Dear NAPO Friends,

I can’t believe April is here, and in just two weeks we will be together virtually for NAPO2021! I’m looking forward to re-connecting with many of you, as well as connecting with some of you for the first time! If you haven’t already registered, you have until April 19 to do so. There is a tidbit of the “Know Before You Go” in this edition of NAPO To-Do; as you can see, it’s going to be an amazing experience!

Also, April 18-24, 2021 is National Volunteer Week, an annual celebration observed in many countries, to promote and show appreciation for volunteerism and volunteering. For NAPO, it’s an opportunity to thank all the hundreds of volunteers who work collaboratively to provide valuable services, to recognize them for their selfless and valuable contributions, and to inspire new volunteers to get involved. 

When NAPO first embraced Foresight several years ago, we realized that we needed to re-think the “volunteer” role and accept the varied nature of volunteer work. The world has changed, and with that, the ways we give back have changed. There are more meaningful ways to engage, and there are different volunteer opportunities that are designed with the needs and wants of the volunteer in mind.

The NAPO Board references the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) ForesightWorks Drivers of Change on a regular basis. Recently, we have been particularly focused on the driver of change that relates to Volunteers:

“Cultural, demographic, and technological changes are altering volunteer expectations and experiences in an increasingly dynamic and digital organizational environment. Associations and nonprofits are experimenting with more flexible roles and structures to support collaboration and contribution.”

As an association that depends heavily on its volunteers, we want to provide volunteer opportunities that are meaningful and that coincide with both individual preferences, interests and availability. Be on the lookout later this month for more details on how NAPO is improving the volunteer experience and making it more inclusive.  

NAPO has over 600 volunteers serving on the national and chapter levels. They are diverse in their backgrounds and their experiences. Please join me April 18-24 in celebrating and thanking our exceptional volunteers for every minute and hour that they spend making NAPO a unique and special association, one that provides value to our members. 

“See” you on April 20^th!

Warm regards,

Susie Hayman