Volunteer Managers’ Day November 5

‘Noah's Ark was built by volunteers - the Titanic was built by professionals.’

The effort of volunteer leaders in this year’s catastrophes will be recognised on Volunteer Managers’ Day, this Saturday.

The day is celebrated internationally on November 5 every year, and local organiser, Jude McNabb from Volunteer Nelson, says the aim is to draw the attention of the community to the work done by those who lead volunteers.

“Volunteering does not succeed in a vacuum – we want the whole community to think about the efforts of volunteers after the Christchurch earthquakes, and currently with the Rena oil spill, as examples of communities that want to pull together for the common good, and just need some leadership,” she said.

It is unusual to see volunteer power demonstrated twice in one year, and according to Ms McNabb, to see volunteers take the lead. “In both these cases there were challenges to official prescriptions and policies, and frustration with delays in getting help where it is needed.

So volunteers took the lead with enormous effect – the silt shovelling Student Army in Christchurch in February is a great example of this.” Volunteer Nelson is urging people to pause and say thanks this Saturday.

“Whether you are an administrator, a volunteer, a community leader or someone who benefits from volunteer help, make sure the people who act as leaders and catalysts get the recognition they deserve,” Ms McNabb suggests.

Volunteer Nelson has invited leaders, managers and coordinators of volunteers to a presentation by Claire Teal from Volunteering NZ.

Recognising and promoting the vital role leaders of volunteers play in organisations across New Zealand is the key component of Claire's work with the national organisation.

ENDS

© Scoop Media