As part of National Volunteering Week 2012 Fingal Volunteer Centre invited to join our staff in a clean up project along the Royal Canal around Clonsilla, Coolmine and Blanchardstown on Friday 18 May from 1pm to 3pm.

We will be collecting litter on the stretch of the canal alongside the 3 railway Stations. This project is part of the National Inland Waterways Clean Up. Our Inland Waterways are a precious natural resource. With the help of Waterways Ireland and Fingal County Council, we will help maintain the beauty of our waterways - and the importance of keeping them clean! We will meet on Friday 18 May at 1pm in the car park of the Clonsilla Inn Pub on Clonsilla Road. 

For more information check out this information.

National Volunteering Week is a new intiative of Volunteer Ireland for 2012.  More information will be available online soon. 

Here are just a few examples on what you can do to get involved with the National Day of Volunteering:

1. You can register to take part in a project that is already happening
2. Register your own project
3. Participate in our flagship event
4. Commit a ’Random Act of Volunteering’
5. Thank a volunteer So go ahead, grab some friends, family and colleagues and give Ireland a helping hand in creating the best National Day of Volunteering!

Download an Information Pack Now and make your plans for National Volunteer Day
Download one or all of the following Information packs and activity fact sheets for more information on the National Day of Volunteering.  You can also get hard copies of the factsheets and further support directly from Fingal Volunteer Centre. The following are all Adobe pdf files, you can download a free copy of Adobe Reader online.

The National Day of Volunteering is for anyone and everyone! Whether you’re an individual who wants to volunteer, a volunteer involving organisation or a business, there are plenty of ways to get involved! Why get involved? Because volunteering benefits everyone and makes us stronger. Together we can build stronger neighbourhoods, stronger communities, a stronger Ireland.

National Volunteering Week 2012 is a new initiative of Volunteer Ireland and takes place from 14 – 20 May and Fingal Volunteer Centre are delighted to announce that Fingal Volunteer Expo will take place on Thursday 17 May 2012 from 11:00 to 20:00 in the Blanchardstown Centre, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

Come along, and learn more about volunteering with the following organisations:

Age Action
Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living
GAA Castleknock
Dogs Trust
Fingal Volunteer Centre
Gorta 
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind
Irish Wheelchair Association
Le Chéile
National Council for the Blind Ireland
Order of Malta Castleknock
Phoenix FM
St. John Ambulance 

We are inviting all not-for-profit, volunteer involving organisations to Fingal Volunteer Expo 2012. The event is aimed at helping organisations attracting people who are interested in becoming volunteers but who may not know exactly where or how to go about it.

This is a great opportunity for your organisation to showcase your volunteer opportunities; let the community know about the work you do; network with other organisations; and get to engage with Fingal Volunteer Centre and develop new opportunities.

Exhibition stands are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. If you are interested in attending please read the attached terms and conditions and complete the Expression of Interest form and return it along with a non refundable €25 booking fee to us on or before Friday 27 April 2012.

If you can’t make it to Fingal Volunteer Expo 2012 yourself we will of course provide leaflets / information about volunteering within your organisation at Fingal Volunteer Centre’s stand. If you have any questions we will be delighted to hear from you or if you have any other questions in relation to volunteer management please do not hesitate to contact us.  We hope to see you at Fingal Volunteer Expo 2012.

Download an information pack and Expression of Interest Form to exhibit at Fingal Volunteer Expo (Adobe pdf)

Check out these videos from our last Fingal Volunteer Expo in Blanchardstown.

We will be holding our quarterly free Fingal Volunteer Managers and Coordinators Networking Event on Wednesday 20 June from 10.30 to 12.30 in Baldoyle Library, Strand Road, Baldoyle, Dublin 13.

Fingal Volunteer Centre is inviting all Volunteer Managers and Coordinators as well as past and current participants in our Volunteer Management Training to come along and meet your colleagues and peers in the sector.

We will also have a free to attend workshop in volunteer recognition as part of the Volunteer Management Cycle.  If you would like to attend please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   Places must be booked in advance.

This is one of four events in 2012.  The networking events take place in Wednesday 15 February, Wednesday 20 June and on Monday 5 November we have a special drop in thank you event in Starbucks Blanchardstown (Leisureplex, beside the Library), Blanchardstown to coincide with International Volunteer Managers Day 2012.  All of these events are free to attend.

Is your organisation considering involving volunteers?
Are you new to managing or coordinating volunteers?
Would you like some help or need some advice?

