Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement
Calendar of Events - AL!VE
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Meetings will be held bimonthly (every 2 months) with the first meeting on Wednesday, April 28th at 8-9pm ET (5-6pm PT).  Following meetings will be 10 AM Pacific, 1 PM Eastern:   
2024:  February 22, April 26, June 28, Aug 23, Oct 25, Dec 27

The COP - Animal Welfare is designed to include a broad range of animal welfare organizations such as animal shelters, rescue groups, foster-based programs, sanctuaries, direct care for animals, and humane education programs. The objective of this COP is to connect volunteer engagement professionals within these organizations to share resources and best practices. This informal venue encourages open discussions for anyone seeking or offering advice in tackling the unique challenges facing volunteer leaders in the animal welfare field.

Communities of Practice are an AL!VE member benefit; however, anyone is welcome to attend their first meeting with out being a member.  After your first meeting, you must join as a member to attend subsequent meetings.  You can learn more here.


more info...		4/23/20241:00pm to 2:00pm

Take the next step in your career as a leader of volunteers and become certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA).

Leaders in non-profit organizations and community groups increasingly understand that volunteers can be a critical resource for delivering on a mission. Effective people management and community engagement is imperative – whether they be paid or unpaid. As a result, employers expect that those individuals tasked with mobilizing and coordinating volunteer engagement demonstrate a thorough knowledge of effective practices and an understanding of how to apply that knowledge in support of real-world organizational priorities.
 
more info...		4/23/20241:00pm to 2:00pmAshley Rieser

Save the Dates: 2024 National Service Training
 
See you in Minneapolis or online!
 
America's Service Commissions, in partnership with state and territorial service commissions, is pleased to announce the dates for 2024 National Service Training (NST). The theme is Serve. Connect. Build.
 
Please consider joining us in-person* or online:
April 24-26, 2024 · Minneapolis, MN
May 14-16, 2024 · Virtual
 
*In 2024, we will be hosting one national in-person event, bringing together folks from across the country, rather than several regional events.
 
The primary audiences for NST are AmeriCorps State program and fiscal staff, state and territorial service commission staff, and commissioners. While not a primary audience, all other streams of national service — including National, Native Nations, VISTA, NCCC, Seniors, and VGF — are welcome and invited to attend.
 
We will update our event website as more information is available.
more info...		4/24/2024
-4/26/2024		Varies - see website

 The  Advisory Boards & Committees COP group will be a chance to network, share expertise, ask questions, and solve problems with your peers. 

 Meeting times are 3 PM Eastern on:

2024:  February 7, May 1, August  7, November 6

For more information, contact COP facilitator Marcelle Austin.

Communities of Practice are an AL!VE member benefit; however, anyone is welcome to attend their first meeting with out being a member.  After your first meeting, we request you join as a member to attend subsequent meetings.  You can learn more here.

 
more info...		5/1/20243:00pm to 4:00pm

May AL!VE Academy:  Exploring the Career Pathways of Volunteer Adminstrators
Presented by Dr. Allison Russell and Kayla Parker, University of Texas at Dallas

  Dr. Allison Russell and Kayla Parker will discuss the findings of a recent study they conducted on the career pathways of volunteer administrators.

They interviewed over 50 volunteer administrators, discussing how they became volunteer administrators, what skills they need to succeed, and professional development in the field.

About our presenters: 
Dr. Allison Russell is an assistant professor in the Public and Nonprofit Management Program at the University of Texas at Dallas. Her scholarly work focuses on topics including nonprofit management, volunteerism, and social innovation.


Kayla Parker is a second year Ph.D student in the Public and Nonprofit Management Program at the University of Texas at Dallas. The focus of her studies are nonprofit management and volunteerism.







AL!VE Academy Webinars are free for Individual, Agency and Local Association members. The general public is welcome to attend, but will be billed $25 after attending and will receive a copy of the slide deck, recording, and attendance certificate upon request. If you registered as a Local association member, please be sure you have listed your local association's acronym or name in the registration. Learn more about AL!VE membership at our website.
more info...		5/3/20242:00pm to 3:00pm

Take the next step in your career as a leader of volunteers and become certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA).

