Volunteer Resource Management Network (VRMN)

Created in 2004, the VRMN provides a professional network for managers of volunteer resources working in public health units/departments across Ontario. The group advocates for effective volunteer management practices and meaningful volunteer involvement within the public health sector. The objectives of the VMRN are to:

  • Use peer support to increase the competency level of managers of volunteer resources working within public health.
  • Share best practices and resources with any public health unit or department that wants to develop or enhance a volunteer program.
  • Advocate for issues related to the voluntary sector at the local, provincial and federal levels.

VRMN in Action…

  • Shares resources and develop tools relevant to volunteer management in public health.
  • Discusses and applies creative problem solving techniques to overcome common challenges.
  • Provides recommendations on matters related to the voluntary sector to key decision makers.

Impacts

  • Seven health units and the OPHA have adopted the Canadian Code of Volunteer Involvement. In doing so, each of them has formally recognized the importance and value of volunteer involvement within their respective organizations and communities.
  • A poster presentation advocating for volunteer engagement at public health units was accepted for display at the 2006 OPHA conference. This suggests that community involvement as a means of delivering health programs and services is becoming more widely accepted.
  • The Capacity Review Committee (CRC) integrated some of the Network’s suggestions into their Final Report for Revitalizing Ontario’s Public Health Capacity. The CRC reaffirmed the value of the VRMN when it formally acknowledged the Network’s contributions within the Final Report.

Links

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