International Volunteer Manager Appreciation Day (IVMA Day)
[25 June 2007 | IVMA Day International Committee]
International Volunteer Manager Appreciation Day (IVMA Day) is being celebrated for the 9th time on November 1, 2007 and so now is the time to start planning the ways that YOU are going to celebrate the day!
IVMA Day was created in 1999 to help raise the profile of the important work that leaders of volunteers do in our world. IVMA Day is led by a small international committee and supported by a broader 'international supporters group' made up of volunteerism agencies across 11 countries.
This extended group seek to celebrate the profession of volunteer resources management because:
- 1. Volunteer managers have the skills and knowledge to help people be part of the solution in meeting community needs. Even in cynical times, they practice the art of the possible.
- Volunteer managers change lives – both the lives of volunteers themselves and of those served by well-led volunteers. It is a life-changing profession. Volunteer managers provide the leadership and direction that allows people to build a good and just society and to mend the social fabric. Without professional leadership, people's time, talents and efforts could be wasted.
- A well-run volunteer program shows the community, including potential donors, that the organization is not afraid of public scrutiny and involvement and endeavours to make the most efficient use of monetary assets.
- Well-led volunteers become an advocacy and public relations force for an agency or program – a force no amount of money could buy.
You are encouraged to find ways to celebrate this important work in your own community.
Why not:
- Arrange to have your local volunteer network / DOVIA meet on the day?
- Organise a function for all those who lead volunteers in your organisation?
- Coincide the launch of a new program with IVMA Day?
- Approach you local paper with an article about the important work VPM's do in your town, city or neighbourhood
Not only does the day offer a terrific opportunity to celebrate the difference VPM's make, it is also an ideal opportunity to educate others about exactly what it is that we all do
And don't forget, once you have arranged an event be sure to register it on the IVMA Day website at www.ivmaday.org