Leading by example

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This article was published 30/06/2023 (1011 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If you know of youth looking for volunteer experience, look no further than the Winnipeg Community Drive and Cleanup series and its youth leader, Shiven Srivastava.

Volunteer work is an engaging and dynamic way to get experience, doubly so for young people with limited work experience. It is also a healthy way to make connections and help the community. Employers see volunteer experience on a candidate’s resume and acknowledge the significance of the leadership, proactivity and dependability it represents. There are many places to volunteer, but today I would like to celebrate the success of a youth-founded and youth-led opportunity being held here.

Winnipeg has witnessed a remarkable initiative led by a group of young people who are spending their summer volunteering for the self-constructed Winnipeg Community Drive and Cleanup Series. Now in its third consecutive year, this initiative aims to make a positive impact on the community. Through their efforts, these dedicated young volunteers have not only supported numerous charitable organizations, but have also fostered leadership skills among themselves.

The initiative was supported by a #RisingYouth Grant in 2022. #Rising Youth was dedicated to ensuring that young people’s ideas flourish and enabling grassroots movements to grow and inspire youth with ideas for change. It funded activities that develop the next generation to ensure healthy leaders and strong community ties. The funds come from the Government of Canada under the Canada Service Corps Initiative.

The Winnipeg Community Drive and Cleanup Series targets two neighbourhoods each month. The participants put up posters in a community in our city encouraging people to organize donation items for pick up. They then visit residents to pick up donations. On alternate weeks, the volunteer participants gather as a team to pick up litter in another area of the city.

The Winnipeg Community Drive and Cleanup Series was first launched in August 2021 and has steadily grown in participation and impact since then. The second season, which ran from April 2022 to September 2022, further solidified the initiative’s presence. On June 3, 2023, the third season was officially inaugurated, marking another milestone for the project.

With a volunteer group now exceeding 80 members and consistent monthly attendance of 15 to 20 volunteers, this series has gained momentum as a respected community initiative. The next community drive is taking place in early July.

The brainchild behind the initiative, Shiven Srivastava, recognized the lack of volunteer opportunities for young people during the pandemic. Witnessing the disproportionate economic impacts of COVID-19 on underserved members of the Winnipeg community, Srivastava took action. He decided to create an opportunity for himself and other youth to safely give back while developing their leadership skills. Srivastava aims to inspire other young people to seize opportunities instead of waiting for them to arise.

Throughout its existence, the Winnipeg Community Drive and Cleanup Series has made significant contributions to local organizations. Siloam Mission, Harvest Manitoba, the West Central Women’s Resource Centre, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg are among the beneficiaries of this initiative. The series typically visits between 300 and 500 homes during their community drives, collecting hundreds of donated items.

The commitment of these young volunteers has not gone unnoticed, with organizations such as Harvest Manitoba expressing their gratitude for the partnership and the positive impact it has had on individuals and families struggling with food insecurity.

In addition to its philanthropic endeavours, the Winnipeg Community Drive and Cleanup Series places a strong emphasis on leadership development.

A current leader, Sebastian Nebre, expressed honour at being part of the initiative, highlighting the opportunity to participate in community service as a role model. The initiative has fostered multiple leaders over the years and is currently onboarding three more individuals who have extensive experience volunteering for the series. By empowering young leaders, the initiative is fostering a generation of proactive and socially conscious young people.

While the Winnipeg Community Drive and Cleanup Series has undoubtedly made a positive impact on local organizations, its ultimate goal extends beyond Winnipeg’s borders. The initiative aspires to create a replicable framework that can be implemented elsewhere in Canada and even globally. By inspiring young people to take charge of their communities and instilling a sense of responsibility, the founder hopes to encourage similar grassroots movements around the world.

The Winnipeg Community Drive and Cleanup Series stands as a testament to the power of youth leadership and service. With its self-constructed monthly donation drives and litter cleanups, the initiative has not only provided support to numerous charitable organizations but has also empowered young individuals to become proactive leaders.

Through their efforts, these dedicated volunteers have made a tangible impact on their community. As this inspiring series continues to evolve, it is poised to leave a lasting legacy in Winnipeg and beyond.

I am happy to see our youth playing such a crucial role in society by contributing to the betterment of communities and fostering personal growth. Engaging in volunteer activities provides an opportunity for young people to develop essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, empathy and problem-solving.

By actively participating in volunteer work, young individuals gain a deeper understanding of social issues, become more compassionate towards others and develop a sense of responsibility and civic duty.

Moreover, youth volunteering helps bridge generational gaps and promotes intergenerational understanding and co-operation. It allows young people to have a voice and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future for their communities. Ultimately, youth volunteering is not only important for the positive impact it creates in society but also for the transformative effect it has on the lives of the young volunteers themselves, equipping them with lifelong skills and a sense of purpose.

If you would like more information about the Winnipeg Community Drive and Cleanup Series, please contact Shiven Srivastava at shiven428@gmail.com.

Tory McNally, CPHR, BSc., vice-president, HR Consulting, is a human resource professional, radio personality, speaker and problem solver. She can be reached at tory@legacybowes.com.