The National Summit brings together nonprofit, government, and corporate professionals in volunteerism and service to ignite their passion for innovation, unlock their potential, and connect with their field. Be among the most passionate and driven minds in volunteer engagement for three days of inspiration, connection, and a whole lot of fun. more info...
Come meeting up with other AmeriCorps Senior grantees to discuss Tuesday's technical call and to get support for operating your programs. We look forward to meeting with you. more info...
Are you new to Volunteer Management and looking for tips? Are you a seasoned professional looking to share your wisdom? Then join us on March 18 for What I Wish I Knew and What I Want to Pass On!
During this COP session, Karen Pattison from the Naples Botanical Garden and Diana Mulamba from Newfields will discuss what they wish they knew when they started their journeys in volunteer management from the perspective of a seasoned professional (Karen) and a freshly minted manager with a year under her belt (Diana).
No matter where you are in your career, we welcome your wisdom and questions about how we can be the best Volunteer Managers possible. more info...
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...
Join fellow volunteer engagement professionals working in urban and rural parks, botanical gardens, recreation programs, and nature preserves. This Community of Practice provides an informal, supportive space to exchange resources, ideas, and best practices. Whether you're seeking advice or sharing insights, you’ll find open discussion and a welcoming community. Bring your lunch, brunch, or favorite beverage and join the conversation! Not sure if this group is the right fit? Come anyway—everyone is welcome.
Facilitators:
Jenny Garver, CVA – Volunteer Coordinator, Macon County Conservation District
Callie Le'Au Courtright, CPM, CVA – Parks & Recreation Supervisor, City of Des Moines
Yvonne Dunphe, CVA – Volunteer Coordinator, Five Rivers MetroParks
2026 Meeting Dates:
January 21, March 25, May 20, July 15, September 16, November 18
Time:
1:00 PM EST | 12:00 PM CST | 11:00 AM MST | 10:00 AM PST
Meetings are held virtually.
Communities of Practice are an AL!VE member benefit; however, anyone is welcome to attend their first meeting with out being a member. Email info@volunteeralive.org for a free trial. You can learn more about membership here. more info...
Whether you want to move up, leave your current job, switch careers or were recently laid off and looking for your next job, join us to network, vent, share stories and encourage each other along this journey.
Join your peers for discussions for those who manage food banks, hunger organizations, or nutrition programs. This COP will meet Monthly on the first Tuesday @ 3 PM Eastern.
Communities of Practice are an AL!VE member benefit; however, anyone is welcome to attend their first meeting with out being a member. Email info@volunteeralive.org for a free trial. You can learn more about membership here.
Due to the National Summit on Volunteer Engagement, the AmeriCorps Seniors Community of Practice will be meeting on March 25th from 4 to 5 pm ET. more info...
We all encounter ethical dilemmas in our daily work with and for community, but rarely do organizations focus on ethics related to volunteer engagement. This session provides an opportunity for practitioners to understand the difference between personal, organizational and professional ethics. The core values and principles identified by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA) will be shared. Participants will learn a process for ethical decision-making that can be applied in any situation, and then practice this using real-life scenarios related to volunteers. Finally, several specific strategies will be offered for increasing awareness of ethics within an organization and helping both volunteers and staff become more effective at handling ethical dilemmas. more info...
Let's talk about volunteer programs in government settings—local, state, and federal! Join peers who lead and support volunteer efforts across all levels of government for an engaging, informal Community of Practice. This is a relaxed, supportive space to explore the unique opportunities and challenges of running volunteer initiatives in public-sector environments, including compliance, risk management, cross-department collaboration, and community impact. We will share ideas, exchange resources, review what’s working (and what’s not), and discuss the real-world challenges and successes of managing a volunteer program within a government space.
Whether you have a question, want to share a success story, or just attend to listen and learn – all are welcome, including NAVPLG members and nonprofit partners who work alongside government agencies.
Facilitators:
Stephanie Sielaty, CVA – Volunteer Sarasota Program Coordinator, Sarasota County
Millicent Boykin – VP, Strategic Partnerships, OneStar Foundation (Texas Commission for Volunteerism & Service)
2026 Meeting Dates:
January 22, March 26, May 28, July 23, September 24, November 2*
Time:
1:30 PM ET | 12:30 PM CT | 11:30 AM MT | 10:30 AM PT
Note change in time for November meeting - 4:30 PM ET | 3:30 PM ET | 2:30 PM MT | 1:30 PM PT
Meetings are held virtually via Teams for 90 minutes. If you can only attend for part of the meeting, that is okay.
Communities of Practice are an AL!VE member benefit; however, anyone is welcome to attend their first meeting without being a member. Email info@volunteeralive.org for a free trial. You can learn more about membership here.
NOTE: NAVPLG members are welcome to join this COP without a membership as part of a collaborative effort with AL!VE. more info...
All are welcome to join our monthly networking industry social for anyone involved in Volunteer Engagement.
All Volunteer Engagement Professionals are welcome to attend an industry social event, monthly at 2 PM Eastern for 45 minutes on the fourth Tuesday of each month. 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!
Discover how Service Enterprise builds organizational capacity through strategic volunteer engagement. Learn how it transforms volunteer engagement into a powerful strategy for mission impact. This proven, research-backed approach helps organizations build capacity, strengthen sustainability, and achieve measurable outcomes by fully leveraging people power. Learn how investing in and adopting Service Enterprise creates stronger organizations, greater return on resources, and lasting community impact.
The Hidden Cost of 'Free' Volunteers and How to Leverage It with Brooke Campbell, CNP, CVA Thursday April 9, 2026 from 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST Register HERE This is a live virtual webinar. The session will not be recorded.
