International Volunteer Manager Day

November 7, 2011

International Volunteer Manager Day

It’s International Volunteer Manager Day and Age Concern is giving a big shout out to all their volunteer managers.

Across New Zealand 30 volunteer coordinators manage volunteers who visit lonely and isolated older people through the Age Concern Accredited Visiting Service, help with administration and at events.

One Age Concern Volunteer manager, Jane Fisher, says her team members come from as far afield as Chile, Spain and China.

“We get some really high quality people with a diverse range of backgrounds and skills. They do tasks ranging from event set-up and catering, to preparing resources or photocopying.”

The relationship works both ways.

“They get experience working in or for a non-profit organisation, up-skilled and a reference, which can be a step in the door to paid employment.”

According to Ms Fisher, volunteering can be particularly beneficial for parents wanting to re-enter the workforce, younger people and immigrants.

Older people are also some of New Zealand’s most active volunteers and a large number of Age Concern’s volunteers are over 65.

International Volunteer Manager Day was founded and observed for the first time in 1999. It aims to promote the vital role Volunteer Managers play in mobilizing and supporting volunteers.

ENDS

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