For over ten years now I’ve had the absolute pleasure of working in Volunteer Management across the not-for-profit and local government sectors. Working alongside volunteers who are passionate for the cause; whatever that may be, has been a constant source of inspiration for me.

I have now decided to launch Flutterbye, a blog where I plan to write about Volunteer Management with a focus on ‘sustainable volunteerism’. I see this as a key challenge facing organisations who have a volunteer base due to changes in the economic climate and the need for the donated, public and corporate dollar to have a greater return on investment. I have a strong interest in continuous improvement and change management and will be exploring practical methods to applying these principles to the management of volunteers.

Through this blog I hope to raise the profile of the often misunderstood and vital profession of Volunteer Management and to share my knowledge and experience with others who lead volunteers.

Today, November 5^th is International Volunteer Managers Day and it seemed fitting to publish Flutterbye’s first blog post on a day that celebrates the profession of volunteer leadership. This years theme for IVMD is ‘Volunteer Management. One Job. Many Hats’.

On any given day a Volunteer Manager could be interviewing and recruiting, developing and delivering training, creating rosters, coordinating an event, running a risk workshop, drafting Board papers, project managing a volunteer program, drafting communications, managing sensitive issues and resolving conflict between volunteers. Everyday is different with a new set of challenges but it is also a deeply rewarding role as we see first hand the positive outcomes achieved by our volunteers and the satisfaction this brings them.

I hope you will join me in celebrating volunteers and the Volunteer Managers who dedicate their time to provide a supportive and engaging environment that enables volunteers to do their best work. I look forward to you being a part of the Flutterbye conversation.

Christine