Dear VAN Members,
As we settle into the heart of summer, July reminds us that community is built in both the big celebrations and the small moments of service. Across Central Ohio, many of us have spent the past few weeks welcoming volunteers, supporting festivals and events, caring for parks and gardens, and creating meaningful experiences that bring people together. It's a busy season, but it's also one of the most rewarding.
One of the things I value most about VAN is that we don't do this work alone. This network is a place where we can celebrate successes, problem-solve challenges, share ideas, and encourage one another. The relationships we've built remind us that community building doesn't just happen through the volunteers we serve, it happens among us as professionals, too.
As you enjoy everything summer has to offer, I hope you also take time to recharge, celebrate your accomplishments, and make a few memories of your own. Whether that's attending a local festival, spending time with family, joining the VAN social or simply enjoying a quiet evening outside, those moments help fuel the passion we bring back to our work.
Thank you for all you do to inspire service, strengthen communities, and make Central Ohio a better place. I hope the rest of your summer is filled with sunshine, connection, and plenty of reasons to celebrate. Hope to see you soon!
Yours in service,
Shannon Maurer, VAN President
June Professional Development:
When: Thursday, July 16
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Stonewall Columbus | 1160 N. High Street Columbus Ohio 43201
Topic: Pride Event and Volunteerism: Stonewall Columbus Tour & Talk
Join us at Stonewall Columbus for an inside look at one of Central Ohio's largest volunteer-powered community celebrations. We'll begin with a tour of the Stonewall Columbus facility before hearing from their team about the planning and coordination behind Pride.
This casual presentation and Q&A will explore the behind-the-scenes work that brings Pride to life each year, including volunteer recruitment and management, event logistics, recognition and appreciation efforts, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and gain practical insights they can apply to volunteer programs of any size.
Speaker: Wade McCullough, CHW (they/them), St. Coordinator, Operations & Visitor Experience
Walking Around in your VANS:
*A section dedicated to news, trainings and announcements that are happening in the volunteer world and community. *
Dog Days of Summer: Thursday, August 20th 4:30pm-6:30pm
Location : The Gathering Place East - 23300 Commerce Park in Beachwood
Gas up your car and prepare for a summer road trip to take time to network and mingle with other Volunteer Administrators. The Forum for Volunteer Administrators is hosting a networking event to celebrate the summer and grow your community and network.
Why Attend
REGISTER HERE
VAN SOCIAL:
Please join us for our summer social! We will meet on Wednesday, July 22 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Franklin Park, with dinner planning to be ready around 5:15pm. We would love to see you for a summer fun social with VAN and our friends and families. This will be an open event, and we will have activities, food, drinks, and meeting new and old friends. We hope to see you there!
Please RSVP on the google form if you plan to attend so we know how many people to accommodate. More information regarding parking and meeting place within the park will be announced closer to the date.
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: Time flies like an arrow..Fruit flies like a banana🥁🥁
New Year, Fresh Membership Renewal! Check to see if your membership is up-to-date by logging in online at vancentralohio.org!
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