Please click the links below to read the answers to some frequently asked questions regarding Vantage Point.

Why a new name?
Why Vantage Point?
Are you shifting the direction of the organization?
Will this affect my membership benefits?
What's changing?
What are the main goals of the new name?
How was the community consulted?
Who should I contact if I have any other questions about this change?

Why a new name?

For the last 67 years, Volunteer Vancouver has played an important role in strengthening volunteerism and the Lower Mainland not-for-profit sector. 

Canadian society and volunteerism have significantly evolved since Volunteer Vancouver’s inception; and at increasing speed during recent years.  Not-for-profit organizations across the country are increasingly challenged by immense shifts, particularly in the areas of technology, demographics and workplace activity.  As a result, the opportunity to build strong organizations through a “people-first” philosophy has never been greater – or more crucial to communities across the nation.

We are immensely proud of Volunteer Vancouver’s reputation in the community, and very pleased to have been able to work with many community organizations over the years.  Today, we are excited to add the name Vantage Point to our brand.  We believe Vantage Point reflects our current point of view and focus on organizations – as well as our innovative, dynamic nature.

The world is changing.  We have made this change in order to better align public perception of our organization with our current mission, programs and services; thereby increasing our capacity to deliver our mission:  we inspire and build leadership in the voluntary sector. 

Why Vantage Point?

Since 1943, we have been uniquely positioned between two critically important groups:  people wanting to contribute their time and talent to community, and not-for-profit organizations seeking ways to more effectively deliver their missions.   For over 67 years, this location has been our Vantage Point. 

The name Vantage Point also holds other meanings within our organization.   You may already know that since 1998, it has been the name of our issue-based newsletter.   Like many things at our organization, that newsletter has evolved over time – from the original print version, to an e-format, and more recently, we have also recently developed a blog with this name.   

Vantage Point is a new way of looking at how organizations work with people to deliver their missions. 

Are you shifting the direction of the organization?

No.  Our mission remains the same; we inspire and build leadership in the voluntary sector.  Our vision for society remains the same; we envision a future where every community organization mindfully engages passionate citizens.  We will continue to offer the same products, services, programs and membership benefits.   We are simply aligning a new name with the direction of the organization.

Will this affect my membership benefits?

It won’t.  We are not planning any changes to our current membership benefits.

What’s changing?

Existing members will see very little change.  We will continue to offer the great programs and services that you currently enjoy, and your membership benefits will not change.   

What are the main goals of the new name?

• Raising awareness and understanding of the range of educational programs and services we offer to community leaders – including Executive Directors and members of Boards of Directors.
• Updating our image with a name that reflects our focus on inviting organizations to see a new way to achieve their missions through meaningful engagement with people.
• Engaging a wider audience across Canada, and increasing opportunities to collaborate with businesses and not-for-profit organizations – a group that has a focus on people-first.

 How was the community consulted?

We conducted a thorough consultation with some of our key stakeholders, including members, volunteers, and provincial and national groups.  We invited and received over 100+ new name suggestions, which were reviewed and shortened to 5 possible options by a volunteer selection team. 

Our staff and board team made the final selection.  We believe that this name best reflects our work and continuing dedication to innovation in the voluntary sector.

Who should I contact if I have any other questions about the new name?

Lynda Gerty, Marketing and Communications Manager, at 604.637.8293.