Volunteer managers aren't often seen for the important work they do, but on Wednesday, November 5, 2025—International Volunteer Manager’s Day—we celebrate the essential role volunteer managers hold in engaging volunteers meaningfully and equitably.

“Today, we are thinking about all the volunteer managers in Toronto and their leadership, persistence and creativity. Last year, we discovered that non-profits with a dedicated volunteer manager engage 16x more volunteers than those that don't. That means we need volunteer managers. The future of volunteerism and the vibrancy of our connected communities in Toronto depends on volunteer managers. We thank you for your leadership and expertise, and we are here to stand with you as we build the fabric of volunteerism in our beautiful city.”

—Joanne McKiernan, Executive Director, Volunteer Toronto

As Canada, Ontario and Toronto face declining volunteer rates—volunteer managers are the key that makes participation possible. Without volunteer managers, people aren't engaged, non-profits don't have the labour they need to keep programs going, and our communities feel disconnected.

In October 2025, the Ontario Nonprofit Network released its annual State of the Sector report revealing that with increased demand for services and difficulty recruiting and retaining paid staff, 41% of non-profits are turning to volunteers to fill labour gaps, yet, 45% have a lack of staff for volunteer recruitment and/or retention. Volunteerism can’t be the safety net for underfunded systems.

If we want volunteering to be equitable and sustainable, it also means funding trained volunteer managers and building the infrastructure that ensures volunteerism adds value without replacing paid work.

Volunteer managers are on the frontlines of non-profit organizations. These professionals design meaningful and flexible roles for today’s volunteers, respond to applicants—who are community members and potential donors—and they strengthen the connection between volunteer engagement and delivering community services.

This International Volunteer Manager's Day, join us in taking the time to recognize the imperative role of volunteer managers in building meaningful and ethical volunteer programs that create connected communities.