Our Mission

IAVE exists to promote, strengthen and celebrate volunteering in all of the myriad ways it happens throughout the world. With members in 70+ countries, we are the connective tissue of a global network of leaders of volunteering, NGOs, businesses and volunteer centers that share a belief in the power of volunteers to make a significant strategic contribution to resolving the world’s most pressing problems. To learn more about IAVE, read our Strategic Direction and get to know our four pillars, listed below.

Our People

IAVE is led by an international all-volunteer board of directors that sets strategic direction and guides the organization. Our Leadership Network includes elected representatives from every major region and volunteer National Representatives in 77 countries. The professional Secretariat team is based in Washington DC.

Meet Our Leaders

Our Pillars

Convening

IAVE hosts the biennial World Volunteer Conference and World Youth Volunteer Conference and biennial regional conferences as opportunities for leaders from across the field to come together.

Advocacy

IAVE serves as a global voice for volunteering, working closely with the United Nations, international NGOs and global companies to call attention to the strategic importance of volunteering as a way to solve problems and improve the quality of life for all.

Knowledge Development

IAVE is a recognized knowledge leader for the global volunteer community, conducting research and providing in-depth reports on current trends and challenges.

Network Development

IAVE brings together key constituencies to share with and learn from one another – the Global Corporate Volunteer Council, the Global Network of National Volunteer Centers and the Global Youth Volunteers Network.

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IAVE Members Around the World

Here is a visual representation of our global membership.