International Volunteer Managers Day (IVMDay24) is an annual event, celebrated each year on 5th November , dedicated to recognising the vital work of Volunteer Managers.
As an official IVMD supporter, we encourage you to join Volunteering Australia as we celebrate the vital role Managers, Coordinators and Leaders of volunteers play in enabling safe and effective volunteering.
This year the theme is “What’s our future normal?”
This theme was selected to celebrate IVMDay quarter-century milestone and explore our future normal.
Why This Day Matters
Behind every great volunteer program stands dedicated Managers, Coordinators and Leaders who make it all possible. They don’t just manage – they support, encourage, and inspire. Their work creates the foundation for safe and meaningful volunteering, not just across Australia, but worldwide.
Shaping our future normal
As we look to the future, the role of Volunteer Managers has never been more crucial. This year’s theme, “What’s our future normal?” centres on reshaping how volunteer management is recognised and supported around the world.
Volunteering Australia envisions a future where Volunteer Managers are empowered with the resources, training, and recognition they need to lead effectively in an evolving volunteering ecosystem. This also includes properly funding the systems and infrastructure that support our Volunteer Managers and volunteers.
The National Strategy for Volunteering, is a collaborative effort that unites stakeholders to create a cohesive, well-supported framework for volunteer engagement. The National Strategy, grounded in comprehensive research, aims to revitalise the volunteering ecosystem by ensuring Volunteer Leaders have the tools and support to thrive in this changing environment.
The Place of Volunteer Leaders in National Volunteering Strategies
Volunteer Managers are central to the National Strategy for Volunteering, driving volunteering forward and ensuring the resilience of communities. It recognises the pivotal role of Volunteer Leaders in shaping the future of volunteering in Australia, aiming to resource, empower, and support them to reach their full potential.
Volunteer Managers are not just important; they are Leaders and Change Makers. By placing them at the heart of the National Strategy, we acknowledge their invaluable insights and experiences, which are critical in developing a national approach that meets the real needs of Australian communities.
The Future Volunteering Landscape: Evolving Views and Expectations
The expectations of Volunteer Managers are evolving with more flexibility, inclusivity, and the opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways. Volunteer Managers must now lead with adaptability, engage with emerging technologies, and create inclusive environments for increasingly diverse, multi-generational teams. On the other hand, volunteers seek roles that align with passions and interests and offer flexibility.
In this new normal, Volunteer Managers will be pivotal in shaping these experiences. By investing in their professional development such as the Continuous Professional Development Program for Professional Leaders of Volunteers (CPD PLV) and creating forward-thinking spaces for volunteer engagement, we ensure both current and future Volunteer Leaders are prepared to meet evolving expectations.
A Collaborative Effort for Stronger Support and Engagement
In the new normal, Volunteer Managers will no longer be expected to navigate challenges alone. Instead, they will be empowered by a national framework and online tools such as the Volunteering Gateway, which highlights the value of their leadership and provides them with access to the tools, training, and respect they deserve.
Action Plan 2024-2027: A Strategic Roadmap
Action Plan 2024-2027 represents the first three-year Action Plan phase of the National Strategy for Volunteering. This comprehensive plan outlines co-designed actions, targeting priority areas for National Strategy implementation.
This collaborative approach ensures that the Action Plan reflects diverse perspectives and needs across the volunteering ecosystem, creating a robust framework for support and development.
Empowering Tomorrow’s Volunteer Leadership
As we celebrate International Volunteer Managers Day on 5 November, we stand at a pivotal moment in the evolution of volunteer management. Through the National Strategy for Volunteering and Action Plan 2024-2027, we’re not just adapting to change – we’re actively shaping it. The future of volunteering in Australia depends on the ability to empower, support, and elevate our Volunteer Managers today.
To all Volunteer Managers, Coordinators, and Leaders of Volunteers: your dedication, innovation, and leadership are transforming communities across Australia. You’re not just managing volunteers; you’re building the bridges that connect passion with purpose, creating lasting social impact that strengthens Australia’s communities.
‘What is our future normal?’ – one where volunteer management is recognised as a vital profession, supported by robust resources and including funding for systems and infrastructure to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
Join us in celebrating and supporting these crucial leaders who make volunteering possible, not just on International Volunteer Managers Day, but every day of the year.