Leaders in non-profit organizations and community groups increasingly understand that volunteers can be a critical resource for delivering on a mission. Effective people management and community engagement is imperative – whether they be paid or unpaid. As a result, employers expect that those individuals tasked with mobilizing and coordinating volunteer engagement demonstrate a thorough knowledge of effective practices and an understanding of how to apply that knowledge in support of real-world organizational priorities.
 
more info...		5/6/20249:30am to 10:30amAshley Rieser

Join your peers for discussions for those who manage food banks, hunger organizations, or nutrition programs.     This COP will meet Quarterly,  on the first Tuesday  @ 3 PM Eastern. See dates below.
*note* When you register, you will be automatically be registered for all the future COP dates (listed below) and monthly reminders will be sent - the COP will use the same zoom link. 
You may opt out by emailing manager@volunteeralive.org    

2024 Dates:
Jan 2
Feb 6
Mar 5
Apr 2
May 7
Jun 4
Jul 2
Aug 6
Sep 3
Oct 1
Nov 5
Dec 3

For more information, contact facilitator Elizabeth Garrabrant.

To register, please continue with this form.  You'll receive the log in information and reminders after registration. 

Remember, you need to register for each event listed individually.

Communities of Practice are an AL!VE member benefit; however, anyone is welcome to attend their first meeting with out being a member.  After your first meeting, you must join as a member to attend subsequent meetings.   
more info...		5/7/20243:00pm to 4:00pm

This is an AL!VE Communities of Practice for those involved in managing volunteers or programs in health care settings such as hospitals, hospice, Blood Banks, Health care facilities, long-term health centers, etc.  Health care can have some unique situations, requirements, and environments for volunteers!  Join your colleagues in discussion about your questions, situations, needs, and share your experiences with others as well.  Let’s support each other! 

Upon registering, we will email you the meeting log in information (and a reminder, too).
(All times Noon E)

2024:  Jan 11, Mar 14, May 9, July 11, Sept 12, Nov 14  

January topic: Data Collection:  What do you want to measure in 2024?
March topic:  Volunteer Recognition
May topic:  Summer teens
July topic:  Creating / Utlizing a Volunteer Advisory Council
September topic:  Lessons Learned From Falling Flat
November topic:  Creating/Utilizing a Mentor Program

For more information about this COP, please contact Marie Howell, Health Care COP facilitator.  

Look forward to seeing you there!

To learn more about AL!VE Community of Practice, visit our website.

Communities of Practice are an AL!VE member benefit; however, anyone is welcome to attend their first meeting with out being a member.  After your first meeting, you must join as a member to attend subsequent meetings.  Learn more about membership here.
more info...		5/9/2024Noon Eastern

Meet your peers and colleagues at an AL!VE Member webinar!
In this 30 minute call, we will highlight:
  • Member benefits
  • Resources & where to find them
  • Associations goals for 2024
  • Discuss what's happening in the field on a regional or national level
  • Bring your own topic - have a question you need to discuss? We're happy to connect.
All members are invited to attend!  Considering membership?  You're also welcome to attend to learn more.

Can't make this meeting? Check our calendar for the next date.  They are about six weeks apart.

We look forward to seeing you online!
 
 
more info...		5/9/20241:30pm to 2:00pm

Museums & Cultural Institutions Community of Practice: 
This is an AL!VE Communities of Practice for those managing volunteers in museums, galleries, cultural and arts centers.  Join us as we discuss and share insights and experiences that we are all having in the arts education/enrichment communities.  COVID has posed certain challenges and changes for us all so let’s rely on each other for ideas and inspiration!  This will be a time for networking, sharing ideas, asking questions, and brainstorming with your peers. 
 *Note, new dates & times*
2024:  Jan 18, Mar 21, May 13, July 15, September 16- all dates Noon Eastern

May 13 - Part of our discussion will be a AAMV conference preview
July 15 - Part of our discussion will be an AAMV conference recap

*note* When you register, you will automatically be registered for all the future COP dates (listed below) and reminders will be sent - the COP will use the same zoom link. 
​You may opt out by emailing manager@volunteeralive.org 
Communities of Practice are an AL!VE member benefit; however, anyone is welcome to attend their first meeting with out being a member.  After your first meeting, you must join as a member to attend subsequent meetings. *current AAMV members can attend anytime* 

 You can learn more here.

 
more info...		5/13/202412:00pm to 1:00pm

Save the Dates: 2024 National Service Training

 

See you in Minneapolis or online!

