International Volunteer Managers Day

International Volunteer Managers Day recognises the people whose expertise, care and leadership make meaningful volunteering possible.

Volunteer Managers, Coordinators and Leaders connect people with purpose, create welcoming opportunities to contribute, and help volunteers thrive in communities across Australia.

International Volunteer Managers Day is a global celebration of the volunteer administration profession. Since 1999, it has recognised the vital role volunteer managers play in strengthening organisations, empowering volunteers and building stronger communities.

This year, we celebrate the legacy of those who have shaped the profession, the leadership being shown today, and the emerging leaders who will carry volunteering forward.

This year’s theme invites us to recognise someone in the volunteer administration profession who has made an impact on our journey.

It could be a mentor, colleague, former manager or emerging leader whose insight, encouragement or example has influenced your approach to volunteer engagement and leadership.

Share their story on social media using #IVMDay2026 and help make the leadership behind volunteering more visible.

• Thank a Volunteer Manager, coordinator or leader
• Write a personal message recognising the care, skill and commitment they bring to their work.
• Spotlight someone who has influenced your practice
• Share a post about a mentor, colleague, former manager or emerging leader who has shaped your approach to volunteering.
• Make their work visible
• Highlight the leadership behind a volunteer programme in your newsletter, intranet, staff meeting or social channels.
• Create space for reflection
• Invite your team to reflect on the people, experiences and learning that have shaped their volunteer leadership journey.
• Celebrate professional growth
• Encourage volunteer leaders to explore training, mentoring, networking or the Continuing Professional Development Program for Professional Leaders of Volunteers.
• Start a conversation about investment
• Use IVMDay to advocate for the time, resources and professional support volunteer managers need to lead inclusive, meaningful volunteer involvement.
• Join the global conversation
• Use #IVMDay2026 to recognise the leaders who make volunteering possible and see how the profession is being celebrated around the world.

Join Volunteer Managers, Coordinators and Leaders from across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to mark International Volunteer Managers Day.

Celebrating International Volunteer Managers Day, Australasian is an opportunity to connect, reflect on the profession and recognise the people whose leadership makes volunteering possible.

Professional leadership is essential to a strong, inclusive volunteering ecosystem.

Volunteering Australia endorses the Continuing Professional Development Program for Professional Leaders of Volunteers, delivered through participating state and territory Volunteering Peak Bodies.

The programme recognises formal learning, mentoring, reflective practice and professional development that strengthen volunteer leadership.

On 5 November, take a moment to thank the Volunteer Managers, coordinators and leaders who make space for people to contribute, connect and create change.