Responses
to November 2005 Hot Topic
A
Cause for Celebration
By
OzVPM Director
Andy Fryar
Response
posted on December 1, 2005 by Julie Creffield, Volunteer
Coordinator, Newham Volunteer Programme, London Borough
of Newham, ENGLAND
Since
attending the Institute of Advanced Volunteer Management
in Coventry UK, in November this year, I have started
to view my role as Volunteer Co-ordinator with a renewed
enthusiasm. I do make a difference, I am a valuable
member of staff and I am unique in what skills and
qualities I add to my organisation.
In
the UK we do not have a day that celebrates Volunteer
Managers, and I wonder how long it will be until we
do. In a recent presentation given within my organisation
entitled "Moving to Excellence" volunteering
was not mentioned once, some of my collegues who value
the work the volunteer programme picked up on this
too, wondering why it was the only section left out.
This is why it is so important to celebrate the work
we do. In the UK we are just coming to the end of
the Year of the Volunteer, a fantastic opportunity
to recognise the valuable work of volunteers nationally.
But whilst we are working hard to big them up and
get volunteers the recognition they deserve, quite
often I find myself fighting for the same recognition
within the work place.
I
feel there is also a level of ignorance generally.
People ask me what I do for a living, and I say with
great pride and enthusiasm...I'm a Volunteer Co-ordinator,
and often their response is..oh don't you get paid??
I get tired of explaining not only what I do, but
why its so important. I have found myself in a job
that I actually love. I enjoy the variety of the work
I do, the volunteers I meet with, the achievements
the project has made and the prospect of being involved
in the London 2012 Games, which is going to happen
a few miles down the road.
It
is the most satisfiying and challenging job I have
every had... long live the Volunteer Manager.
Response
posted on November 3, 2005 by Carrie Peter Coordinator,
Volunteer Resources Glengarry Hospital-VIHA, CANADA
Thanks
for the heads up regarding celebrating International
Volunteer Manager Appreciation Day!!! Let me just
say, as one who manages volunteers myself, I plan
on celebrating a year early!! ;-)
Well
done to everyone who is making a 'world' of difference!
Its
not too late...
Let's
hear what you think!
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