November 5th is International Volunteer Managers Day, and while we believe Volunteer Managers deserve to be recognized continuously, we thought this would be a good time to reflect on and appreciate the impact that these passionate and dedicated people have on our communities.
Volunteers don’t just magically appear where and when they’re needed. They must be recruited (a mission all unto its own), screened, trained, scheduled, motivated and continuously recognized for the work they do.
I’m sure most of us have at least a basic sense of the great work that Volunteers do for our local organizations, but we suspect that not everyone knows or recognizes what Volunteer Managers and Coordinators are doing behind the scenes.
Volunteers don’t just magically appear where and when they’re needed. They must be recruited (a mission all unto its own), screened, trained, scheduled, motivated and continuously recognized for the work they do. This all falls on the shoulders of the Volunteer Manager, who in many cases is either working part time, or has other responsibilities to juggle, as well. In fact, it often falls under the magical phrase “other duties as assigned”.
As we continue to meet and work with volunteer managers in Barrie, Midland and throughout Simcoe County, it’s increasingly evident not just how hard they work, but how much knowledge and expertise they possess. Volunteer Managers must be well versed in privacy laws, legislature around police checks, and risk management, while ensuring smooth operations and communication between Staff and Volunteers. As policies change, so do their roles. As campaigns come and go, strategies evolve, too.
From running ongoing volunteer programs to gathering help for one day events, the impact they have on the quality of a Volunteer’s experience affects us all. The health and well being of our communities relies on a sustainable and renewable volunteer pool, supported by effective training, management and motivation.
So, to all Volunteer Managers THANK YOU. We see you and the work you’re doing to strengthen and enrich our communities. You make a tremendous difference to your organizations and your Volunteers.