PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:

Dear VAN Members,
 
Spring is just around the corner! The season of rebirth, melting snow, and the breaking cabin fever. I'm wired a bit differently, so all the waking sensations make me a bit anxious. I'm a little more March Hare than Easter Bunny. It's a busy season! People want to get out and do things like volunteer! 
 
When there's more to manage, we need the tools to handle it. I hope you can take a break from the madness of March and join us for a discussion on Volunteer Management Systems. This will be a good showcase for everyone, no matter where you are in your career. Even if your organization isn't planning on getting a system or switching soon, we'll give a brief overview of how to evaluate what your volunteer program needs for when it does happen.
 
The right tool for the job makes work easier. Let's do more than 'survive and advance!'
 
Galen Roth, CVA
Volunteers Manager at the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio
VAN President

MARCH PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

Topic: Managing All the Things!
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024
Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am 
Location: Columbus Metro Library - 96 S. Grant Street Meeting Room 1A
Details: Spring is in the air! And just like the seasons, spring is a great time to bring new and improved systems to your organization. This month, a few of our Board members will be sharing their experiences with various Volunteer Management Systems - the good, the bad, the ugly. We've seen it all! Whether you are looking to change systems or curious about the advantages of adding one, this is the time to join to learn from experienced professionals who have navigated the challenges of many volunteer management systems so you don't have to! PLUS, enjoy breakfast and networking with fellow volunteer administrators! 

Bring a friend to join you! The first meeting is always free! 

SAVE THE DATE for VAN's April Professional Development session on Thursday, April 18, 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:

• NEW VAN Membership Pricing Structure: you asked, we answered! The VAN board is excited to announce that we have a new annual membership pricing structure available. New members can head here to pay their annual membership fee!
• Individual Membership (unchanged): $75/person
• AmeriCorps (NEW): $50/person
• Organizational (NEW): $175/organization 
• Columbus Academy Annual Service Day: Friday, Aug. 30 from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm - Does your organization need a group of approximately 10 teen volunteers (who come along with 1-2 adult chaperones) to help with various service projects? Reach out to the Columbus Academy's Service Board Advisor, Christy Bening at beningc@columbusacademy.org for more info. 
• ServeOhio Day Funding: ServeOhio is offering grants to help support community service projects organized for ServeOhio Day (June 22, 204). Eligible projects can take place between June 1-30 and grant awards will range between $25-$1,500. The application deadline is March 26, 2024. Learn more and apply here.
• SAVE THE DATES:
• AmeriCorps Week is March 10-16, 2024
• April is Global Volunteer Month
• April 21-27, 2024 is National Volunteer Week