PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:
Dear VAN Members,
Valentine's Day. I'm not qualified to write about love. Or passion, compassion, or any emotion deeper than instant gratification, really. Here's one that will be on all our minds soon: gratitude. I keep a pretty even keel by nature, so it's hard to break out of that and be genuine. Especially at work. But it's important to do, because our volunteers give their time for a lot of different personal reasons.
National Volunteer Month and Volunteer Appreciation Week are coming in April. Based on the responses to our survey last month, our membership wants relevant professional development topics. We're going to be talking about ways to appreciate volunteers so you can have a full month to prepare for April!
I am personally excited for this one. I hope everyone can make it. And bring a colleague! Strategically speaking, maybe the resident party planner of the office. Please note the venue change!
Galen Roth, CVA
Volunteers Manager at the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio
VAN President
FEBRUARY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
Topic: Share the Love: Volunteer Appreciation Edition
Date: Thursday, February, 15, 2024
Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: Local Matters - 633 Parsons Ave. Columbus, OH 43206
*Parking & the main entrance located in the rear of the building
Details: Share the Love: Volunteer Appreciation edition hosted at Local Matters! Volunteer Appreciation Week is right around the corner! Please join us as we share stories and strategies to plan and prepare to show love to our volunteers this year. The session will be facilitated by Rachel Hardin, Habitat for Humanity.
Bring a friend to join you! The first meeting is always free!
SAVE THE DATE for VAN's March Professional Development session on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 9 am
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 A Kid Again, Denison University, Ronald McDonald House, and MORE! Postings are updated throughout the month, so log in and check back often!
VAN BOARD OPPORTUNITIES:
Are you passionate about volunteer administration? Are you looking to give back in a big way while learning and growing professionally? Then joining the VAN Board may be the right fit for you! We are currently seeking value-added members to join our team in the following openings: Membership Co-Chair and Professional Development Co-Chair. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to take that next step in leadership and professional growth. If interested, please email Christa@worthingtonresourcepantry.org with a copy of your resume.
OTHER UPDATES & HAPPENINGS:
Black History Month: February is Black History Month and there is not a shortage of ways to celebrate, learn and give back. Check out some resources below.
Volunteer Engagement Fundamentals Course Coming Soon! ServeOhio is partnering with VQ Volunteer Strategies to provide a 6-week comprehensive volunteer management training course to begin in Spring 2024. But hurry, applications are open through February 8, 2024.
Volunteering and Civic Life in America Report: Civic Engagement Trends in the U.S.
We hope to see you at an upcoming VAN PD Session soon!