 

America's Service Commissions, in partnership with state and territorial service commissions, is pleased to announce the dates for 2024 National Service Training (NST). The theme is Serve. Connect. Build.

 

Please consider joining us in-person* or online:

  • April 24-26, 2024 · Minneapolis, MN
  • May 14-16, 2024 · Virtual

 

*In 2024, we will be hosting one national in-person event, bringing together folks from across the country, rather than several regional events.

 

The primary audiences for NST are AmeriCorps State program and fiscal staff, state and territorial service commission staff, and commissioners. While not a primary audience, all other streams of national service — including National, Native Nations, VISTA, NCCC, Seniors, and VGF — are welcome and invited to attend.

 

We will update our event website as more information is available.


more info...		5/14/2024
-5/16/2024		Varies - see website

Taking place virtually on May 15-16, the 2024 Virginia Volunteerism Summit is Virginia’s leading event for organizations and individuals making a difference in their communities. Hosted by Serve Virginia and the Virginia Service Foundation, this year’s Summit will re-energize your passion for service through opportunities to connect with peers and learn from experts in the field! 
 
Keynote speakers include Breauna Dorelus, an AmeriCorps alum and founder of Connecting the Cause, and Sue Carter Kahl, a nationally-known expert in volunteer engagement. In addition, attendees will participate in multiple hands-on workshops each day as well as virtual networking opportunities and resource-sharing.


more info...		5/15/2024
-5/16/2024		9:00am to 3:30pmAlexander Vanik

About the Webinar:
Each year, millions of Americans interact with our criminal justice system. The vast majority of these individuals will be compelled to complete community service hours as a part of their sentence- often in exchange for reducing fines or avoiding incarceration. While originally well-intentioned, court-ordered service programs often place undue burdens on folks who live at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities. For those convicted of crimes and recently released from incarceration, their first foothold back into the community is often nonprofit organizations, and yet, the opportunities for volunteers with criminal records are quite limited, and the amount of mandatory hours often creates financial hardship.

In this session we will discuss the history of community service & diversion programs, the staggering economic value that these individuals provide to the third sector, concerns around exploitation of this compelled labor, and ways we can provide more meaningful community service to reduce recidivism rates.

In this training, you will learn:
  1. Understand the historical context and evolution of court-ordered community service programs, including their initial intentions and their impact on individuals with intersecting marginalized identities.
  2. Identify the economic and societal contributions of individuals completing court-ordered service, while exploring the ethical concerns regarding the potential exploitation of compelled labor within these programs, especially in light of the barriers returning community members face in seeking employment.
  3. Explore actionable strategies and frameworks to create more meaningful, skill-building, and impactful community service opportunities, aiming to reduce recidivism rates and foster positive reintegration for individuals with criminal records.

Facilitators:
Bex Takacs-Britz (they/them/theirs) is a nonprofit strategist and inclusion advocate from Grand Rapids, Michigan. They hold a Bachelors of Science in public and nonprofit administration from Grand Valley State University. Professionally, Bex has spent the past decade focused on fund development for nonprofits spanning the entire US, from small shop to internationally-scaled organizations. They earned their CNP in 2021, their CFRE in 2022, and their ACNP in 2023. Outside of their day work, Bex is the President & founder of Welcome Home Neighbors, a community re-entry support program. Bex has a focused interest in creating inclusive and accessible workplaces and volunteer spaces.

Chris Boden is a passionate polymath with a storied life. He founded a little Makerspace that turned out to be kinda popular, wrote a few books, made a few videos that some people liked, survived being tossed into two different Federal prisons, and has lived a life through a lens throwing lightning bolts in front of thousands of people for decades. He’s a professional weirdo and rational optimist who is trying to balance misanthropy with philanthropy
 
more info...		5/15/202412:00pm to 1:00pmMarcia Hale

Leaders in non-profit organizations and community groups increasingly understand that volunteers can be a critical resource for delivering on a mission. Effective people management and community engagement is imperative – whether they be paid or unpaid. As a result, employers expect that those individuals tasked with mobilizing and coordinating volunteer engagement demonstrate a thorough knowledge of effective practices and an understanding of how to apply that knowledge in support of real-world organizational priorities.

