Canadian Administrators of Volunteer Resources (CAVR) was formed as a result of the resolution presented to the membership of The Canadian Association of Directors of Volunteer Services in Healthcare (CDVH) in June 1996. This national association of administrators/managers of volunteer resources grew from the expanded mandate of the healthcare based association.
Our History
The Canadian Association of Directors of Volunteer Services in Healthcare grew to encompass a Canada wide membership since its inception in Ottawa in 1980. The groundwork was accomplished by a small group of DVS, spearheaded by Madame Fernande Robitaille from Quebec. At a Canadian conference organized for DVS in Healthcare, the goal was to establish a national organization as an affiliate member of the Canadian Hospital Assocition. A Steering Commitee, chaired by Elsa-Ann Pickard developed a Constitution and By-laws proposal for a national association, which was accepted at the first Annual Meeting held in Toronto in 1981. At this same meeting the first President, Elsa-Ann Pickard was elected and CDVH became incorporated.
Candian Administrators of Volunteer Resources has now grown from CDVH. This came about as a result of the Strategic Planning process and on-going consultations with members at the 1994 & 1995 Conference sessions called Future Directions. At these sessions, the members encouraged the Board to examine the membership issue. Who are our constituents? Who could our constituents be in the future? As a result, a motion was passed at the Annual General Meeting of 1995 to form a task force to look at expanding the membership and thereby the Association. The Strategic Planning Committee put forward a Plan for the Association that was approved at the November 1995 Board Meeting.
In 1996 the Association then moved to expand its membership beyond health related agencies and encompass all those who manage volunteers and volunteer programs and thereby proposed the resolution to change the name of the Association to Canadian Administrators of Volunteer Resources.
Vision Statement
To be the national, professional association of ALL Administrators of Volunteer Resources.
The Purpose
The Canadian Administrators of Volunteer Resources (CAVR) strives:
To provide national leadership for Administrators of Volunteer Resources.
To maintain a professional Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice in the administration of volunteer resources.
To promote professional development in the administration/management of volunteer resources.
To collaborate with provincial, national and international organizations.
Benefits of Membership
CAVR is the only national chartered association whose mandate is to support Administrators of volunteer resources.
The credibility of membership with a national association, recognized and portable throughout Canada.
Certification (CAVR) for and attainable by CAVR members only. Certification which is also a nationally recognized standard in the profession.
On-going Re-certification for members every three years, to renew their skills and update professional development.
Educational opportunities through national/provincial/regional conferences and access to participation in national long-distance education sessions.
Quarterly receipt of the Canadian Journal of Volunteer Resource Management (CJVRM) where members publish and share articles on current trends in the profession.
A nationally recognized Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Frequent Association UPDATES keeping all members informed on Association news and developments across Canada.
Networking opportunities with colleagues working in similar programs and agencies to share ideas and information.
Challenges for CAVR
To overcome the obstacles associated with the degree of distance experienced by national associations in a large country such as Canada.
To address the substantial costs involved in sustaining a viable national association.
The rising costs and financial restraints imposed on all agencies and facilities, and thereby our constituency.
Opportunities for members
Get INVOLVED in the national association by volunteering to serve on one of the many committees, task forces or even get nominated to the Board.
Gain professional knowledge; sharpen leadership skills; become an expert in the administration of volunteer resources and voluntarism.
Our Association is recruiting new and dedicated leaders in the field!
