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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: David Horwitz
AL!VE Marketing Chair
info@volunteeralive.org
September 3, 2025 – The Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE), America's leading membership association dedicated to supporting excellence in volunteerism, proudly announces its celebration of International Volunteer Managers Day (IVMDay) 2025, observed every year on November 5. This year's theme, “Be BOLD. Make Change.”, encourages volunteer engagement professionals to advocate for meaningful change, embrace innovation, and strengthen the impact of volunteer programs in communities across the country.
Volunteer engagement professionals are the backbone of successful outcomes and impact. They recruit, train, and support the individuals who give their time and talents to causes that strengthen our nation. From food banks and schools to disaster response and community arts, volunteer managers ensure that programs run effectively, volunteers feel valued and their contributions strategically align with the achievement of an organization’s mission.
In the United States, approximately 75.8 million Americans (28.3% of adults) volunteered through nonprofit organizations between September 2022 and September 2023. Each hour of their service is valued at $33.49, representing a staggering tens of billions of dollars in community impact. Informal volunteering is even more widespread, with more than half of Americans lending a hand to friends, family, and neighbors without formal recognition.
Behind these numbers stand tens of thousands of volunteer managers – often the only paid or designated staff in their organizations responsible for creating meaningful, safe, and impactful volunteer opportunities. Their leadership is essential to ensuring that volunteer efforts address real needs and strengthen communities nationwide. IVMDay is an opportunity to:
Recognize the essential role of volunteer managers.
Elevate the profession of volunteer engagement.
Empower managers to advocate for resources and recognition within their organizations.
By celebrating IVMDay, we shine a light on the professionals who make it possible for millions of Americans to give back.
Volunteer managers are the catalysts who turn goodwill into action,” said Darlene Laird, President of AL!VE. “Their leadership ensures that the generosity of volunteers is transformed into real, lasting change in communities across the country.
Through its work, AL!VE champions excellence in volunteerism and supports the professionals who make it possible. This IVMDay, AL!VE encourages individuals, nonprofits, and community leaders to:
Thank a volunteer manager – with a public message, social post, or simple handwritten note.
Support volunteer programs – connect with local nonprofits to see how you can help.
Amplify the theme – share “Be BOLD. Make Change.” on social media using #IVMDay2025.
Invest in the profession – offer training, recognition, funding, or in-kind and pro bono support to strengthen volunteer programs in your area.
Join ALIVE on November 5, 2025 for our Volunteer Engagement Celebration Brunch to celebrate the professionals who make volunteerism possible.
Find many more ways to celebrate on AL!VE's official IVMDay celebration page at volunteeralive.org/ivmd. Together, let’s be bold and make change.
Download a PDF version of the press release here.
Founded in 2009, the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE) is a nonprofit professional association dedicated to promoting, supporting, and advocating for volunteer engagement professionals nationwide. By fostering collaboration, providing professional development, and advancing the profession, AL!VE helps ensure that volunteers, leaders of volunteers, and the organizations they support thrive. Learn more about AL!VE’s programs, events, and resources at volunteeralive.org and follow AL!VE on LinkedIn for updates about the field of volunteer engagement.