International Volunteer Day: Tuesday, 5 December 2006
Whether your celebrations are large or small, International Volunteer Day (IVD) recognises the work of volunteers globally.
World Volunteer Web says: "IVD offers an opportunity for volunteer organisations and individual volunteers to make visible their contributions - at local, national and international levels - to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Over the years, rallies, parades, community volunteering projects, environmental awareness, free medical care and advocacy campaigns have all featured prominently on IVD."
There are many ways to recognise and thank volunteers. Here are a few ideas for you to consider:
- Send cards or thank you letters to your volunteers.
- Give your volunteers a small present or certificate.
- Organise a special lunch or dinner.
What ever you plan, remember to:
- Take into consideration the attitude of your volunteers.
- Volunteers may expect recognition or simply the opportunity to get together.
- Some may not like valuable money being spent on them. (You could try finding a business to sponsor the day /catering).
- IVD is a day to say a sincere thank you to all the volunteers who have helped your organisation.
- Invite all of the members of your organisation including your staff and board.
- Include donors to integrate the different parts of the organisation.
- Talk to the volunteers to see what would make it more meaningful for them.
- Emphasise the fact that your volunteers are part of a global movement.
We will keep you posted on any news or events about this year's IVD.
IVD Events Calendar
Are you holding an International Volunteer Day event in NSW? Promote your event on our 2006 IVD Calendar. Just email the details of your event to Kristin Romanis.
Volunteering merchandise
The Centre's volunteering merchandise is available for recognition gifts:
- Volunteer. Make A Difference T-Shirts
- Volunteer. Make A Difference Wristbands
- Volunteer. Make A Difference Drink Bottles
- Red "V" pins
- and more ...
Browse our volunteering merchandise and gifts
Ways for volunteers to get involved
1. Register to be a volunteer – visit www.volunteering.com.au for more information. Christmas is a busy time of year and many people help deliver hampers to the poor, pack food or donate money to charity in lieu of giving time. We help people find volunteer opportunities.
2. Wear your support – "Make a Difference.Volunteer." T-shirts, Wristbands, Drink Bottles and V-Pins are on sale now.
3. Say thanks – know a volunteer or many volunteers? Does your company have a pro bono, employee or corporate volunteering program? Recognise their efforts, give them one of our IVD gifts and say thanks.
4. Stay informed – sign up with 13,000 other volunteers on our e-newsletter list and receive our quarterly lifestyle ezine for volunteers, Volunteer Life.
Find out more about International Volunteer Day - visit World Volunteer Web.