PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:

 

Dear VAN Members,

"When you learn, teach. When you get, give." – Maya Angelou

As we enter October and approach the season of gratitude and giving, I want to take a moment to thank you for your leadership and service. Leadership is not just about guiding—it’s about inspiring others to rise with us, to share in the work, and to help strengthen our community. Each of you does this daily through your commitment, passion, and generosity of spirit.

This time of year offers us a unique opportunity to invite others—our friends, families, and neighbors—into our mission. By encouraging them to support, volunteer, or give, we extend the reach of our collective impact and ensure that our causes continue to thrive.

This month, we are especially excited to host the Alive Conference at the Columbus Metropolitan Library. This convening will give us the chance to gather, exchange ideas, and spark new inspiration for the journey ahead. Please note that we will forego our regular PD session this month so that we can focus our energy on the conference.

Thank you for continuing to lead with purpose and heart. As we move forward into this season of giving, let us carry the spirit of service and inspiration into everything we do.
 
With gratitude,
Leachuin Dean 
President, VAN Board

 

OCTOBER AL!VE CONFERENCE:

There is NO regularly scheduled Professional Development session this month. Instead, plan to join us on Oct. 29 for the hybrid AL!VE Conference!

 

Conference Topic: "Show Them the Money" Join us to learn how to turn volunteer engagement into a powerful financial story—because the numbers don’t just speak; they open doors.

When: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Location:Columbus Metro Library - 96 S. Grant Street - Meeting Room 3B

Details:VAN serves as a host site for the 11th annual hybrid AL!VE Conference where central, Ohio volunteer engagement professionals come together to view the conference presentations and engage in networking and thoughtful discussion throughout. This year’s conference is designed to empower you to confidently showcase the tangible financial impact of your work within your organization. Coffee and lunch is included in your registration.

Register:Conference attendance is open to all VAN Members. Not a VAN member yet? Become one today here and then register for the conference here. Please register by Oct. 23 so we have a count for food. 

**REMINDER: there is NO PD SESSION on OCT. 16

 

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 Habitat for Humanity, CAPA and MORE! Postings are updated throughout the month, so log in and check back often!

VAN BOARD OPPORTUNITIES:

Join the VAN Board – Make a Meaningful Impact While Growing Professionally

 

Are you passionate about volunteer administration and eager to give back in a meaningful way? Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey while expanding your professional network and skills?

 

The Volunteer Administrators Network (VAN) is currently seeking dedicated and forward-thinking individuals to join our Board as PR/Secretary, Professional Development Co-Chair and a NEW Advocacy Board Position. Joining the VAN Board is an exciting opportunity for someone who values collaboration, leadership, and continuous growth—both personally and professionally.

 

As a Board member, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of our professional development initiatives while making a positive impact on the volunteer administration community in Central, Ohio.

 

If you’re ready to contribute your talents and grow with us, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your resume to groth@furniturebankcoh.org to express your interest.

 

SAVE THE DATES:

Many exciting things happening to close out 2025!

 

• Board Training: Mon. Nov. 10 | 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Location: Shine Bright Community Center | VAN will be the non-profit host for an upcoming board training session offered by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Open to all VAN Members. More info soon.

• November PD Session: Thur., Nov. 20 | 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. | Topic: TBD

• VAN Gives Back: Fri. Dec. 5| 9 a.m. - noon | Volunteer with us at Columbus Rec & Parks for their annual holiday gift sort

 

OTHER UPDATES & HAPPENINGS:

• Make a Difference Day 2025 Projects: Make A Difference Day is Saturday, Oct. 25. Get inspired by browsing other community projects HERE.

• NEW AmeriCorps Positions! ServeOhio has announced a new program that focuses on the growing youth mental health crisis. Learn more HERE.

• Annual Report Help: Are you working on your organization’s annual report and feeling stuck? Check out THIS article for some great tips.

 

Need to renew your VAN Membership or know someone who might be interested in joining VAN? Visit us online at vancentralohio.org!