Happy International Volunteer Managers Day 2023

 

Without Volunteer Managers (VMs) with subject matter expertise, organisations may find it difficult to attract and retain volunteers and measure their impact. Volunteer Managers often work in isolation. Sometimes they do not have support from their peers in organisations. Sometimes they may not have peers. Many are underpaid and do not sit on #leadership teams. Some are not paid at all when they should be if the organisation pays other staff. Some are titled "Volunteer Coordinator" "VM" etc.

Where are our "Executive Directors of Volunteer Leadership, Engagement, Experience and Impact"? Have you got this title? Please let me know if you do. Many are on the bottom rung of organisational charts. Not having effective VMs may also pose a risk to volunteers and organisations legally and ethically. If you state that you value #volunteers You must equally value #volunteermanagement.

Support your VMs and you support volunteering! Will you recognise and support your VM on International Volunteer Managers Day and all year round? I believe their roles are even more complex than senior #hr roles! Without Volunteer Managers (VMs) with subject matter expertise, organisations may find it difficult to attract and retain volunteers and measure their impact. Volunteer Managers often work in isolation. Sometimes they do not have support from their peers in organisations. Sometimes they may not have peers. Many are underpaid and do not sit on #leadership teams. Some are not paid at all when they should be if the organisation pays other staff. Some are titled "Volunteer Coordinator" "VM" etc. Where are our "Executive Directors of Volunteer Leadership, Engagement, Experience and Impact"? Have you got this title? Please let me know if you do. Many are on the bottom rung of organisational charts. Not having effective VMs may also pose a risk to volunteers and organisations legally and ethically. If you state that you value #volunteers You must equally value #volunteermanagement.

To VMs or whatever you are labeled as: You are much more than a title!

It would be so easy to throw our hands in the air and simply give up. Give up caring. Give up giving. Yet rays of light continue to shine in our darkening globe. And one of those essential rays of light is volunteering. Volunteering is the tapping into the human condition to find the love and light that exists in all of us, if we allow it to be. Not just on a global scale but at a local level, volunteers are ever present. It lies behind all the movements for a better world, for peace and harmony, and for a safer planet and future for our children and their children. In fact, I postulate that volunteering may be more vital today than in any moment in history.

And there you are. You may have many different titles, but you are leading, coordinating and facilitating volunteer movement. What a moment to be alive! What an opportunity for you to continue to effect change. It does not matter what roles the volunteers you lead are doing. Most volunteer roles contribute to the betterment of our communities and society at large. Every drop in the ocean makes the ocean.

You are privileged to do what you do. You are change makers and dynamic. Everything you do in your profession has a ripple on effect that many don’t see. People are helping themselves through volunteering. People are helping others through volunteering. New friendships are being forged. People's lives can change because of volunteering. And there you are, in the middle of it all, sometimes wondering if you are making a difference. Sometimes wondering if you will ever be truly appreciated, or recognised, for the many skills you have, that you must have, to bring to the job that you do.

If you didn’t know it already let me, tell you now. You are making a difference!

You have found yourself in a role that spreads love. You have found yourself in a role that inspires hope. Without you, the world would be a lesser place. You know the value of volunteering; you know the difference between empathy and sympathy. You have the skills to lead and motivate. You work to bring help to others. You work from a place of goodness. You now find yourself in a world where your so called “soft skills” are probably the most important skills, if our world is to be the planet we want to leave, for generations to come.

Ignore the naysayers. Let no one talk down your value. Have compassion for those who are ignorant about your role, the role of volunteers and the role we are playing to create better communities. Someday they too will come to understand. If you understand volunteering, and how to effectively lead volunteers, call yourself a professional and be proud of it.

You are a member of a worldwide growing profession that is leading volunteers. There are people, just like you, connecting and networking and helping each other in this global village. If you haven’t found a network ... seek one out.

The Volunteer Management Profession is one of the kindest professions in the world. They so often want to help you succeed, give you tips and advice, and often are there just to listen. It's what you do already, for the volunteers you work for.

The Philosopher Alan Watts once said “This is the real secret of life -- to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play.”

When you are passionate about volunteering, when you are passionate about your shared mission, when you are passionate about your profession, you will create the magic. You will help create the actions of people helping others, the formation of friendships that will last for a reason, a season, or a lifetime, and you will continue to make a difference. Always try and live your values whatever they may be. Mine are respect, social justice, equality for all, compassion, mindful leadership, advocacy, peace and love. I try every day to live my values. But I remember I am human when I forget. Try anyway. Walk the talk you talk. Practice what you preach. Be mindful. Practice self-care and self-love. You cannot be there for others if you can't be there for yourself. Self-care is not selfish. Know the difference. Take time out when you need it. Find a job where you are respected and listened to.

Today's world needs more people like you. In your role you may come across challenges, disappointments, and difficult persons. Try reframing your perception and see opportunities, learnings, and people who may need your compassion. As Marianne Williamson once said, “What is not love, is a cry for love.”

You have such a busy role. Do not neglect self-care. Be present, and mindful, as our role requires authentic and mindful leadership.

And there you are. Thank you for what you do. You are amazing!

Organizations and Governments around the world: Allow me to say this to you.

Support your VMs and you support volunteering! Will you recognise and support your VM on International Volunteer Managers Day and all year round? United Nations Will you make November 5th International Day of the Volunteer Manager? Or Leader?

I believe their roles are even more complex than senior #hr roles! What do you think? Like, disagree or comment! Volunteering Australia (VA)Volunteering Matters Engage UNV Online IAVE Irish Australian Support Association VolunteerMatch Andy Fryar Rob Jackson Tracey O'Neill, CVA Dana Cory Litwin, CVA #IVMD23 #VMD Center For Mindful Self-Compassion Cork Volunteer Centre United Nations Volunteer Grande Prairie Regional Association of Volunteer Organizations Kaitūao o te Taitonga Volunteer South Non-profit Volunteering Volunteer Executive Consultants - VEC of RSVP Voluntarios ONU Colombia Volunteering Team at BCU Volunteering WA Centre for Volunteering Heritage Volunteering Non-profit Volunteering Audrey Fonteneau Volunteer Ireland International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC Jayne Cravens Stuart Garland