OPERA VOLUNTEERS INTERNATIONAL is a nonprofit, all volunteer-led service organization and the premier resource and advocate for the development and advancement of volunteerism in support of opera. OVI is the primary umbrella organization for opera volunteers, opera volunteer groups and opera organizations that use volunteers. OVI expands the future, reach, and relevance of opera worldwide by connecting individual opera volunteers, opera volunteer groups, opera producing organizations, educational organizations, and others that support opera in their communities. To do this OVI: Shares knowledge, resources and wisdom about volunteerism to enhance the capability and potential of opera volunteers; awards matching grants to qualifying nonprofit organizations to encourage the expansion and development of programs that recruit, develop or train volunteers in all areas of opera support; recognizes outstanding opera volunteers and volunteer projects to promote value added by volunteers to opera and opera organizations; enables the formation, development and revitalization of opera volunteer groups, and promotes strong alliances with organizations and communities that use volunteers; facilitates networking between and among opera volunteers, opera volunteer groups and promotes strong alliances with organizations and communities that use volunteers; facilitates networking between and among opera volunteers, groups, and opera companies, educational organizations and others interested in opera; plans and executes innovative fundraising activities to expand its financial base. Membership is open to opera volunteers through our website: operavolunteers.org.