Volunteers are often seen as a “free” resource, but anyone who manages a volunteer program knows that’s far from the full story. Behind every successful volunteer initiative lies a range of hidden investments: staff time for recruitment and supervision, consultants, training materials, workspace, technology platforms, insurance, and more. These costs often go unrecognized, underfunded, or absorbed by already-stretched nonprofit teams.
In this eye-opening workshop, we’ll break down the true cost of volunteer engagement and show you how to quantify the financial and operational resources your program really requires. You’ll learn to apply a cost calculation formula that translates hidden inputs into clear numbers, giving you a powerful tool to advocate for adequate funding, justify budget lines, and communicate your program’s value to internal and external stakeholders.
Whether you’re a volunteer manager, program coordinator, or development professional, you’ll leave with:
A practical cost-calculation worksheet you can adapt for your own program
Real-world examples to guide your estimates
Strategies to build a stronger case for investment in volunteer infrastructure
Renewed confidence to shift the narrative around volunteerism from “free help” to “strategic resource”
Let’s stop hiding the cost and start showing the value.
The Speaker:
Brooke Campbell, CNP, CVA, brings a wealth of experience in volunteer engagement, disaster recovery, and instructional design. An AmeriCorps NCCC alum, Brooke has spent her career fostering intentional service learning and strengthening nonprofit programs. She previously led Volunteer Houston, managing a volunteer recruitment platform, a corporate engagement program, disaster volunteer coordination at the system level, and facilitating the Volunteer Engagement Training Program for nonprofit professionals. Brooke has designed a state AmeriCorps program and VISTA workplans, authored and advised national training courses. She currently serves on the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition Board of Directors. Brooke is deeply committed to strengthening volunteer engagement and offers insights and services as a passion project at www.volunteerstrategies.com.
We will start out by discussing Volunteer Appreciation Event. We will also take the time to see if anyone has any burning questions or issues that the rest of the group will be able to assist with. This COP is great for anyone who works in animal shelters, zoos and aquariums, animal conservation or rescue organizations, or those who are interested in the volunteers who help with the welfare and well being of animals. more info...
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...
National Service Training (NST) is hosted by America’s Service Commissions (ASC), the national association of state and territorial service commissions, in partnership with commissions across the country.
Supporting more than 1,200 national service program and nonprofit staff in their professional development each year, National Service Training provides professionals with the tools needed to effectively manage AmeriCorps and other volunteer-driven programs making a difference throughout the country. Come together with national service program colleagues, state and territorial service commission staff, AmeriCorps agency colleagues, and volunteer engagement partners for an educational and inspiring training opportunity.
Join us for our next AL!VE Volunteer Information Session. Learn how volunteering with AL!VE supports leaders of volunteers nationwide, builds a stronger sector, and offers you a meaningful way to contribute your expertise. Discover roles that match your interests, meet fellow changemakers, and take the first step toward a more connected and impactful year.
The AL!VE Local Association committee is pleased to announce the first quarterly Community of Practices session. The presenters will be the two authors, Jessica Pang-Parks, CVA, and Saskia Rinkof, of the October 2025, ENGAGE article, “When Associations Fade: Navigating Changes for Leaders of Volunteers”. The date is Thursday, April 16th, 2pm EST and 11am PST.
The session will include a brief review of the article followed by a facilitated discussion. Those who register for the session will have access to the article before the session. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, share success stories as well as address challenges local associations face.
The Local Association Committee looks forward to participation by the Local Association partners. If you have questions please contact us at local@volunteeralive.org more info...
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...
Come meeting up with other AmeriCorps Senior grantees to discuss Tuesday's technical call and to get support for operating your programs. We look forward to meeting with you. more info...
All are welcome to join our monthly networking industry social for anyone involved in Volunteer Engagement.
All Volunteer Engagement Professionals are welcome to attend an industry social event, monthly at 2 PM Eastern for 45 minutes on the fourth Tuesday of each month. 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!
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...
This is the Wisconsin Volunteer Coordinators Association 55th Annual Spring Conference! It will be held in the LaCrosse area this year.
We have many great speakers this year, including Traci Lato-Smith and Amber Melanie Smith. We will have a variety of sessions for volunteer leaders who are new to the field as well as seasoned volunteer leaders. The workshop with Traci will include time to work on your own volunteer engagement, be ready to brainstorm. We are excited for our Thursday evening social to network, raffles, and more! The raffles fund our conference scholarship program for next year's conference.
If you have further questions, please reach out wvcaleadership@gmail.com. more info...
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...
Discover how Service Enterprise builds organizational capacity through strategic volunteer engagement. Learn how it transforms volunteer engagement into a powerful strategy for mission impact. This proven, research-backed approach helps organizations build capacity, strengthen sustainability, and achieve measurable outcomes by fully leveraging people power. Learn how investing in and adopting Service Enterprise creates stronger organizations, greater return on resources, and lasting community impact.
Taking place virtually on May 13-14, the 2026 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 Nicole R. Smith, Executive Director of the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement, and Cliff Fleet, president and CEO of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. In addition to these inspiring keynote sessions, attendees will participate in multiple hands-on workshops each day as well as virtual networking opportunities and resource-sharing. Sessions will cover everything from Volunteer Management 101 to more advanced conversations about innovations in volunteerism and service, the potential of power partnerships, and more.
Attending this conference can be applied towards hours needed for professional development requirements for initial CVA Certification or CVA Renewal. The CVA (Certified in Volunteer Administration) is the only internationally recognized credential in the field of volunteer administration. If you require proof of the number of hours you engaged in professional development, please contact the organizers of this training. CCVA will not have proof of your attendance to events that they haven’t organized. To learn more, visit www.cvacert.org.
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...
