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| VAT: Nov-Dec | Volunteerism's Newsletter | Vintage: 1994 |
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This article is being re-printed for non-commercial use as approved by GRAPEVINE,
A Volunteerism Newsletter. |
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The DOVIA Exchange By Ivan Scheier |
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Time Was and Time Will Be
This issue of the DOVIA Exchange revolves around an historic milestone for DOVIAS. The first-ever DOVIA Day happens at AVA's International Conference on Volunteer Administration, October 5, 1994, in Los Angeles. Is it important? At this writing reasonable projections estimate at least 100 DOVIA people will be there, representing at least 60-70 local and regional professional associations in North America. And for the first time ever, Jackie Norris, at the very busiest time of the year for her, will take time to attend and bring with her at least two other AVA Board members. The hope is that this day will shape a positive new future for DOVIAs - and for AVA. The next issue of the DOVIA Exchange will be devoted to a report on this historic day. (Sorry, lack of lead time prevented that, this issue.)..And Where We've Been
This major crossroads point for local/regional professional associations in our field is a good time to look back on where we've been. The following fact sheet was recently updated by the National DOVIA Network. It's frequently used as part of DOVIA member orientation material, newsletters, etc.Definition:
A local or regional association of individuals with a career or other serious interest in leadership of volunteers and/or volunteerism.Names:
Vary widely. Most often called ‘DOVIA’ (for Directors of Volunteers in Agencies) or 'DOV's'(Directors of Volunteer Services) or 'Association,' 'Council,' 'Society,' or sometimes 'Roundtable,' 'Network,' 'Cluster,' 'Forum,' or 'Alliance.'History:
The first local DOVIA of which we have record was The Volunteer Resources Council of the National Capital Area (Washington, DC), founded in 1956. Next is in 1958, the Quebec Association of Directors of Volunteer Services in Health Care. The name 'DOVIA' was first used by the Los Angeles association over thirty years ago, and LA/DOVIA remains one of the strongest and most creative associations in North America.Size:
We have information on 325 associations in our files and believe we may know half of what is actually going on. Thus, a fairly conservative estimate is 650 DOVIA's in North America. The average number of members is 70, but that is skewed upward by a relatively few very large DOVIAs. The median number of members is about 40. The total membership of all 650 DOVIAs is probably close to 50,000.Affiliations:
About l/4 report no affiliations 1/2 say they have one affiliation; and 1/4 have more than one. Among the DOVIAs that do have affiliations, most are with Volunteer Centers, except for single-subject-area (such as health care), which national are likely to be affiliated with a nation organizations. A number of DOVIAs also participate in the National DOVIA Network, are affiliates of AVA, or both.Purposes:
Virtually every association gives as main purposes: a) networking, idea and information exchange among members; and b) education and training in the volunteer leadership field. About ½ of the associations give as goals: a) increasing professionalization of the field; and b) upgrading or promoting a positive image for volunteers and volunteerism. About 1/3 of the DOVIAs mention as their aim avoidance of duplication, and the encouragement of joint projects in recruiting, recognition, etc.Main Activities:
Meetings (40% monthly); workshops (average of 3 or 4 per year); recognition events for volunteers and volunteer coordinators; and publication of a newsletter (about half do; some of the others have space in another groups newsletter).Funding Sources:
Mainly dues, and secondarily workshop fees but other less frequent sources are: fees charged for special events; donations from individuals or businesses; local government budget allocation; small earmarked grants for special projects; share of dues from a national organization; sales of books and recognition items; and sales of advertising in their newsletter.Publications:
The DOVIA Exchange (bi-monthly); Planning and Strengthening a DOVIA, and The National DOVIA Directory.The National DOVIA Network has more on all the above, plus a number of specials and discounts. Membership is $20 for the remainder of 1994 and all of 1995.
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Ivan Scheier
Stillpoint
607 Marr
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, 87901
Tel (505) 894-1340
Email: ivan@zianet.comFor comments and editing suggestions please contact Mary Lou McNatt mlmcnatt@indra.com