A conversation between members of several Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) United States of America (USA) member societies attending the Country Women's Council USA September 1994 Annual Meeting concluded there was a needed connection among this group of CWC and ACWW member societies in the USA.  A group met at the 1995 CWC meeting and voted to establish a national organization. October 1, 1995, the National Volunteer Outreach Network (NVON) was formed. Officers elected were Louise Nichols (Indiana), President; Mary Nell Fairey (South Carolina), Vice President and Jean Davis (Kentucky) Secretary/Treasurer. Betty Buff (South Carolina) served as advisor.

Phyllis Howard (Indiana) prepared By-Laws and applied for Articles of Incorporation status in Indiana. This was granted January 25, 1996.  The Articles of Incorporation were amended to comply with the Internal Revenue Service May 31, 2005.

Charter member societies were Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council; Illinois Association for Home and Community Education; Indiana Extension Homemakers Association; Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association; South Carolina Family & Community Leaders; West Virginia Community Educational Outreach Service; and Wisconsin Association for Home & Community Education.

In May 1996 NVON was accepted as an ACWW member organization which allowed for membership in the Country Women’s Council USA (CWC). This action placed the NVON President on the CWC Board.

The first NVON newsletter was mailed December 1996.  1998-2004 states volunteered to compile and print the newsletter. January 2002 the first newsletter editor was appointed. VISION was selected by the membership as the name for the organization's newsletter July 2003.

The mark NVON was registered with the United States Patent and Trade Mark Office (US PTO) June 22, 1999 and renewed February 8, 2005.

The mark National Volunteer Outreach Network was registered with the United States Patent and Trade Mark Office (US PTO) September 21, 1999 and renewed March 21, 2005.

Meaning of the NVON Logo

The “Ns” (National & Network) are supporting the “V” (Volunteers), who are holding up the world “O” (Outreach), to make the world a better place for women and families.

Logo was adopted October 10, 1999.

May 2002 the first NVON brochure was designed and printed.

July  2004 the first NVON Handbook was printed and distributed.  It was decided to revise and print the handbook every three years during the year of the President Elect.

August 10, 2005 the National Volunteer Outreach Network, Inc. was granted 501 (c) (3) status.  This status allows NVON to receive bequests, devises, transfers, or gifts under section 2055, 2106 or 2522 of the code. Contributions made to NVON are tax deductible under section 170 of the code.  The effective date of exemption granted was January 25, 1996.

The idea that NVON member states exchange programs resulted in a "NVON Program Box" October 2000.  The Program box was renamed Program Library in 2004

1999 - Columbus, Indiana “Exploring New Horizons”
2000 - Louisville, Kentucky  “National Volunteer In Action”
2001 - Parkersburg, West Virginia  “Almost Heaven in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia”
2002 - Springfield, Illinois “Visions for the Future”
2003 - Janesville, Wisconsin  Visions for the Future  "Dreams Really Can Come True”
2004 - North Charleston, South Carolina  - Visions for the Future "Building on the Past”
2005 - Indianapolis, Indiana  - A Strong Foundation – Building from Within "Step by Step”
2006 - Hot Springs, Arkansas  - A Strong Foundation – Building from Within "Inform--Inspire--Involve"
2007 - Lexington, Kentucky - A Strong Foundation - Building From Within "Inherit The Past, Create A Bright Future"
2008 - Charleston, West Virginia - United for a Better World “Together Everyone Accomplishes More"
2009 - Belleville, Illinois - United for a Better World “Cultivate the Mind; Harvest the Future”