Host Site registration for the 2025 Volunteer Management Hybrid Conference is officially open! This year’s theme, Show Them the Money, is designed to help you confidently communicate the financial impact of volunteer engagement to leadership — with practical tools, proven strategies, and expert insights. The conference takes place October 28–29, 2025, and as a Host Site, you’ll bring your local network together a day of learning, connection, and inspiration. We are in a friendly competition with VMPC to see who can recruit the most host sites! Learn more here about being a host site. more info...
July AL!VE Academy: A Person-and-Situation Approach to Skills-Based Volunteering: Lessons From the Psychology of Volunteerism with Joshua Braverman Ph.D. - Tuesday, July 15th, 2025 @ 12:30 PM - 90 minutes
Many people are familiar with the “typical” forms of volunteerism where people receive training or orientation after signing up for the volunteer opportunity. The present dissertation focused on Skills-Based-Volunteerism, where volunteers use their pre-existing skills or talents to volunteer. As Skills-Based Volunteers may have a larger impact within their organization(s), it is important to understand how different they are from Non-Skills-Based Volunteers. Using the Current Population Survey (United States Census Bureau, 2017), Study One examined the characteristics of Skills-Based Volunteers, and the ways that they differ from Non-Skills Based Volunteers. Study One found that Skills-Based Volunteers reported more frequent volunteering (and doing so for more hours) and were more involved with a diverse subset of other prosocial behaviors (e.g., voting, attending community meetings, and working with one’s neighbors to improve their community) than were Non-Skills-Based Volunteers. In Studies Two and Three, I collected original data to understand whether considering the Skills-Oriented nature of volunteerism may lead to divergence from the findings from the existing psychology of volunteering, specifically whether the psychological characteristics known to predict volunteerism extend to Skills-Based Volunteerism. In Study Two, I found that for the most part, the psychological constructs known to predict volunteerism (e.g., personality, motivations, and social norms) tended to function similarly for Skills-Based and Non-Skills-Based Volunteering. In a follow-up survey, Study Three extended this result by finding that the psychological constructs also predict future volunteerism similarly for Skills-Based and Non-Skills-Based Volunteering (three to six months later). Overall, this program of research made it clear that the existing psychology of volunteering does extend to Skills-Based-Volunteering. Volunteer managers can use the present research as evidence to apply existing volunteer management practices to Skills-Based Volunteering. However, future research should continue to investigate whether there are novel psychological characteristics relevant to Skills-Based Volunteering, especially surrounding one’s education, profession, and/or workplace.
About Our Presenter
Joshua Braverman Ph.D (He/Him/His) presently serves as the Director of Data and Research Support in the Department of Biology Teaching and Learning at University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Previously,Joshua attended University of Minnesota's Social Psychology PhD Program where his academic research interests focused on the development and utilization of psychological theories to understand when people help (or not). Most of his past projects have centered on "non-traditional examples" of formal volunteering including identifying predictors, experiences, and outcomes of identification as intellectually gifted, volunteerism, service learning, medical pro bono work as well as skills-based volunteerism more broadly. In the future, Joshua hopes to get back into the nonprofit research space.
AL!VE Academies are a paid member benefit.
Not an AL!VE Member? Join Now! more info...
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.
2025 Meetings will be held (All times 2 PM Eastern):
January 21, February 18, March 18,
April 15, May 20, June 17,
July 15, August 19, September 16,
October 21, November 18, December 16
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.
This 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 Jenny Garver, Macon Courty Conservation District Volunteer Coordinator, Callie Le'Au Courtright, CPM, CVA, City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Supervisor, and Yvonne Dunphe, Five Rivers Metroparks, Volunteer Coordinator.
2025 Dates are January 15, March 19, May 21, July 16, September 17, and November 19. more info...
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.
âYou 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...
Enhance your professional development and support the profession of volunteer engagement at the same time! Join us for an AL!VE New Volunteer Information Session! This session is your opportunity to learn more about AL!VE, our mission, and how you can get involved. Whether you’re interested in sharing your skills, learning new ones, or connecting with a community of like-minded professionals, we have opportunities for you! Don’t miss this chance to join a dynamic organization that supports leaders in volunteer engagement nationwide. We can’t wait to meet you and explore how we can make an impact together!
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. This COP is hosted by AAMV (American Association of Museuem Volunteers) members; all AAMV members may attend. *Note, new dates & times*
2025: Jan 13 (only one at noon EST), Mar 19, May 21, July 16, September 17, November 19- all dates 4pm Eastern
COPs are an AL!VE member benefit.
Not a Member yet? Click here to join. Want to try before you buy? Email info@volunteeralive.org to try your first session free!
