as a way to develop skills for work and personal success. Working as a volunteer provides an avenue through which individuals can express their care, concern and willingness to help. The helpful hints contained in this publication will help to ensure that your volunteer efforts will leave you with a good feeling for a job well done.
Mr. Speaker, volunteers provide services, solve problems, create new ways of doing things and start many activities that improve our lives. They deserve our support. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause