Manitoba may be known for its volunteer spirit, but it doesn't come without challenges.

A workshop March 8 will look the issue of recruitment and retention of volunteers for arts and culture organizations in Morden.

This is the second is a series of three workshops developed for Morden's Chautauqua Spirit project.

Larry Danielson, who wrote the original Cultural Capitals proposal, initiated these workshops in response to a survey of local arts and culture organizations.

"These workshops are possible in 2008 with the funding we received, but we are also looking to build capacity for the future," says Danielson.

Many arts and culture organizations have too few volunteers and worry about overloading or burning out these committed individuals.

"We still have many healthy groups in Morden, but every group surveyed mentioned the need for volunteers and what to do when you lose an active member of the organization," he explains.

The aim of this workshop is to highlight the strategies and practice of successful volunteer programs.

Lois Dudgeon, manager of the Pembina Thresherman's Museum and Lavonne Kroeker with Manitoba Agriculture Food and Rural Initiatives in Altona will lead the volunteer workshop.

Tickets for the workshop is $15 per participant, however members of Chautauqua Spirit arts and culture organizations will be given a limited number of tickets without charge.