At about this time In 1997 I first encountered a role where
I was managing volunteers. The spice girls were all the rage. Mary Mcaleese was
elected president of Ireland, the
first time in the world that one woman had succeeded another as elected head of
state. Bill Clinton was re - elected.
Princess Diana
was tragically killed in a car crash. I remember the newsflash on TV like it
was yesterday. Tiger won the masters at 21. Hale-Bopp came to have a look at
Earth. John was PM in Australia while Tony ruled in the UK.
It was one heck of a year for the Adelaide Crows, Might and
Power and Skip Away. People were dancing to MMMbop and Freak.
The International Year of Volunteers was declared by the
General Assembly of the United Nations in 1997. Australia, and in particular
the 4,500 volunteer centres, played a significant role in petitioning for the
year.
In 1997 Apple was a struggling
computer company, AOL was a booming Internet service provider, Microsoft was on
the verge of releasing Windows 98, and the Web was a very different place. There
was no Google web page!
A youngish Irishman
had the task of Managing a major Doorknock appeal for a Major Not for Profit in
a Major Australian City. I had the belief back then that our dreams would be
achieved by the assistance of volunteers. I gathered a team of inspiring Southbank
TAFE students around me and together we recruited over 2000 volunteers to Doorknock
and collect for our great cause. 80% of our volunteer collectors were high
school students. And we did it! We surpassed our target. I knew then that
volunteers could achieve anything. And so began my 20 years in volunteer
management.
20 years later and I
now reflect on one of the most inspiring and amazing professions one could
choose. I have interviewed thousands of volunteers. I have hundreds of
inspiring stories. I have seen friendships forged, people changed, lives
impacted, tears of joy, lives comforted, communities helped, people helped, time
committed, good deeds carried out, time sacrificed, love shared, smiles embraced,
hugs a million and tears wiped dry.
I have seen people grow, people shine and people share. I have
seen the very best of the human endeavour. In an oft negative world I have seen
the most positive of people. I have seen real impact delivered by people giving
up their time. I have seen heroes, quiet achievers, great leaders and simply
wonderful human beings at their most humanitarian and compassionate.
I have encountered amazing colleagues across the globe. I count
volunteer sector people as friends from the United States to New Zealand and
from London to Adelaide and Toronto to Dublin and Cork!
What changes have I seen in my 20 years? This is for another blog
post. This post is just for my celebration. If you are reading this and you
have just started a career in volunteer management and/or coordination welcome
to what can be a most life rewarding profession! Just know that we are a tight
knit community around the globe and many of your colleagues are here for you!
I finish this little reflection to thank my colleagues around the
world who have been there to support me and encourage me. I know that I can
always count on you! That’s Volunteer Managers for you!
We are a profession. We make a difference.
And finally to volunteers. I would not be here without you. In 20
years you have never failed to cease inspiring me.
Thank you
