New Brunswick needs empathy in action now more than ever

Megan Conway and Annette Vautour

The last two years have generated a wave of empathy in action – a surge of public interest in volunteerism and grassroots activities. Canadians continuously stepped up to support each other in a variety of creative ways. From celebrating frontline workers, helping neighbours, and not hesitating to act in emergencies, we expressed our empathy through volunteering. During National Volunteer Week (April 24-30), we celebrate and encourage the contributions of New Brunswick’s hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours – their actions, understanding, and genuine concern for the world around them.Now, as the country imagines its social recovery from the pandemic, the profound human connection created through empathy is at the heart of healing, creating more resilient individuals and stronger communities. Empathy improves our lives, the lives of our children, and the lives of those we support. Canada needs empathy in action, now more than ever. Now, as the country imagines its social recovery from the pandemic, the profound human connection created through empathy is at the heart of healing, creating more resilient individuals and stronger communities. Empathy improves our lives, the lives of our children, and the lives of those we support. Canada needs empathy in action, now more than ever.

Empathy is the vital emotion that helps people relate to others. While we can never walk directly in someone else’s shoes, we can try to understand, relate, and walk alongside each other. By volunteering, we help develop empathy by building our awareness around different experiences. It connects people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences in formal and informal settings, creating opportunities to address challenges together. It helps us understand the world around us, and often ourselves, with greater depth. Building this capacity to work collectively and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive society is how we will build back better.

Prior to the pandemic, four in five Canadians engaged in some form of volunteerism – as mentors, coaches, organizers, supporters, community builders, fundraisers, board members, caregivers, and good neighbours. During the pandemic, recruiting formal volunteers amongst so much uncertainty has been a challenge. As well, the increase in requests for virtual volunteer opportunities without the corresponding capacity for non-profits to provide them has placed significant operational strain on the voluntary sector. While essential services volunteering is still the top choice for people wanting to help in their community, trends like the rising cost of fuel are further impacting volunteers’ ability to contribute in-person.