 

Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA) is an international professional certification in the field of volunteer resources management

 

In this session, you will learn about the CCVA, why certification may be right for you, how the exam is created, what the application, preparation, and certification process is, and when you will be ready. 


more info...		5/15/20241:00pm to 2:00pmAshley Rieser

All 2024 dates:  Jan 24, Feb 21, Mar 20, April 17, May 15, June 12, July 17, Aug 21, Sept 18, Oct 16

 March & April  Book Club: Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab  

End the struggle, speak up for what you need, and experience the freedom of being truly yourself.  

Healthy boundaries. We all know we should have them in order to achieve work/life balance, cope with toxic people, and enjoy rewarding relationships with partners, friends, and family. But what do "healthy boundaries" really mean - and how can we successfully express our needs, say "no," and be assertive without offending others?

Licensed counselor, sought-after relationship expert, and one of the most influential therapists on Instagram Nedra Glover Tawwab demystifies this complex topic for today's world. In a relatable and inclusive tone, Set Boundaries, Find Peace presents simple-yet-powerful ways to establish healthy boundaries in all aspects of life. Rooted in the latest research and best practices used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), these techniques help us identify and express our needs clearly and without apology - and unravel a root problem behind codependency, power struggles, anxiety, depression, burnout, and more.

Facilitated by Brittany McGarry, MA, CVA .  She is a Senior Manager in Volunteer Engagement at the National MS Society. Currently residing in Denver, CO and working remotely full time, she enjoys a good networking happy hour, especially if it’s on a patio when weather allows. With a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from Bellarmine University, a Master’s degree in College Student Development from Appalachian State University and completing her Certification in Volunteer Administration (CVA) in 2021, she thrives on being a forever learner.

Communities of Practice are an AL!VE member benefit; however, anyone is welcome to attend their first meeting with out being a member.  After your first meeting, you must join as a member to attend subsequent meetings.  You can learn more here.

*NOTE:  MARCH BOOK CLUB IS AT 4 PM EASTERN


more info...		5/15/20242:00pm to 3:00pm

Join us for an enriching day of professional development at the 2024 Mini-Conference for Leaders of Volunteers!

more info...		5/16/20249:30am to 4:00pmMary Owens

AL!VE Parks & Recreation Community of Practice

The Parks & Recreation Lunch and Learn COP is designed to include a broad range of topics regarding urban and rural parks, botanical gardens, parks, and nature preserves. The objective of this COP is to connect volunteer engagement professionals within these organizations to share resources and best practices.

This informal venue encourages open discussions for anyone seeking or offering advice in tackling the unique challenges facing volunteer engagement professionals in the Parks & Rec field. Bring your lunch/brunch and beverage! If you're not sure if you fit with us, please join us!
 
This COP is facilitated by
Meagan Patterson, Gateway Arch Park Foundation, Volunteer Manager
Yvonne Dunphe, Five Rivers Metroparks, Volunteer Coordinator
 

This COP will meet  from noon-1pm Eastern.  
*note* When you register, you will be automatically be registered for all the future COP dates (listed below) and reminders will be sent - the COP will use the same zoom link every meeting. 
​You may opt out by emailing manager@volunteeralive.org    
 
2024: March 21, May 16, July 18, Septmeber 19, Novmeber 21
 
*Note:  Communities of Practice are an AL!VE member benefit; however, anyone is welcome to attend their first meeting with out being a member.  After your first meeting, you must join as a member to attend subsequent meetings.  You can learn more here.
 
For more information please contact:
Megan Patterson 
Yvonne Dunphe
more info...		5/16/202412:00pm to 1:00pm

National Networks COP:
Those working at a national level face different issues than those operating on a local or regional level. Often national level leaders are engaged in big picture, strategic or policy decision-making. Sometimes those operating at a national level don’t work directly with volunteers, but rather help empower others in their organizations who do. Join the discussion to connect and learn from others working nationally. We invite anyone looking to brainstorm around the unique issues facing volunteer leaders on a national level.  This COP group will be a chance to network, share expertise, ask questions, and solve problems with your peers. 

