National Volunteer Week: Giving Time, Building Community

National Volunteer Week runs from April 19 to 25, 2026. It is a time to recognize the people who give their time to strengthen communities across Canada. From cultural organizations to social services, volunteers play a central role in keeping programs active and accessible. 

At the Canadian Pride Historical Society, volunteers support the work of preserving and sharing 2SLGBTQIA+ history in Canada. Through research, archiving and storytelling, they help ensure that these histories remain visible and accessible to the public. 

Benefits go both ways 

Volunteering is often framed as giving back, but it also offers clear personal benefits. Studies show that volunteering can build professional skills, expand networks and improve well-being. It offers hands-on experience in areas such as communications, research and event planning. 

For many, volunteering is also a way to connect with the community. It creates opportunities to meet people with shared interests and to take part in meaningful work. These connections can lead to mentorship and new career paths. 

At CPHS, volunteers often arrive with an interest in history or community work. Over time, they gain experience in archival practices, writing and public engagement. The work is collaborative and focused on documenting stories that might otherwise be overlooked. 

Learning through experience 

Volunteer contributions take many forms. Some support research projects that document milestones in 2SLGBTQIA+ history. Others help develop content for digital platforms or assist with community events. 

Volunteer spotlight features offer a closer look at these experiences. In one recent profile, a communications-focused volunteer described how their role helped strengthen writing skills while contributing to public understanding of queer history in Canada. The experience reflects a broader pattern. Volunteering is both practical and purposeful. 

Supporting the work of CPHS 

The Canadian Pride Historical Society is run entirely by volunteers, making volunteer contributions central to all of its work. The organization focuses its work on research, education and public storytelling. It documents the history of the Pride movement in Canada, preserving stories of events, communities and individuals that have shaped 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and visibility. 

This work takes many forms. Volunteers contribute to research projects that explore Pride events across the country. Others support oral history initiatives by helping record and organize interviews with people who have been part of the movement. These accounts add depth and personal perspective to the historical record. 

Education is another area of focus. CPHS develops resources used by educators, students and the public to better understand Pride history and its ongoing impact. The organization is also working to expand digital access through online content and virtual exhibits. 

Volunteers contribute across all of these areas. Research teams, writers, editors and outreach contributors all help move projects forward. The work is often project-based, allowing volunteers to apply existing skills while developing new ones. 

Looking ahead 

As interest in community-based history continues to grow, so does the need for people willing to take part in that work. Volunteering offers a way to contribute skills, learn something new and be part of a collective effort. 

At CPHS, opportunities include supporting research projects, writing and editing content, contributing to educational resources and helping share stories with a wider audience. These roles reflect the organization’s goal of making Pride history accessible and relevant across Canada. 

For those considering getting involved, National Volunteer Week is a good time to start. To learn more about current opportunities or apply, visit: https://cphs.ca/volunteer