This session is aimed at organisations setting out on the path of engaging volunteers in their group. It is designed to help groups understand the best ways to involve volunteers, understand volunteer expectations, and start on a path to ensuring volunteers become a core and positive part of your organisation. The session is about 2 hours long, interactive, fun and a good way to meet like minded organisations. It was developed by Volunteer Ireland, the national volunteer development agency, in conjunction with local Volunteer Centres.

10.30 to 13.00 Tuesday 10 July 2012
Room 1, 2nd Floor, Blanchardstown Library, Dublin 15

The information session is intended to give you an introduction to Fingal Volunteer Centre and give you an oversight of steps involved in engaing volunteers in your organisation.  Places are limited to 12 participants per session. Refreshments will be provided. There is no cost for this information workshop as it is being subsidised by Fingal Leader Partnership and Fingal Volunteer Centre. Organisations participating should be from Fingal and should be starting out to engage volunteers or have recently engaged volunteers.

In order to secure a place, please complete the online registration. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Book your place online now using our online registration system

Is your organisation considering involving volunteers?
Are you new to managing or coordinating volunteers?
Would you like some help or need some advice?

This session is aimed at organisations setting out on the path of engaging volunteers in their group. It is designed to help groups understand the best ways to involve volunteers, understand volunteer expectations, and start on a path to ensuring volunteers become a core and positive part of your organisation. The session is about 2 hours long, interactive, fun and a good way to meet like minded organisations. It was developed by Volunteer Ireland, the national volunteer development agency, in conjunction with local Volunteer Centres.

1900 to 2030, Tuesday 25 September 2012
The Grange Art Gallary, (off the R129) Ballyboughal, Fingal, County Dublin.

(Please note this location is outside Ballyboughal and while it is signposted we suggest you read and print out these directions and map) 

The information session is intended to give you an introduction to Fingal Volunteer Centre and give you an oversight of steps involved in engaing volunteers in your organisation.  Places are limited to 12 participants per session. Refreshments will be provided. There is no cost for this information workshop as it is being subsidised by Fingal Leader Partnership and Fingal Volunteer Centre. Organisations participating should be from Fingal and should be starting out to engage volunteers or have recently engaged volunteers.

In order to secure a place, please complete the enclosed booking form and return to Fingal Volunteer Centre as soon as possible. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Register now online for your place at this workshop

Fingal Volunteer Centre can deliver a range range of bespoke and modular trainings to Volunteering Involving organisations (VIO's).  Our 4 module Volunteer Management Training takes place over 2 days.   

If you wish we can also deliver this directly to your organisation or a ggroup of organisations at a time and venue that suits you (minimum number of participants required).  The four modules are as follows:

• Module 1: Planning for volunteer involvement
• Module 2: Volunteer recruitment and selection
• Module 3: Day-to-day management of volunteers
• Module 4: Developing a policy for volunteer involvement

Day time course (4 modules over 2 days)
10.15 to 17.30 with a lunch break (Lunch will be not provided)

Venue: Malahide Library, Main Street, Malahide, Fingal, County Dublin

Tuesday 2 October (Modules 1 & 2)
Tuesday 9 October (Modules 3 & 4)

Volunteer Management Training Bookings
To book a place you must complete a booking form and return the course fee. Bookings will only be confirmed on receipt of payment.

Download a Booking form (Adobe pdf)
Download a Brochure on the Volunteer Managerment  Training Course (Adobe pdf)

Can't find a date that suits you? 
We can  deliver all four modules to your organisation or a number of organisations from your locality at a time and venue that suits you (A minimum number of participants are required). Please contact us directly for more information. Email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Universally, people recognise the contribution of volunteers – in sport, health, emergency services, faith communities and the environmental lobby   …in fact volunteers are involved in just about every aspect of service delivery in all walks of life. However, volunteering does not succeed in a vacuum.Behind this army of volunteers lies an equally dedicated group of individuals and agencies who are reponsible for the coordination, support, training, administration and recruitment of the world’s volunteers – skilled professionals who are adept at taking singular passion and turning it into effective action. That is why we celebrate International Volunteer Manager Appreciation Day every year on November 1.

