The Role of Volunteers in Co-Producing ‘Whole-of-Society’ Solutions

Introduction

Co-production is a framework where everyone works together to achieve a common goal. In emergency management, this can involve volunteers assisting government agencies and non-profit organisations in disaster response and refugee resettlement efforts. The influx of volunteers to help resettle Syrian refugees presented a challenge for settlement agencies. There were simply too many volunteers for agencies to efficiently screen, train, and place them. This led to frustration among both volunteers and agency staff.

Summary

This article explores how Canada successfully resettled Syrian refugees in 2015 with the help of volunteers. It highlights the importance of co-production, which involves citizens, volunteers, and organisations working together to deliver public services.

Benefits for Volunteer Managers

The article emphasises the importance of building strong relationships between:

• Volunteers and the organisations they work for

• Volunteers and the people they are helping

• Organisations and the people they are serving

By focusing on these relationships, volunteer managers can ensure a successful co-production effort.