Gift of Communications – Ottawa | Wednesday, October 28 | 3–6 p.m.
Nonprofits do vital work in our community, but many can’t afford dedicated communications support, even though strong storytelling, media relations, and internal comms can multiply their impact.
IABC Ottawa’s Gift of Communications is a pro‑bono consulting day that pairs local nonprofits with experienced communications professionals for focused, practical guidance on their most pressing challenges.
We’re looking for volunteer comms pros (in‑house, agency, freelance, consultants) to donate 3 hours on Wednesday, October 28, from 3–6 p.m. in Ottawa.
What you’ll do
Join a small working group with 2–3 other comms professionals and a nonprofit team
Listen to their key communications challenges and goals
Offer strategic advice, quick wins, and a simple action plan they can implement right away
Share insights with the larger group at the end of the session
Typical focus areas include: messaging and positioning, media relations, internal communications, social/content strategy, stakeholder engagement, and measurement basics.
Who should volunteer
Mid‑level to senior communicators with 5+ years of experience in areas such as:
Strategic communications/PR/media relations
Internal communications/employee engagement
Brand, content, social, or digital communications
Executive communications/thought leadership
Consultants and agency professionals who enjoy pro‑bono work
Emerging professionals (with less than 5 years of experience). You will be paired with a senior practitioner, to serve as a learning experience.
Why participate
Put your expertise to work for local nonprofits that truly need it
Expand your network with fellow Ottawa communications leaders
Practice high‑impact, advisory‑style consulting in a low‑pressure setting
Demonstrate the value of strategic communications in the community
Event details
Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 3:00–6:00 p.m. (please arrive by 2:45 p.m. for a brief orientation)
Location: Vision2Voice Communications Inc. 430 Hazeldean Road, Unit 6, Ottawa
Commitment: One afternoon. Prep materials will be shared in advance
How to volunteer
If you’re interested in volunteering your time, please:
Click here to register: https://forms.gle/fLY7FKHTK7N6nxAy9
Include a short note about your areas of specialty and any nonprofit sectors you’re especially interested in supporting
Spaces for volunteers are limited so we can keep groups small and impactful. Please register by Friday, October 9, 2026.
Need support asking for time off? Please see a draft email here which you can adapt for your manager/organization.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Christine Guay at guay.christine@gmail.com or reach out via boardofdirectors@ottawa.iabc.com
Help us give Ottawa nonprofits the gift of strategic communications.