IAVE Board Report by Debbie S.F. Huang for Board Member for National Representatives

Progress In 2007-2008

II. IAVE Training Program For National Representatives At the XXth IAVE World Volunteer Conference
In order to encourage IAVE National Representatives to contribute and share their volunteering experiences, the IAVE National Representatives Training Program will be held at the XXth IAVE World Volunteer Conference. The purpose of the training program will not only focus on learning more about the job description, rights, and obligation as a National Representative. But also, it will focus on the learning of effective techniques and strategies to assist them in the promotion of IAVE in their countries.  The training program is a great opportunity to share and nework with other national representatives.

(1) Survey On IAVE National Representatives Training Program At The XXth IAVE World Volunteer Conference

In order  to get an idea of  how the training program can meet the needs and concerns of the national represenatiaves, a survey regarding the training program was email to all national representatives.

Here are the feedbacks 

1. Regarding to the National Representatives Training Program for the XXth IAVE World Volunteer Conference, are there any general issues or questions, which you think are important and should be discussed during the training program. 
   a) Promotional Materials
   b) No existing list of IAVE’S membership in México
   c) More attractive promotion, like training, recruitment tips, recognition events.
   d) The membership issue and why is it that only first world and economically powerful countries represented at the conferences.  Most of the smaller countries like Fiji are being missed out and arrangements are not being made for grants to meet their costs.  It is hoped that IAVE will not become an exclusive “club” of the northern countries like it was before 1990.
   e) Testimonies from National Representatives, about their actions in benefit of IAVE in their own countries.
   f) Documentation and possible ways of exchanging: national/local experiences, cases, projects and methodologies concerning volunteerism.This could include a country profile for all affiliates.
   
2. What are the training discussion topics you would be more interested in exploring? 
   a) The convenience of being an IAVE member
   b) Some volunteers are very picky about joining IAVE, because they think of competition or exclusivity.
   c) We need to have funds arranged for in-country training. There are enough expertise within each country to continue do their own training.
   d) National experiences on volunteerism promotion and projects, which counted on government support 
   
3. Would you like to share your stories about experiences of your challenges and successes in your role as IAVE National Representative? 
   -No
   -Yes , but one cannot do this if there is no grant for travel and other costs.
   -Yes 
   
4.  Any other comments and suggestions regarding the training program? Please specify.
   a).  I need more promotional materials, they should be exciting invitations to become a member, no matter if they are already working with another organization.
   b).  Please do not forget the membership.
   c)  Benefits of being a member of IAVE

(2) An Invitation For IAVE National Representatives Training Program At The XXth IAVE World Volunteer Conference
An invitation was sent to all national representatives to encourage them to attend the training program. By Mar. 16, 17 people sent in their applications and were planning to attend the training program.

III. Support to IRC and IAVE.org
IAVE Taiwan supports IRC with the assistance of administration and logistics regularly and initiates  ‘i-volunteer’ program in the campus to promote IAVE and recruite volunteers in assisting IRC and the website. 10 students from National First University of Science and Technology served as translators in 2008-9.

IV. Host 2009 IAVE Asia-Pacific Regional Volunteer Conference
IAVE Taiwan committed to be the host of XII AP Regional Volunteer Conference will serve as a networking hub of members, board members, NRs, voluntary organizations and individual volunteers around the region.  The dates of conference will be set on Nov. 25 -28, and estimated attendees will be around 600.

V. Concern And Resolution
IAVE recognizes the wonderful work our national representatives are doing to promote the spirit of volunteerism throughout the world. In order to provide the best serve to our NRs, I am looking for correspondence and assistance from our regional board members:

1. To take on an active role on recognizing the needs of national representatives and keeping an open communication with NRs in the region.
2. To nominate or assign NRs Candidates actively in those countries without NRs or with membership expired for a long term. 
3. To brainstorm strategic plans, which will help us work together more effectively.  

In the example of working with Maria Teresa Gnecco, she brought it to our attention that there are many countries where we have IAVE members but don’t have national representatives in the countries.  Maria Teresa took the initiative to email me and expressed her concerns and suggestions.  We then sent an invitation to people who have registered at the  conference  and are from countries of the region where we don’t have any NRs. The strategic plan works and we have gotten great responses. Many people from Latin American region sent in their applications for the NRs training program. This is a great example of how we can work together more effective for IAVE members.