Today, November 5th is International Volunteer Managers’ Appreciation Day!
I wish each and every one of you a day full of the knowledge that what you do truly makes a difference in not only the lives of the people you serve, but in the lives of your volunteers. Without your help and guidance, your cheerleading, your patient ear, your taking the time, your endless attention to detail, your running interference, your following up, your standing up for them when you don’t even stand up for yourself, your clear explanations, your arriving so early it’s dark, your understanding of their needs, your staying later than you should because you have a home and a life, your adjusting to their wants, your advocating for their ideas, your tears when they are in pain, your laughs when they joke, your birthday cards and trips to the doctor, your meeting their grandchildren when they visit, your quick hellos when you don’t hear from them, your treating each one in the manner in which they will excel, without all of that, they probably would not even volunteer much less succeed.
Be proud of your work, it is a ripple that extends far beyond what you see and hear. Helping people become better people is a noble profession, one that may not be as recognized as we would like. But we will continue to fight to make sure it is elevated so that our profession will attract the best and brightest.
I’ve included a blurb from ehow and the role of the volunteer coordinator. Notice all the wonderful “perks” in there. It’s actually kind of funny!
Be well, my friends and fellow volunteer managers. And Happy IVMDay!
-Meridian
From ehow-in their career section, on the role of a volunteer coordinator:
Rewards and Challenges
-
Challenges a Volunteer Coordinator might face include people not showing up when or where required; someone unable to do the job assigned; someone who thinks the job is beneath them; ego battles between volunteers; and jobs not being done on time. But the rewards for having helped complete a major assignment are plentiful. Even on small events, or when only a few people are needed, by day’s end the positive feelings are palpable. There is a strong sense of completion and achievement, a personal satisfaction and certainty that all challenges have been met. A coordinator’s circle of friends often grows, too. The coordinator may be rewarded with gifts or special recognition, and if the budget allows, volunteers are recognized by a dinner or similar program to acknowledge their vital contribution. The coordinator is usually given pride of place.
http://www.volunteermanagersday.org/
volunteerplaintalk 