 *note* When you register, you will be automatically be registered for all the future COP dates (listed below) and monthly reminders will be sent - the COP will use the same zoom link. 
​You may opt out by emailing manager@volunteeralive.org 

  All times 2:30 Eastern
Jan 22, Mar 25, May 20, Jul 22, Sep 23, Nov 25

If you have any questions, please contact Sheri Wilensky Burke,  COP Facilitator.

Communities of Practice are an AL!VE member benefit; however, anyone is welcome to attend their first meeting with out being a member.  After your first meeting, we request you join as a member to attend subsequent meetings.  You can learn more here.
more info...		5/20/20242:30pm to 3:30pm

This virtual Community of Practice supports volunteer engagement professionals managing programs in and across rural communities. These monthly peer-to-peer sessions address some of the challenges that come with operating in geographic areas with lower population numbers and that are located outside of more suburban and urban areas. Members use these sessions to troubleshoot issues, to give and receive support, and to share strategies, best practices, and resources for effective volunteer program management.

2024 Meetings will be held (All times 2 PM Eastern):
January 16, February 20, March 19,
April 16, May 21, June 18,
July 16, August 20, September 17,
October 15, November 19, December 17

To register for these dates, see the  link below.

COP's are an exclusive AL!VE member benefit.  Anyone is welcome to attend the first COP meeting, but after the first meeting we ask you become a member.  Learn more here. 


more info...		5/21/20242:00pm to 3:00pm

Join your peers for discussions for those who manage food banks, hunger organizations, or nutrition programs.     This COP will meet Quarterly,  on the first Tuesday  @ 3 PM Eastern. See dates below.
*note* When you register, you will be automatically be registered for all the future COP dates (listed below) and monthly reminders will be sent - the COP will use the same zoom link. 
You may opt out by emailing manager@volunteeralive.org    

2024 Dates:
Jan 2
Feb 6
Mar 5
Apr 2
May 7
Jun 4
Jul 2
Aug 6
Sep 3
Oct 1
Nov 5
Dec 3

For more information, contact facilitator Elizabeth Garrabrant.

To register, please continue with this form.  You'll receive the log in information and reminders after registration. 

Remember, you need to register for each event listed individually.

Communities of Practice are an AL!VE member benefit; however, anyone is welcome to attend their first meeting with out being a member.  After your first meeting, you must join as a member to attend subsequent meetings.   
more info...		6/4/20243:00pm to 4:00pm

Take the next step in your career as a leader of volunteers and become certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA).

Leaders in non-profit organizations and community groups increasingly understand that volunteers can be a critical resource for delivering on a mission. Effective people management and community engagement is imperative – whether they be paid or unpaid. As a result, employers expect that those individuals tasked with mobilizing and coordinating volunteer engagement demonstrate a thorough knowledge of effective practices and an understanding of how to apply that knowledge in support of real-world organizational priorities.
 
more info...		6/11/20247:00am to 8:00amAshley Rieser

Save the date!  
Points of Light Networking Session hosted by AL!VE, Better Impact, CCVA, Volunteer Houston, and Volunteer Match

June 11, 2024 - 7 PM Central

You won't want to miss this event, so mark your calendars NOW!  Details will be coming soon.



 
more info...		6/11/20247:00pm to 10:00pm

More information to follow.  For more information visit pointsoflight.org
more info...		6/12/2024
-6/14/2024		Varies - see website

All 2024 dates:  Jan 24, Feb 21, Mar 20, April 17, May 15, June 12, July 17, Aug 21, Sept 18, Oct 16

 March & April  Book Club: Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab  

End the struggle, speak up for what you need, and experience the freedom of being truly yourself.  

Healthy boundaries. We all know we should have them in order to achieve work/life balance, cope with toxic people, and enjoy rewarding relationships with partners, friends, and family. But what do "healthy boundaries" really mean - and how can we successfully express our needs, say "no," and be assertive without offending others?

