Dear VAN Members,
As we welcome June, we also celebrate Pride Month. A time to recognize, honor, and support the LGBTQ+ community. Volunteer engagement is rooted in creating spaces where everyone feels valued, welcomed, and empowered to contribute. As volunteer administrators, we have the unique opportunity to foster inclusive environments that strengthen our organizations and communities through the power of belonging.
Last month, we gathered for Coffee and Calamities, and what a meaningful reminder it was of the value of our network. Together, we shared challenges, celebrated successes, and openly discussed the realities of our work. The willingness of members to be vulnerable, offer advice, and support one another without judgment demonstrated exactly why VAN is such an important resource. Having colleagues who understand the complexities of volunteer engagement helps us build stronger programs, stronger organizations, and stronger foundations. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the conversation. Your expertise, honesty, and willingness to help one another are what make this group so special.
As summer volunteerism ramps up across our communities, I encourage you to lean into the connections you've built through VAN. Celebrate your successes, ask for help when you need it, and continue creating welcoming spaces where volunteers, and our fellow professionals who support them, can thrive.
Wishing you a wonderful June filled with connection, inclusion, and meaningful impact. We hope you’ll join us next week as we visit Kaleidoscope Youth Center to learn about their youth leadership program and tour their new facility. Check out the details below and we will hope to see you there!
Yours in service,
Shannon Maurer, VAN President
June Professional Development:
When: Thursday, June 18
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Kaleidoscope Youth Center | 700 Bryden Rd Columbus, OH 43215
(Suite 245, at the end of the 2nd floor hallway)
Topic: Pride Month PD: Kaleidoscope Youth Center Tour & Talk
Celebrate Pride Month with VAN during a special visit to Kaleidoscope Youth Center. Tour KYC's new facility, learn about their impactful youth leadership program and explore how they rely on youth voices in the ongoing leadership and development of their organization. As always, connect with peers, gain fresh ideas for volunteer engagement, and discover strategies you can bring back to your own programs all while celebrating PRIDE in Columbus!
As always, coffee and light breakfast is provided.
Walking Around in your VANS:
*A section dedicated to news, trainings and announcements that are happening in the volunteer world and community. *
Non-Profits & Business Networking: Wednesday July 1st, 6pm-8pm
Strive welcomes you to 'Non-Profits and Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location for all to join.
Are you interested in non-profits and business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Executives, Consultants, Benefactors, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started.
REGISTER HERE
VAN SOCIAL:
Save the date for July 22 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. for a summer fun social with VAN and our friends and families. More details to come. For now, mark the date on your calendar to join us!
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. Postings are updated throughout the month, so log in and check back often!
Newsletter Dessert:
Q: How does NASA organize a party? They Planet…🥁🥁
New Year, Fresh Membership Renewal! Check to see if your membership is up-to-date by logging in online at vancentralohio.org!
Love being a part of VAN? We do too! Share our info with a colleague or friend who might benefit from our PD Sessions, Discussions, Networking, Conference Access, and more. The first session is always free!