Universally, people recognise the contribution of volunteers – in sport, health, emergency services, faith communities and the environmental lobby …in fact volunteers are involved in just about every aspect of service delivery in all walks of life. However, volunteering does not succeed in a vacuum.Behind this army of volunteers lies an equally dedicated group of individuals and agencies who are reponsible for the coordination, support, training, administration and recruitment of the world’s volunteers – skilled professionals who are adept at taking singular passion and turning it into effective action. That is why we celebrate International Volunteer Manager Appreciation Day every year on November 1.
It is important to let those professionals know that the spirit of volunteerism is enhanced and enabled by them, and to thank them. We urge you to mark your calendar and, whether you are an administrator, a volunteer, a community leader or someone who receives the benefit of volunteer help, to make sure the people who act as leaders and catalysts get the recognition they deserve! Recognition for those who lead your volunteers While the spotlight is often pointed towards the amazing achievements of volunteers around the world, the efforts of those who work so tirelessly in the background – to capably lead and equip volunteers – is all too often overlooked International Volunteer Managers Day (IVMDay) whic is to be celebrated on November 5, is the ideal opportunity to acknowledge and recognise the important work undertaken by those who lead volunteer effort and create environments in which volunteers and volunteering can flourish.
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Celebrated for the first time twelve years ago in 1999, IVMDay has grown to be a truly international celebration and acknowledgement of the profession of volunteer management IVMDay is supported by key volunteer support agencies from 16 countries around the world including Volunteering England, Volunteering Canada, Volunteering New Zealand and the International Association for Volunteer Effort.
A Short history of IVM Day
International Volunteer Manager Day (IVM Day) was founded and observed for the first time in 1999. It was developed in order to bring recognition to individual managers of volunteer resources and to promote a greater awareness of the catalytic role that VPM’s play in the mobilisation and support of the world’s volunteers.
Over the years the day has grown to now receive support by volunteer involving agencies – both large and small – from right around the world. Up until 2005, IVMA Day shared its day of celebration with International Volunteers Day on December 5. However, in 2006, IVM Day moved to a stand alone date and was celebrated for the first time on November 1 2006 also saw the formation of a new ‘International Supporters Group’. This specially invited collection of invited key leaders and groups from around the world are helping to spread the word about IVMADay internationally Universally, people recognise the contribution of volunteers – in sport, health, emergency services, faith communities and the environmental lobby on December 5, which in UN International Volunteer Day. In fact volunteers are involved in just about every aspect of service delivery in all walks of life. However, volunteering does not succeed in a vacuum.
Behind this army of volunteers lies an equally dedicated group of individuals and agencies who are reponsible for the coordination, support, training, administration and recruitment of the world’s volunteers – skilled professionals who are adept at taking singular passion and turning it into effective action.That is why we celebrate International Volunteer Manager Day every year on November 5.
It is important to let those professionals know that the spirit of volunteerism is enhanced and enabled by them, and to thank them. We urge you to mark your calendar and, whether you are an administrator, a volunteer, a community leader or someone who receives the benefit of volunteer help, to make sure the people who act as leaders and catalysts get the recognition they deserve!
Some ideas for IVMD
Here are ways your organisation can promote the day and give recognition to local managers of volunteers.
- Prepare articles for community newspaper publication
- Start a campaign to promote local Champions – eg single out the unsung heroes as a way for them and their community to recognise and acknowledge their good work, and the importance of their role.
- Lobby for a Mayoral reception
- Hold a Celebratory function for people who manage / coordinate volunteers in your organisation
- Get volunteers to write statements of what they appreciate about their managers.
- Suggest CEOs / Board members send e-cards of appreciation to their managers / leaders / coordinators of volunteers.
For more inspiration and resources visit www.volunteermanagersday.org.
There is also a Facebook group to support the IVMDay. Spread the word to your peers and colleagues about it and join it yourself.
Some quotes for the day
“Volunteering can be organic and spontaneous. These are qualities that make volunteering great. But it\s also high time that people understood that when volunteers are well supported, equipped and motivated they can be far more effective and better prepared to be able to make a difference than those who are simply armed with good intentions and a little bit of time. It’s time we better recognised and appreciated the impact that good volunteer management makes”
Andy Fryar, Chairperson, IVMDay International Committee
“With the UK government’s ideas for a Big Society, there is a greater need to focus on volunteer management than ever before. For the ideas behind the Big Society to flourish and for the sectors in the UK who involve volunteers to thrive in a time of economic uncertainty, It is important that volunteer managers take a lead in developing our profession to ensure we can meet these challenges. IVMDay is an opportunity for volunteer managers to raise awareness of our profession and together celebrate the important contribution we make. On behalf of AVM I wish all volunteer managers wherever in the world they are well and hope that you enjoy the day.”
Sean Cobley – Chairperson, Association of Volunteer Managers (AVM), UK
“We actively support IVMDay, because we are committed to the development of people in community focused agencies and place a high priority on any way that can be used to elevate the vital role of those who manage and mobilize volunteers”
Martin J Cowling CEO – People First Total Solutions
Fingal Volunteer Centre is a proud to be a supporter of International Volunteer Managers Day. For more information please visit the International Volunteer Managers Day web site
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