This Saturday, November 5^th is International Volunteer Managers Day. What exactly is this international holiday you may be asking yourself? International Volunteer Managers Day was first observed in 1999. It was developed to bring recognition and support to those who manage volunteer resources and promote volunteer activation. It is a way to celebrate these managers for their commitment to service around the world. In 2006, the International Supporters Group was formed to include key leaders and groups to spread the word about International Volunteer Managers Day as well.

Now you know a little more about this holiday, but how do you celebrate your organization’s outstanding volunteer managers? It’s simple! The following is a list of ideas that you can use to make your managers feel a little more special on their big day.

1. Schedule an annual conference to fall on IVM Day and make the day a feature of the conference.
2. Have the president of your volunteer management department write a letter to all volunteer managers telling them how much their work means to the organization.
3. Send a thank you message to the extended staff members in your agency that may not be actual volunteer managers, but support the work of volunteers.
4. Send an e-card about the day to your peers and colleagues.
5. Encourage local volunteer centers to observe this day or at least mention it in their newsletter.
6. Place a link to the International Volunteer Managers Day website on your volunteer page to increase awareness.
7. Send a letter to your local newspaper editor to feature an article about the day on November 3^rd.
8. Create an annual award to celebrate the volunteer managers in your office.
9. Host a luncheon for your volunteer managers.
10. Request a special recognition for volunteer managers from your local mayor.
11. Throw a party to recognize the volunteer managers in your agency.
12. Create thank you gifts for your volunteer managers.

It is important to recognize the huge commitment that our volunteers make, but it is equally important to recognize those who manage these volunteers and provide resources to those who serve. International Volunteer Managers Day is the perfect day to provide this recognition to those who dedicate their lives to serving others. Hope these tips help you recognize the managers in your agency on November 5^th!

Is your organization planning on recognizing its volunteer managers? Let us know how in the comments!