As we
approach another International Volunteer Managers Day (IVMD), I ponder the true
meaning of the day. The banners and
posters on the IVMD website suggest that IVMD is about thanking “Leaders of
Volunteers” for fighting for and enabling volunteers and working their “Magic”
or to perhaps “Go Crazy” celebrating the day or that a person who managers volunteers
is some sort of “Miracle Worker”.
To me the
message is clear. If you value
volunteers, you value volunteer managers!
It is not
about being miracle workers or working magic.
It is about leadership and direction of volunteers, valuing their
contributions by providing meaningful tasks within a professional, safe
environment and acknowledging the donation of that very precious commodity,
time.
