International Volunteer Managers Day
International Volunteer Managers Day is observed on November 5. It recognizes the people who support, guide and coordinate volunteers, helping them contribute their time and skills to community groups, charities and other organizations.
How the day started
According to International Volunteer Managers Day, the first observance was in 1999. American Nan Hawthorn led the push for the day and helped form a committee to explore recognizing the work of volunteer managers. The day was created to recognize individual managers and their role in mobilizing and supporting volunteers. Until 2005, it was celebrated on December 5 alongside International Volunteers Day.
Volunteer managers may have many different job titles, including volunteer coordinator, volunteer engagement officer or community involvement manager. Their work can include welcoming new volunteers, matching people with suitable roles, arranging training and helping everyone understand how to work safely and effectively.
Why volunteer managers matter
Volunteering often looks simple from the outside: someone offers their time, and an organization puts that help to use. In practice, thoughtful coordination can make a big difference. A volunteer manager helps connect people’s interests and abilities with an organization’s needs, while making sure volunteers know what is expected of them.
Good support also helps volunteers feel included and appreciated. Managers may answer questions, check in during a project, recognize contributions and help resolve difficulties. They can also gather feedback and use it to improve future volunteer opportunities.
The role varies from one setting to another. A volunteer manager at a community garden might organize work sessions and explain tasks to newcomers. Someone supporting a charity event might coordinate sign-ups, schedules and on-the-day instructions. In each case, the aim is to help people work together toward a shared purpose.
Celebrating the people behind volunteering
International Volunteer Managers Day is a chance to notice the planning and care that often happen behind the scenes. It also offers an opportunity for organizations to think about how they welcome, support and thank the people who give their time.
- Say thank you. Send a personal message to a volunteer manager, or share a specific example of how their support helped a volunteer or project.
- Recognize their work publicly. With their permission, highlight a volunteer manager in an organization’s newsletter, social media post or community noticeboard.
- Ask what support they need. A check-in can open a useful conversation about training, resources, communication or workload.
- Make volunteering easier to join. Review role descriptions and sign-up information so people can understand what a position involves and how to get started.
- Offer your own time. Contact a local community group or charity to ask about current volunteer roles and how its volunteer team is supported.
- Share appreciation with volunteers, too. Volunteer managers help people contribute, and a welcoming, grateful culture can strengthen the whole team.
Whether you work with volunteers, manage a volunteer program or are considering volunteering yourself, November 5 is a good time to recognize the people who help turn generous intentions into organized, shared efforts.
When is International Volunteer Managers Day?
International Volunteer Managers Day: Every year on November 5.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 5 | Thursday |
| 2027 | November 5 | Friday |
| 2028 | November 5 | Sunday |
| 2029 | November 5 | Monday |
| 2030 | November 5 | Tuesday |
Reviewed by the Holiday List editorial team on November 4, 2026 · Last updated November 4, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When is International Volunteer Managers Day in 2026?
International Volunteer Managers Day is on Thursday, November 5, 2026. After that, it falls on Friday, November 5, 2027. Every year on November 5.
Is International Volunteer Managers Day a public holiday?
No. International Volunteer Managers Day is an observance, not an official public holiday, so schools and businesses stay open as usual.
How did International Volunteer Managers Day start?
The first observance was in 1999, after American Nan Hawthorn led efforts to recognize volunteer managers and helped form a committee. Until 2005, the day was celebrated on December 5 alongside International Volunteers Day.
What does International Volunteer Managers Day celebrate?
It recognizes the people who guide and coordinate volunteers, helping them contribute their time and skills to organizations and communities. The day highlights the planning and support that often happen behind the scenes.
How can you celebrate International Volunteer Managers Day?
Thank a volunteer manager with a personal message, recognize their work publicly with their permission, or ask what support they need. You can also make volunteer roles easier to join or offer your time to a local group or charity.
Sources
- International Volunteer Managers Day: About Us
- Volunteer Canada: International Volunteer Managers Day
✓ Date matches International Volunteer Managers Day: About Us (checked automatically on November 3, 2026).