It is important to let those professionals know that the spirit of volunteerism is enhanced and enabled by them, and to thank them. We urge you to mark your calendar and, whether you are an administrator, a volunteer, a community leader or someone who receives the benefit of volunteer help, to make sure the people who act as leaders and catalysts get the recognition they deserve! Recognition for those who lead your volunteers While the spotlight is often pointed towards the amazing achievements of volunteers around the world, the efforts of those who work so tirelessly in the background - to capably lead and equip volunteers - is all too often overlooked International Volunteer Managers Day (IVMDay) whic is to be celebrated on November 5, is the ideal opportunity to acknowledge and recognise the important work undertaken by those who lead volunteer effort and create environments in which volunteers and volunteering can flourish.

Celebrated for the first time twelve years ago in 1999, IVMDay has grown to be a truly international celebration and acknowledgement of the profession of volunteer management IVMDay is supported by key volunteer support agencies from 16 countries around the world including Volunteering England, Volunteering Canada, Volunteering New Zealand and the International Association for Volunteer Effort.

A SHORT HISTORY OF IVMA DAY

International Volunteer Manager Appreciation Day (IVMA Day) was founded and observed for the first time in 1999.It was developed in order to bring recognition to individual managers of volunteer resources and to promote a greater awareness of the catalytic role that VPM’s play in the mobilisation and support of the world’s volunteers.Over the years the day has grown to now receive support by volunteer involving agencies – both large and small – from right around the world. Up until 2005, IVMA Day shared its day of celebration with International Volunteers Day on December 5. However, in 2006, IVMA Day moved to a stand alone date and was celebrated for the first time on November 1 2006 also saw the formation of a new ‘International Supporters Group’. This specially invited collection of invited key leaders and groups from around the world are helping to spread the word about IVMA Day internationally Universally, people recognise the contribution of volunteers – in sport, health, emergency services, faith communities and the environmental lobby on December 5, which in UN International Volunteer Day.   In fact volunteers are involved in just about every aspect of service delivery in all walks of life. However, volunteering does not succeed in a vacuum.  Behind this army of volunteers lies an equally dedicated group of individuals and agencies who are reponsible for the coordination, support, training, administration and recruitment of the world’s volunteers – skilled professionals who are adept at taking singular passion and turning it into effective action.That is why we celebrate International Volunteer Manager Day every year on November 5.

It is important to let those professionals know that the spirit of volunteerism is enhanced and enabled by them, and to thank them. We urge you to mark your calendar and, whether you are an administrator, a volunteer, a community leader or someone who receives the benefit of volunteer help, to make sure the people who act as leaders and catalysts get the recognition they deserve!  Some ideas for IVMD Here are ways your organisation can promote the day and give recognition to local managers of volunteers. Prepare articles for community newspaper publication  Start a campaign to promote local Champions - eg single out the unsung heroes as a way for them and their community to recognise and acknowledge their good work, and the importance of their role.  Lobby for a Mayoral reception  Hold a Celebratory function for people who manage / coordinate volunteers in your organisation Get volunteers to write statements of what they appreciate about their managers.  Suggest CEOs / Board members send e-cards of appreciation to their managers / leaders / coordinators of volunteers. 

For more inspiration and resources visit www.volunteermanagersday.org. There is also a Facebook group to support the IVMDay. Spread the word to your peers and colleagues about it and join it yourself. Some quotes for the day "Volunteering can be organic and spontaneous. These are qualities that make volunteering great. But it\'s also high time that people understood that when volunteers are well supported, equipped and motivated they can be far more effective and better prepared to be able to make a difference than those who are simply armed with good intentions and a little bit of time. It\'s time we better recognised and appreciated the impact that good volunteer management makes"Andy Fryar, Chairperson, IVMDay International Committee "With the UK government\'s ideas for a Big Society, there is a greater need to focus on volunteer management than ever before. For the ideas behind the Big Society to flourish and for the sectors in the UK who involve volunteers to thrive in a time of economic uncertainty, It is important that volunteer managers take a lead in developing our profession to ensure we can meet these challenges. IVMDay is an opportunity for volunteer managers to raise awareness of our profession and together celebrate the important contribution we make. On behalf of AVM I wish all volunteer managers wherever in the world they are well and hope that you enjoy the day."Sean Cobley - Chairperson, Association of Volunteer Managers (AVM), UK "We actively support IVMDay, because we are committed to the development of people in community focused agencies and place a high priority on any way that can be used to elevate the vital role of those who manage and mobilize volunteers"Martin J Cowling CEO - People First Total Solutions A short historyInternational Volunteer Manager Appreciation Day (IVMA Day) was founded and observed for the first time in 1999.It was developed in order to bring recognition to individual managers of volunteer resources and to promote a greater awareness of the catalytic role that VPM’s play in the mobilisation and support of the world’s volunteers.Over the years the day has grown to now receive support by volunteer involving agencies – both large and small – from right around the world.Up until 2005, IVMA Day shared its day of celebration with International Volunteers Day on December 5. However, in 2006, IVMA Day moved to a stand alone date and was celebrated for the first time on November 1.  2006 also saw the formation of a new ‘International Supporters Group’. This specially invited collection of invited key leaders and groups from around the world are helping to spread the word about IVMA Day internationally. Fingal Volunteer Centre is a proud to be a supporter of International Volunteer Managers Day. For more information please visit the International Volunteer Managers Day web site