Licensed counselor, sought-after relationship expert, and one of the most influential therapists on Instagram Nedra Glover Tawwab demystifies this complex topic for today's world. In a relatable and inclusive tone, Set Boundaries, Find Peace presents simple-yet-powerful ways to establish healthy boundaries in all aspects of life. Rooted in the latest research and best practices used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), these techniques help us identify and express our needs clearly and without apology - and unravel a root problem behind codependency, power struggles, anxiety, depression, burnout, and more.

Facilitated by Brittany McGarry, MA, CVA .  She is a Senior Manager in Volunteer Engagement at the National MS Society. Currently residing in Denver, CO and working remotely full time, she enjoys a good networking happy hour, especially if it’s on a patio when weather allows. With a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from Bellarmine University, a Master’s degree in College Student Development from Appalachian State University and completing her Certification in Volunteer Administration (CVA) in 2021, she thrives on being a forever learner.

Communities of Practice are an AL!VE member benefit; however, anyone is welcome to attend their first meeting with out being a member.  After your first meeting, you must join as a member to attend subsequent meetings.  You can learn more here.

*NOTE:  MARCH BOOK CLUB IS AT 4 PM EASTERN


more info...		6/12/20242:00pm to 3:00pm

This COP is for those managing an AmeriCorps Seniors program(s) as a grantee or sponsor. This includes Foster Grandparent Program (FGP), RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), and SCP (Senior Companion Program. Join us as we are a sounding board for sharing best practices and resources that are unique to federal grants and the older volunteers we work alongside.


*note* When you register, you will be automatically be registered for all the future COP dates (listed below) and monthly reminders will be sent - the COP will use the same zoom link. 
​You may opt out by emailing manager@volunteeralive.org    

Communities of Practice are an AL!VE member benefit; however, anyone is welcome to attend their first meeting with out being a member.  After your first meeting, you must join as a member to attend subsequent meetings.  You can learn more here.
more info...		6/12/20243:00pm to 4:00pm

All are welcome to join our quarterly networking social for anyone involved in Volunteer Engagement.

All Volunteer Engagement Professionals are welcome to attend a networking social event, quarterly at 5 pm Eastern for 45 minutes.  Feel free to leave early or come late as your schedule allows.  Connect and network with your peers for live discussions - ask questions and let us know what's on your mind!

All times Eastern:
  • March 28
  • June 17
  • September 13
  • December 4
When you register, we will send the meeting information, and you'll be signed up for the following sessions for the rest of the year.  You can always opt out by emailing us.

Door prizes, networking and camaraderie will be on hand.  Don't miss it!

Open to all in the field of volunteer engagement.  We look forward to seeing you!   
more info...		6/17/20244:00pm to 4:45pm

This virtual Community of Practice supports volunteer engagement professionals managing programs in and across rural communities. These monthly peer-to-peer sessions address some of the challenges that come with operating in geographic areas with lower population numbers and that are located outside of more suburban and urban areas. Members use these sessions to troubleshoot issues, to give and receive support, and to share strategies, best practices, and resources for effective volunteer program management.

2024 Meetings will be held (All times 2 PM Eastern):
January 16, February 20, March 19,
April 16, May 21, June 18,
July 16, August 20, September 17,
October 15, November 19, December 17

To register for these dates, see the  link below.

COP's are an exclusive AL!VE member benefit.  Anyone is welcome to attend the first COP meeting, but after the first meeting we ask you become a member.  Learn more here. 


more info...		6/18/20242:00pm to 3:00pm

Literacy Community of Practice is a group of professionals with the interest of improving literacy levels for youth and adults. We convene bimonthly to offer support, share best practices, provide a safe space for discussion, and networking.   For more information contact Brandy Tolbert,  or Facilitators.
2024:  Feb 20, April 16, June 18, Aug 20, Oct 15, Dec 17 

*note* When you register, you will automatically be registered for all the future COP dates (listed below) and reminders will be sent - the COP will use the same zoom link. 
​You may opt out by emailing manager@volunteeralive.org 

Communities of Practice are an AL!VE member benefit; however, anyone is welcome to attend their first meeting with out being a member.  After your first meeting, you must join as a member to attend subsequent meetings.  You can learn more here.
more info...		6/18/20242:00pm to 3:00pm

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