National Volunteer Week at WIL

This week is National Volunteer Week, and we want to take a moment to truly celebrate the people who make everything we do possible.

To our volunteers across WIL, ELPP, Transforming Workplace Opportunities, our Board, Advisory Committees, Chapters across Canada, mentors, and youth volunteers, this is for you.

You are at the heart of this organization.

So much of what happens at WIL does not happen because of one person or one team. It happens because of a community of people who choose to show up, share their time, and support something bigger than themselves. That is exactly what our volunteers do every day.

From mentoring youth and supporting leadership development, to helping run programs and events, to contributing behind the scenes in ways that often go unseen, your work is felt across everything we do. You help bring ideas to life, you help keep programs running, and you help create spaces where people feel supported and included.

Through the Emerging Leaders Placement Project, our volunteers are also taking an important next step in their own leadership journeys. This year alone, we have placed 171 enthusiastic youth across Canada, who have collectively contributed 1,652 hours back to their communities. Behind each of those hours is a young person showing up, learning, building confidence, and making a real impact in their placement organizations.

That willingness to grow while giving back is something we value deeply.

Across WIL programming and chapters across the country, volunteers are helping create connection, learning, and opportunity for women and emerging leaders. Across every initiative, your contributions help turn vision into impact.

And the impact is real.

It shows up in a young person who feels more confident after a placement.

It shows up in a mentee who finally feels seen and supported.

It shows up in communities that are more connected because of the work you help us do.

Volunteering is often quiet work. It is not always visible, and it is rarely about recognition. But it is powerful. It is consistent. And it is what allows organizations like ours to grow, adapt, and keep showing up for the people we serve.

So this week, we just want to slow down and say thank you.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you for your energy.

Thank you for your care.

And thank you for being part of this community.

We are incredibly grateful for each and every one of you. WIL would not be WIL without you.

Happy National Volunteer Week 🩵

Founded in 2001, the Women in Leadership Foundation (WIL) advances women in leadership and empowers the next generation building diverse workplaces that inspire lasting change across Canada.

WIL is empowering women and youth through Mentorship Programs (Women’s Leadership, Indigenous Group Mentorship, Youth Mentorship & Leadership Development Series), Regional Events and Chapters across Canada and national events and retreats, connecting leaders across North America.

The Transforming Workplace Opportunities Initiative is part of WIL’s broader mission to advance women’s leadership and break barriers for BIPOC communities. We invite employers to become a Transforming Workplace Opportunities Advocate and sign the Transforming the Workplace Pledge. By signing the pledge, your organization commits to fostering an inclusive workplace, where all employees are valued and respected and have equal opportunities for recruitment, growth, and success.  

Be part of the change and sign the pledge today.