At Volunteer Ottawa, the organization’s work goes beyond connecting volunteers with good causes. It helps local non-profits build their capacity and strengthen the region’s social and economic backbone. Today’s non-profit business leaders face real talent challenges, whether that’s helping early-career workers build practical skills or adapting to changing workplace expectations. Meeting these challenges starts with investing in our community’s civic foundations early on.
That’s why Volunteer Ottawa teamed up with former Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty, with support from the Rideau Hall Foundation, to launch the Ottawa Youth Service Year (OYSY) – a first-of-its-kind gap-year pilot program in Canada. McGuinty shared his support in an open letter, which is quoted throughout.
“I believe that any society that fails to call upon the energy, idealism, goodwill and creativity of its youth does itself a terrible disservice. That’s why Volunteer Ottawa and I created the Ottawa Youth Service Year (OYSY) – a first-of-its-kind gap year program being launched right here in our community.”
A made-in-Ottawa infrastructure strategy
OYSY was designed to help young people turn their potential into real, hands-on community impact. As the lead organization, Volunteer Ottawa handles recruitment, pairs youth with local non-profits, offers ongoing professional training and ensures the program runs smoothly.
“Canadian youth are facing a world that feels hostile to their future. They’re confronted by a housing crisis, the high cost of living and stubbornly high youth unemployment. There is a growing, quiet understanding that there is a risk if we devote all our energies to the crises of our times… we lose sight of the people standing right in front of us.”
Workforce readiness and corporate alignment
To help fellows build practical leadership skills, Volunteer Ottawa works with more than 30 institutional partners, including the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, Algonquin College, La Cité and local school boards. The program covers topics like municipal governance, entrepreneurship and workplace innovation, featuring orientation sessions led by VO board Chair Dr. Maryam Haghighi – director of intelligent systems and innovation at the Bank of Canada, who was recently named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by WXN – on adapting to AI in the workplace.
After completing the eight-month program, fellows receive an education award equivalent to one year of post-secondary tuition, giving them a clear leg up as they transition into higher education and the local workforce.
“It’s usual to speak about young people as the leaders of tomorrow. But let’s also recognize they are citizens today. OYSY is hardly the only answer to today’s pressures confronting youth, but it’s a step in the right direction.”
Read the full letter on the Volunteer Ottawa site.
Join us for a celebration of Ottawa volunteers
In addition to building future leaders through youth programming, Volunteer Ottawa celebrates local community impact through its annual VOscars Volunteer Awards. Emceed by Sam Laprade alongside Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, the gala features catering by Tulips and Maple and honours leaders like 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient chef Joe Thottungal. Reserve your spot at the VOscars ticketing page.
To learn more about partnering with Volunteer Ottawa or supporting the Ottawa Youth Service Year, visit volunteerottawa.ca.
