Today we'd like to take a moment to recognize Samah AbdelAziz, Volunteer Toronto's volunteer manager. On International Volunteer Manager's Day, there's no one more special to our cause and mission. We thank Samah for her time as a volunteer, and now as a staff member, bringing insights and compassion to everything she does. We sat down for a Q&A with Samah to ask about her experiences as a Volunteer Manager below!


What is your favourite part of managing volunteers?
"The Volunteers! I spend my day working through my tasks and focusing on my to-do list, it is easy to get lost in the details. Our volunteers bring meaning to it all, you connect with their passion, commitment to our work, and the desire to help. It is where I get my energy back!"


What do you think is the most important advice for someone wanting to become a volunteer manager?
"Everyone has their own unique way of learning, growing, and doing things. What worked for me when I started in this role was connecting with people in the sector, attending different VM and sector related webinars, getting to know other VMs and exploring new ways of doing this work. I am always inspired by other volunteer managers and how they adapt to challenges and make things work."


What is the most fulfilling aspect of your work?
"There are a lot of aspects in my work that I find fulfilling: a success of an event, good feedback on a session we hosted, a fun meeting with a volunteer team, great learning and amazing engagement opportunities with my team, volunteers, and the public."


What have you learned about the world/the community since becoming a volunteer manager?
"A lot! I have learned a lot about the sector itself and the challenges Volunteer managers face. I joined the sector at a time of change. Non-profits faced a lot of challenges during the pandemic, and now they face different ones during recovery. These challenges shaped my mind about many things like exploring new ways to recruit and retain volunteers, taking into consideration the changes occurred in volunteers needs and availability after the pandemic. Also, reflecting on system biases and embracing diversity and inclusion in my daily life."


What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
"Saying No! I hate saying No to volunteers who applied to our roles and showed up to interviews. Most of the times we need only one or two volunteers, and we get amazing volunteer applications, and I hate sending them the apology email. 

THANK YOU SAMAH FOR ALL YOU DO!

Learn more about #IVMD here