City to host five-part series on volunteering

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on October 24, 2025.

A free five-part workshop series aimed to inspire Hatters to become an active part of improving community well being by volunteering kicks off in November and registration is now open.

Teaming up with Volunteer Alberta, the city is hosting a free volunteerism learning series called “Rooted in Action – volunteerism learning series,” through a total of five in-person and virtual workshops, each covering a unique theme.

“Offers volunteer-utilizing organizations a chance to collaborate with others, to learn about strategies that are working well and to assist with problem solving,” reads a press release. “Whether residents run a club, school programs, non-profits or groups, these sessions are for you.”

According to the city, the five-part series focuses on key pillars part of the Medicine Hat’s Community Well-Being Plan, focused on improving social impact, civic engagement and volunteerism.

The series begins online Nov. 6 with a workshop titled “Volunteerism 101” which will run from 10:30 a.m. to noon via Microsoft Teams.

In December the series continues with its first in-person workshop title “Volunteer Screening,” which will be held in the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre on Dec. 8 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

These two workshops will explore common processes with the support for Volunteer Alberta facilitators.

In the New Year the series continues online with a Microsoft Teams webinar titled “Youth Engagement Matters” which will run Jan. 15, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

This workshop is linked to youth civic engagement and the organizations that facilitate that engagement.

In February the series continues with another in-person workshop titled “Mapping Youth Engagement Practices” which will be held at the Esplanade from 12:30-3:30 p.m.

This workshop will discuss general practices and success stories, while the following workshop will provide participants with opportunities to apply effective youth engagement strategies to recruit and retain younger volunteers.

The series wraps up in March with the final in-person workshop held at the Esplanade titled “Learning to Unlearn Volunteerism,” which runs March 3 from 9:30 am to noon.

“In a city like ours, volunteers don’t just help, they are the bridge between community vision and meaningful impact,” said Anabell Marroquin, community resource worker. “A strong volunteer base in Medicine Hat isn’t optional – it’s foundational. It empowers local organizations, groups and strengthens social connection.”

The series is hosted by the city and facilitated by Volunteer Alberta with funding provided from the Family and Community Support Services program.

“These sessions are intended to strengthen the community’s ability to be inclusive, effective and youth friendly,” said Graeme Dearden with Volunteer Alberta. “In the long term, we hope to remain an ally to the many inspiring initiatives and organizations rooted in Medicine Hat.”

Registration for all five sessions is now open, a link to the city’s tixx.ca registration page can be found on its website under the “News” tab.