LEARN together
Training Ottawa's Not-For-Profits
Volunteer Ottawa offers over 40 unique, practical workshops designed specifically for the sector, and they are free for learners from VO member organizations.
Continuing professional development is essential for individuals working in not-for-profits. Every year, Volunteer Ottawa trains hundreds of staff and volunteers on topics like creating and running successful volunteer programs, developing more diverse and effective Boards of Directors, or increasing capacity in their everyday operations. Our training provides an environment to acquire new skills, network and learn best practices specific to the sector.
Join one of our upcoming workshops or contact us to have a workshop designed specifically for your organization.

Learn, Gather, Recover Together
Volunteer Ottawa is committed to building capacity within the local not-for-profit sector. As part of our new Learn, Gather, Recover Together initiative, we are now offering all of our workshops at no cost for Volunteer Ottawa members.
How do I register for a workshop at no cost?
We’re excited to offer free workshop attendance to learners from our member organizations! Register early: each workshop will have limited seats to maximize learning outcomes and interactivity. Open spots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
To register for an upcoming workshop:
- Consult the calendar of upcoming workshops and select the ones that you or your team members would like to enroll in.
- Email [email protected] and include: your workshop selection(s) and the full name, position/title, and e-mail address of proposed participants.
- Participants will receive an email confirming their registration within 24 hours of their request.
Become a member or renew your membership to access this and many other benefits.
How do I know if my organization is a member?
Not sure if your organization is a current member?
You can search our member directory here: Search Member Directory
Not a member yet?
Read about our benefits and see if registering is right for your organization.
As part of Learn, Gather, Recover Together, VO is offering free membership for organizations with annual revenues under $75,000 for the remainder of the 2022–2023 membership year. This includes full access to all VO membership benefits, including no-cost workshop access. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
My organization is not a member, can I still attend a workshop?
Yes! Volunteer Ottawa workshops are open to non-members for the usual $145 registration fee. Browse our workshops and register here: Upcoming Workshops
Interested in becoming a member?
Read about our benefits and see if registering is right for your organization.
As part of Learn, Gather, Recover Together, VO is offering free membership for organizations with annual revenues under $75,000 for the remainder of the 2022–2023 membership year. This includes full access to all VO membership benefits, including no-cost workshop access. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
Working with the Media
Orientation and Training – Preparing Volunteers for Success
Board volunteering series: Why join a board of directors?
Learn Together 2023:
Spring Learning Path for Leaders of Volunteers
This Spring, Volunteer Ottawa will offer a new learning path following on the success of our Fall learning path.
The new Path is aimed at supporting people who lead volunteers in their role, and will include workshops and community-of-practice meetings. Through this series of learning opportunities, Volunteer Ottawa — in partnership with members of Ottawa Leaders of Volunteers — will help strengthen the local not-for-profit sector and help organizations to welcome volunteers with excellence.
To learn more about the Leaders of Volunteers Learning Path, please register here to attend our info-session on Wednesday, January 18 at 12pm.
Learning Path workshops meet on Thursdays from 9:30 am until 11:30, unless otherwise noted.
See the calendar below for a first look at the Path.
February 2 Launch Webinar: Sharing Power with Volunteers, with Tanya Hannah Rumble
February 9 Workshop 1: Volunteer Recruitment: Welcoming People to Your Community
February 23 Workshop 2: Volunteer Screening: Fostering Community Accountability
March 9 Community-of-Practice Meeting 1
March 23 Workshop 3: Volunteer Orientation and Training: Preparing Volunteers for Success (afternoon session)
April 13 Workshop 4: Volunteer Monitoring and Supervision: Supporting Volunteers for Success
April 27 Community-of-Practice Meeting 2
May 11 Workshop 5: Leading Volunteers with Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Shared Perspectives, Transforming Community
May 25 Workshop 6: Technical Resources for Volunteer Management (afternoon session)
June 8 Workshop 7: Discipline and Dismissal: Leading with Care in our Communities
June 15 Workshop 8: Recognition and Retention: Celebrating and Cementing Community
June 22 Community-of-Practice Meeting 3
Registration to the Leaders of Volunteers Learning Path is reserved for member organizations and their staff, and can be accessed through your Volunteer Ottawa account. Log in and register by clicking on the Leaders of Volunteers Learning Path item under upcoming workshops. Make sure to check all the boxes prompted by the website before checkout.
For more information, email us: [email protected]
Customized Workshops
Let VO create a workshop customized to your learning needs.
Volunteer Ottawa offers workshops customized for your organization and budget. Whether it is training for Board members, management or staff, we will meet with you to determine your needs.
Customized learning experiences can be offered on any subject required, including, but not limited to, the following topics:
- Not-for-profit governance – Board training
- Strategic Planning
- Volunteer Management

Faculty of Instructors
Our Faculty of Instructors include over 25 highly regarded professionals who are leaders in their field and dedicated to giving back to the community through volunteering their time and expertise.