VANDU - Genesis, Evolun, Org Struct, Activities - 2001.pdf

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A Case Study of Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU) office. The current office manager has assumed some of the bookkeeping responsibilities on behalf of the organization, and administers petty cash, including keeping track of volunteer stipend payments. The office manager also plays a critical role in facilitating communications among members, staff, and external stakeholders. Volunteer Coordinator The volunteer coordinator position was created in August 2001. The primary functions of this position, as described in the job summary, are “to coordinate the 100 or so volunteer members of this user-run user group, and to successfully define, evaluate and carry out VANDU’s volunteer activities using fair, transparent and empowering group processes.” The duties attached to this position include volunteer recruitment and training, as well as the facilitation of weekly volunteer meetings where volunteers sign up for programs and training opportunities. The volunteer coordinator is, with the office manager, also responsible for ensuing that volunteers receive stipends in a timely fashion. 22
A Case Study of Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU) Programs “The beauty of VANDU is that it covers a lot of ground, from providing a place for a mentally ill drug user totally whacked out at a meeting to high level political activities on national committees.” – Policy maker “’Thank you for the washroom, thank you for the clean rig, thank you for helping me’. VANDU is saving a lot of lives and these people want to live.” – VANDU executive member VANDU has been, and currently is, involved in several education, community care and support, and advocacy initiatives. All programs are developed, organized, and implemented by the elected board and the participating volunteers. Although members provide their thoughts about needed programs or how programs could be improved, the 25-member board assumes the ultimate responsibility for determining which programs run and how the programs should continue. The board has sought to promote the organization’s “network” philosophy, and a review of VANDU’s activities indicates that the organization maintains partnerships with a range of service organizations and government agencies. Education VANDU operates several formal and informal programs to educate drug users about important and specific health-related issues. The programs aim to foster peersupport, and many of the groups have developed advocacy activities specific to their shared concerns. 23
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VANDU - Genesis, Evolun, Org Struct, Activities - 2001.pdf

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