Dear VAN Members,
Happy May to you! We hope this message finds you enjoying the spring season here in Central Ohio and gearing up for our next Professional Development session next Thursday, May 15th!
Message from our President:
Dear VAN Members,
As we enter May and witness the beauty of spring unfolding, it's also a meaningful time to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month—a reminder to prioritize our well-being just as much as we prioritize the communities and causes we serve.
In our roles as volunteer administrators and nonprofit professionals, we often navigate high expectations, emotional demands, and the persistent pull of burnout or compassion fatigue. I’d love to hear from you: How do you combat the demands of your role? What strategies help you manage stress, burnout, or emotional exhaustion?
When the pressure is high, here are two mindfulness techniques I turn to and encourage you to try:
1. In the moment: Take a brief pause and practice box breathing—inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and hold again for 4. Even a few cycles can bring calm and clarity.
2. At the end of the day: Try a 5-minute body scan meditation to release tension and become present. This gentle practice helps transition from a work mindset to a restful one.
Personally, I also use uplifting affirmations and reflect on the good things I've done, especially after a challenging day. And if all else fails, I simply ground myself with deep, mindful breaths. These small actions help keep me centered.
This month, as the days grow warmer and longer, I encourage you to schedule one thing just for you—something that brings you joy and helps you relax.
Finally, don’t miss this month’s VAN professional development session!
Leachuin Dean
President, Volunteer Administrators Network (VAN)
May Professional Development:
- Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
- Location: Columbus Metropolitan Library, 96 South Grant Ave., Columbus, OH 43215-Meeting Room 1A
- Agenda: The morning session kicks off at 9 a.m. with a light breakfast, coffee, and an engaging professional development presentation. The session concludes around 10:15-10:30 a.m., followed by a dedicated time for questions and networking.
- Topic: "5 Steps to Building a Stellar Volunteer Team" with Karen Knight
- Bonus: VAN will be offering professional headshots courtesy of Patti Rose Photography!
JOB POSTINGS:
Our website is full of job listings in central Ohio! If you're a VAN Central Ohio member looking for a position working with volunteers, you can click here to access the page. There are many local openings including positions at the Bath & Body Works, BESA, and OhioHealth! Postings are updated throughout the month, so log in and check back often!
OTHER UPDATES & HAPPENINGS:
- New Volunteer Administrators! Check out this FREE Volunteer Engagement 101 course! The spring 2025 cohort begins on April 23 with virtual classes being held each Wednesday morning.
- Points of Light Conference: The Points of Light Conference will take place on June 3–6, 2025, in New Orleans. Join NGO, corporate, education, government and civic leaders committed to increasing volunteering and civic engagement around the world through cutting-edge strategies, cross-sector solutions, global conversations and a bold commitment to strengthening communities.
Need to renew your VAN Membership or know someone who might be interested in joining VAN? Visit us online at vancentralohio.org!