We will be holding our final Fingal Volunteer Managers and Coordinators Networking Event of 2012 on Monday 5 November from 10.30 to 12.00 in Starbucks (beside Leisureplex and the Library), Blanchardstown, County Fingal.  Come along and join us for a Free coffee and munchies!  Meet your peer Volunteer Coordinators and Managers and join with us as we celebrate International Volunteer Managers Day 2012.

If you would like to attend please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   Places must be booked in advance.

This is one of four events in 2012.  The networking events take place in Wednesday 15 February, Wednesday 20 June and on Monday 5 November we have a special drop in thank you event in Starbucks Blanchardstown (Leisureplex, beside the Library), Blanchardstown to coincide with International Volunteer Managers Day 2012.  All of these events are free to attend.

Many thanks to Starbucks Blanchardstown for supporting this event.

The National Volunteer Management Conference 2012 will take place on Wednesday 7 November 2012.  Keep the date free in your diary.  The programme will be published online later this year.

This event is organised by Volunteer Ireland.

Recognising Volunteers on International Volunteer Day
International Volunteer Day was created to acknowledge and show appreciation to all those people who dedicate their much needed time and skills to the many community organisations across the world.

Why recognise volunteers?
Volunteers should be acknowledged for the important contribution they make to the community. Many not-for-profit organisations would find it impossible to carry out their work without volunteers. Recognition lets volunteers know that others appreciate what they do. It gives them a feeling of accomplishment and motivates them to continue volunteering.

International Volunteer Day is the perfect time for an organisation to express gratitude to its volunteers. Designed to thank volunteers and stimulate a greater awareness of their contribution, IVD is already marked in more than half the countries of the world. Become part of a global movement to honour volunteers and the amazing work they do. 

When should volunteers be recognised?
Timing is important when recognising volunteers and it is nice to acknowledge contributions throughout the year, and not just on one day! Giving a small thank you regularly can add up and mean more to a volunteer than one huge thank you at the end of a long project or once a year.

How to recognise volunteers
Recognising volunteers is as simple as showing them your appreciation on a day-to-day basis. A regular and sincere thank you is still the best way to build a good recognition program. This kind of recognition is really powerful, as praising work at the time it takes place and treating volunteers as important members of the team gives them a real sense of achievement and enhances the personal satisfaction they get from volunteering.

Light up our world with IYV+10 and Angelique Kidjo from UNV on Vimeo.

Recognition can take many forms and one of the most important aspects is to understand what kind of recognition volunteers value individually. Some volunteers love the big yearly event, while others find it embarrasing, or don't care for it at all. Try and vary the ways you give recognition with lots of small acknowledgements regularly and the occasional big celebration. It is a good idea to keep track of any cards, certificates or presents given out in the past, so that the same thing doesn’t get given twice. Things like birthday, anniversary and 'life event' cards personally written and signed can mean so much and cost very little.

You can download our 101 ways to recognise volunteers factsheet for more ideas and resources

Background
International Volunteer Day is a chance for individual volunteers, communities and organisations to promote their contributions to development at the local, national and international levels.  By combining UN support with a grassroots mandate, International Volunteer Day is a unique opportunity for people and volunteer-involving organisations to work with government agencies, non-profit institutions, community groups, academia and the private sector. 

The conference will feature The First Global Summit on Corporate Volunteering The first presentation of the IAVE Global Corporate Volunteering Awards The first IAVE Global Dialogue on NGO-Corporate Volunteer Partnerships, featuring leaders from global companies and international NGOs focused on the partnership response to natural and man-made disasters The first Global Convening of Volunteer Centers Since 1970, IAVE’s World Volunteer Conference has been the primary global convening of leaders of volunteering from throughout the world.  

The Program of the 22nd IAVE World Volunteer Conference
WVC 2012 will be different than past IAVE conferences. This one will have a more narrowly focused program and, thus, a more targeted participant group.