More doors are opening for students wanting to explore the immense career opportunities offered in the non-profit sector.
Luther College’s Voluntary Sector Studies Network (VSSN) now offers a certificate program, approved recently by the University of Regina Senate. The certificate, a partnership between Luther College and the U of R, will be available beginning in the fall of 2016. It’s the first certificate of its kind in Saskatchewan.
“This is incredibly exciting,” said Dr. Gloria DeSantis, who is the founder of VSSN and Assistant Professor in the Department of Justice Studies at the U of R.
“The certificate gives students a chance to explore this world that people don’t think about very much. The nonprofit sector is a substantial sector that is worthy of academic attention. Further, talented graduates can enter directly into these non-profit organizations and work for the betterment of our communities”
Students enrolled will learn explicitly about the voluntary/nonprofit sector and its many community-based careers. Areas covered include advocacy, governance, the business side of non-profits, professional ethics, communications, contemporary moral issues and much more in preparation for the real world of nonprofits.
In Saskatchewan the non-profit sector is active, with at least 8,000 registered charities and non-profits, the second highest number of voluntary organizations per capital in Canada.
Saskatchewan also boasts the highest volunteer rate in Canada.
“There are plenty of opportunities now for students to explore a variety of experiences. This sector is so broad — from heritage to arts/culture to environment to human services to sports/recreation organizations — that students can find whatever they want and thrive in it,” said DeSantis who points out many of the larger organizations now offer improved pay as well as benefit packages and pension plans.
The Volunteer Sector Studies Network was launched in October 2014 with funding from Luther College at the University of Regina and with further funding in May 2015 from the Community Initiatives Fund of Saskatchewan. The program has gathered momentum, achieving certificate status that will offer students not only career opportunities but a chance to make a difference in the world.
“When I worked in the sector, I got up every morning and could not wait to go to work,” said DeSantis. “In these organizations you can actually work on things that can change the world and have positive impacts. With this next generation of thoughtful, energetic students that are heading to the non-profit sector, we’re poised to do really well. The sector won’t be invisible for much longer.”
