International Volunteer Day: The Benefits of Volunteering with CPRS Toronto
By Anmol Harjani
Volunteering with CPRS Toronto is more than giving time—it’s an opportunity to grow professionally while contributing to the community. For students and early career professionals, it provides hands-on experience that goes far beyond classroom learning or entry-level work. Volunteers take on real responsibilities, contribute to meaningful projects, and build skills that are highly valued in the communications field.
Developing Skills Through Real Projects
By volunteering, practitioners can strengthen their expertise in event management, content creation, and communications strategy. They also enhance soft skills such as leadership, collaboration, and public speaking. The projects volunteers take on—from webinars to mentorship programs—offer a practical environment to learn, experiment, and see the results of their efforts, creating a foundation for long-term professional growth.
Building Networks That Matter
Volunteering opens doors to a diverse network of professionals. Committees bring together practitioners across sectors and experience levels, providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for collaboration. These relationships often become invaluable, offering insights, career advice, and sometimes future opportunities. Networking through volunteer work can have a lasting impact on your career trajectory.
Creating Community Impact
The work of CPRS Toronto volunteers benefits the broader communications community. Every webinar hosted, mentorship session facilitated, or event coordinated strengthens the profession. Volunteers help support students, newcomers, and peers, contributing to a thriving network of knowledge and collaboration across Toronto. Their efforts have a ripple effect, amplifying the reach and value of CPRS programs.
Making Volunteering Work for You
Volunteering is most rewarding when approached intentionally. Setting clear goals, documenting outcomes, and seeking feedback ensures that the experience translates into tangible professional development. The time and energy volunteers invest are reciprocated with mentorship, visibility, and a deeper understanding of the profession.
Celebrating Our Volunteer
International Volunteer Day is an opportunity to recognize and thank those who make CPRS Toronto stronger. Through their dedication, volunteers build skills, expand networks, and create opportunities for the next generation of PR professionals. Volunteering is a chance to make a meaningful difference for yourself and the community at the same time.
Anmol Harjani is a Client Servicing Manager working with a remote company and a recent graduate of York University’s Public Relations and Communications program. She is especially interested in strategic communications, social media behaviour and how PR practitioners adapt within a rapidly evolving digital landscape.