What
is IAVE?
The "International Association for the Volunteer Effort" is
a worldwide organization that promotes the work of volunteers
and the value of volunteering.
Why hold a conference?
To share information and resources; To establish relationships
among volunteers and awareness of volunteering; and to provide
training.
Who attended?
Over 2,600 delegates from over 96 different countries representing
a broad cross section of decision makers and leaders in the
volunteer, business and government sectors, as well as volunteers
of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.
Keynote Speakers Included: - - Ruben Nelson, a futurist
spoke on the need to adapt the volunteer sector to the coming
century.
- The Executive Coordinator of United Nations Volunteers, Sharon
Capeling-Alakija discussed the upcoming International Year of
Volunteers in 2001.
- Barry Spilchuk, the co-author of Chicken Soup for the
Soul,
gave the very motivational final keynote address.
- Princess Zahra of the Aga Khan Development Network spoke on
youth issues.
- Helen Lieberman, who spoke of her work in helping to rebuild
South Africa after apartheid was abolished. |
- Prime Minister Chretien recognized the need for and promised
a more cooperative relationship between government and the non-profit
sector.
Survey Released: The results of the National Survey
on Giving, Volunteering, and Participating was also released
during the IAVE conference. This update on the 1987 Statistics
Canada study was a joint effort between government and the volunteer
sector. Some of the highlights of the 1997 study:
- 8 out of 10 individuals (age 15+) made financial contributions
to at least one charitable organization.
- About 7.5 Canadians or about 31% of the population volunteered
their time and skills (up from 27% in 1987)
- The average volunteer contributed 149 hours during 1997 (down
from 191 hours in 1987)
- Volunteering among youth (age 15-24) was estimated at 33%
compared to 18% an decade earlier.
"Caring Canadians, Involved Canadians: Highlights from this
National Survey is downloadable for free on Stats Canada's Internet
site at: www.statcan.ca
Whats Next? The 16th IAVE Conference will be held in
Holland in January 2001, during the International Year of the
Volunteer. |
Memorable
Quotes
from speakers at the IAVE
Conference.
"Governments don't have the wisdom
or the resources to do everything."
Prime Minister
Jean Chretien
"Volunteering is what builds bridges of understanding
among all of us and connects all of us together."
IAVE president, Ken Allen
The contributions of volunteers don't show up on balance
sheets.
Sharon Capeling-Alakija, UNV
When I first volunteered I have to admit it was because
someone invited me. I didn't even think about it before. I
do urge everyone in the room to extend that invitation.
Madame Huguette Labelle
President of CIDA
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