In this incredible year of crisis and change, and in honour of International Volunteer Managers’ Day (IVMD) on November 5th, I wanted to send my personal thanks to all of my colleagues working in the field of volunteer engagement for their tremendous contribution. 

Thank you to you, your profession, your organizations and society as a whole!

The theme of this year’s IVM Day is “What’s Next?” and I can’t imagine a more fitting theme. As noted on the IVMD website, “the pandemic has created challenges on many levels and those of us leading volunteer efforts have found ourselves in positions we never imagined. It’s our hope that… we will continue to have time to reflect on the lessons, challenges and most importantly opportunities that confront us.”

PAVRO has certainly faced its share of challenges this year, including the postponement of our annual conference. But one wonderful possibility has opened up with this delay, it is the opportunity to present our Awards Ceremony virtually this year on November 5th. 

I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate International Volunteer Managers Day than to announce this year’s winners of the Linda Buchanan Award and the newly renamed Alison Caird Young Leader Award. Please stay tuned for more details on joining us for this virtual celebration. 

In the day-to-day trenches of our work, we often forget that what we do has such a far-reaching impact, on volunteers, on those served by our organizations, and on our communities. Thank you once again for your dedication and commitment.

In advance, I wish you all a Happy International Volunteer Managers Day on November 5th!

Aleksandra Vasic, PAVRO President