Volunteer managers change lives

On Nov. 1, International Volunteer Manager Appreciation Day was celebrated throughout the world. The annual event recognizes the efforts of the dedicated group of volunteer resources managers who are responsible for the coordination, support, training, administration, leadership and recruitment of the world’s volunteers. Volunteer managers change lives, both the lives of volunteers themselves and of those served by well-led volunteers.

It is a life-changing profession. Volunteer managers provide the leadership and direction that allows people to build a good and just society and to mend the social fabric. Without professional leadership, people’s time, talents and efforts could be wasted. A well-run volunteer program shows the community, including potential donors, that the organization is not afraid of public scrutiny and involvement and endeavors to make the most efficient use of monetary assets. Well-led volunteers become an advocacy and public relations force for an agency or program – a force no amount of money could buy.

So, on Nov. 1 we paused to say “thank you” to all the volunteer resource managers in our area who have dedicated themselves to making Snohomish County a better place to volunteer.

Sara Ballard

United Way of Snohomish County Volunteer Center

Senior Manager

ROGER BOUCK

United Way of Snohomish County Volunteer Center

Advisory Council Chair