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Volume X, Issue 2, January 2010

The Strange History and Future Direction of Our Field's Professional Associations


Points of View
By Steve McCurley and Susan J. Ellis

For the last decade, we’ve watched professional associations of volunteer program managers – on local, state/provincial, national and even international levels - launch, thrive, wither, revive or stagnate in dozens of countries. Our conclusion? There is still no consistency of purpose or success among these various groups, though the need for professional exchange remains as critical as ever. In this Points of View, we examine the history and context of professional societies in general, and of those in volunteerism in particular. And we consider how associations’ needs have changed and what we might do collectively in the future.

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Comments

Stephen Moreton, Head of Education and Develpment Attend UK

April 6th, 2010, 5:51am

Checking the vision statements for the associations listed in this article, I feel unexcited about the world we are trying to create. The focus appears to be on things like:

 

  • Being a respected professional association
  • Furthering the interests of volunteer managers

The vision needs to inspire - we need to explain our raison-d'etre and the difference we can make in the world. This bit needs to be done before we come up with strategies, tips and techniques to improve the current situation. Surely Energize/e-Volunteerism is well-placed to stimulate this discussion...?