Interns in Action SUMMER INTERNSHIP 2005       Valerie Millette - JMSB, MSc CEI Host Organization - Volunteer Vancouver CEI Funding partner - CIBC Hello everybody! I just started my internship with Volunteer Vancouver on Monday, and I wanted to take a second to let you know about this amazing organization, and the work I will be doing over the summer. I am a student at the John Molson School of Business (Concordia University), in Montreal. I am in the process of finishing my Masters of Science in Administration, as I will be defending my thesis in the fall. As a research-oriented program, the M.Sc has allowed me to focus issues relevant to the management of non-profit organizations, and more specifically on the topic of volunteer motivation. Over the past five years, I have been involved in many community organizations, and my experience includes working as a Volunteer Coordinator, Placement Counselor, Board Member, as well as Volunteer Consultant in an international organization. Volunteer Vancouver is an organization that aims to connect people with their communities and to build a caring, tolerant society. Since 1943, Volunteer Vancouver has become a leader in promoting volunteerism and strengthening the voluntary sector. The project I am working on this summer is a Skills Bank pilot program. This program is an exciting initiative that aims to connect highly skilled business leaders with not-for-profit organizations who have short-term volunteer projects. My goal is to develop a strategy for funding-challenged organizations to consult with these professionals, and to make this process as rewarding as possible for both the volunteers and the organizations. To do so, I will be meeting with community leaders in the Greater Vancouver area, assessing their needs, and helping them develop the tools they need to best engage professional volunteers. I hope that all of you find your internships to be rewarding experiences, and that you will plan to continue working for your communities long after this memorable summer of 2005! Regards, Valerie Millette Valerie with colleague Brad Beattie at Volunteer Vancouver