The VBM expresses its support for the community sector movement and firmly reiterates that the VBM and its member organizations are part of a vital social fabric, at the heart of solidarity and the response to the growing needs of the population. Every day, our organizations support, accompany, advocate for, and bring together thousands of people, often where other social safety nets are weakening.

Yet this essential role is now under immense pressure due to a nearly widespread lack of funding. As needs continue to grow, resources remain insufficient. This strain has a direct impact on organizations’ ability to carry out their missions in a sustainable, humane, and meaningful way.

At the VBM, we are seeing in particular that reliance on volunteerism is sometimes becoming an economically driven choice for some organizations, when it should instead be a deliberate option, or at least part of a thoughtful balance supported by the right conditions for engagement. At the same time, we are observing that some segments of the population are less and less inclined, or less and less able, to volunteer because of very real economic pressures. Precarity limits people’s availability, energy, and capacity to get involved, even when the desire to help is there.

Meanwhile, needs are increasing dramatically both within organizations and in the communities they support. For exemple, more and more people are living with food insecurity, are at risk of or experiencing homelessness, or are facing growing mental health challenges. And this reality also affects volunteers themselves, who may be experiencing these same hardships while generously giving their time to support others.

Added to this pressure is another unavoidable reality: expectations around impact, accountability, and employer responsibilities continue to grow. Organizations must cope with increasing demands while maintaining the quality, continuity, and reach of their work. To stay the course, they need talent, skills, and expertise. This also means they must be able to offer competitive working conditions in order to attract and retain staff. In the same way, they need greater support from skilled volunteers who can assist organizations in strategic, administrative, professional, and governance roles.

Supporting the community sector is not about granting a privilege; it is about protecting a fundamental pillar of our society. The VBM therefore reaffirms the need for increased, stable, and sustainable support so that its member organizations can fully carry out their essential missions, in a manner that respects their autonomy, expertise, and the dignity of the people they serve. Investing in the community sector means investing directly in the strength, solidarity, and cohesion of our communities.

For more details on this mouvment: Accueil | Le communautaire à boutte!