From Recruitment to Readiness:
How Volunteer Lethbridge Built a Community Volunteer Management Model That Works
Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025 Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) / 1:00pm - 2:00pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Presented by: Sandi Davis, Executive Director at Volunteer Lethbridge
Back by popular demand!
Join Sandi Davis, Executive Director of Volunteer Lethbridge, as she builds on last year’s powerful introduction to the Community Volunteer Management Model (CVMM). In this next chapter, Sandi will walk you through the inner workings of CVMM—Volunteer Lethbridge’s flagship approach to volunteer recruitment and intake. The model involves multiple levels of screening and preparation, including applications, interviews, reference checks, and Criminal Record or Vulnerable Sector Checks when required.
Whether you're a volunteer centre, municipality, or nonprofit, this session is your opportunity to see how a shared intake model can create meaningful efficiencies, improve volunteer readiness, and strengthen collaboration across the community. Learn how CVMM supports a more consistent and connected approach—while still honoring the unique needs of every organization and volunteer.
What you’ll learn:
How the Community Volunteer Management Model (CVMM) centralizes and simplifies the volunteer recruitment process Ideas to adapt a similar approach in your own community or organization
Key steps in Volunteer Lethbridge’s intake process, including interviews, references, and background checks
Benefits of shared volunteer screening for nonprofits, volunteers, and the community
Real-world outcomes and lessons learned from implementing the model
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an experienced leader in community volunteer coordination, gain practical ideas you can put into action, and connect with others passionate about making a difference through volunteering.
Join the 2026 National Summit on Volunteer Engagement Program Committee for an informational webinar walking through the Call for Breakout Session Proposal form.
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...
The CVA study group is a member benefit from AL!VE open to all AL!VE members preparing for the Fall 2025 exam.
It will be led by facilitators who have earned their CVA certification.
On July 23, 2025 @ 12 PM EST we will review the study resources and an overview of chapters one and two of the textbook, Volunteer Administration: Professional Practice, 4th edition.
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.
All times 2:30 Eastern
Jan 27, Mar 24, May 26, July 28, Sept 22, Nov 24
Communities of Practice are an AL!VE member benefit;
Not a member?Click here to join AL!VE. Want to try before you buy? Email info@volunteer AL!VE to try out your first session free. 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...
If you recently lost your job or feel like you have reached the ceiling at your current organization and are looking to explore opportunities, this COP is for you. AL!VE’s Career Transition Community of Practice is a supportive space for volunteer engagement professionals in career transition, offering encouragement, networking, and connections to help you find new opportunities through our community. more info...
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. 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
2025 Dates:
Jan 7
Feb 4
Mar 4
Apr 1
May 6
Jun 3
Jul 1
Aug 5
Sep 2
Oct 7
Nov 4
Dec 2
To register, please continue with this form. You'll receive the log in information and reminders after registration.
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...
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...
From Guidelines to Action: Helping Organisations Improve Volunteer Management
Date: Wednesday, 6 August, 2025 Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) / 2:00pm - 3:00pm New Zealand Standard Time (NZST)
Presented by: Michelle Kitney, Chief Executive at Volunteering New Zealand
Volunteering New Zealand (VNZ) released new Volunteering Best Practice Guidelines in 2023 — a comprehensive resource designed around the full volunteer lifecycle, from first contact through to the volunteer’s departure.
The guidelines focus on seven key practice areas and come with practical tools and resources. But having guidelines isn’t enough — putting them into action is where real change happens.
Join us for a 60-minute interactive webinar with Michelle Kitney, Chief Executive of Volunteering New Zealand, to learn how VNZ is helping organisations move from theory to practice.
Michelle will discuss:
How VNZ created a suite of tools to support organisations across the sector
What VNZ is doing to advocate for better volunteer management
How the community sector is engaging with and implementing these guidelines
This session is ideal for anyone working with volunteers who wants to build stronger, more effective volunteer practices in their organisation.
Don’t miss this chance to turn best practice into real-world impact—register now!
This is the meeting for the AL!VE Transportation Community of Practice. This meeting is open for AL!VE members and all volunteer engagement professionals (first one is free, the subsequent will be for members only).
The call will last one hour and will focus specifically on volunteer programs with transportation as a volunteer role.
After registering, you'll be emailed a Teams Meeting Link
We look forward to connecting with you! *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.
âYou may opt out by emailing manager@volunteeralive.org
Calls will be held on All times Noon Central, 1 PM Eastern
2025 dates: February 12, May 7, August 6, November 5 more info...
Meetings will be held bimonthly (every 2 months). Following meetings will be 10 AM Pacific, 1 PM Eastern:
2025: February 13, April 10, June 12, Aug 14, Oct 9, Dec 11
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.
Let's talk about Government volunteer programs. This community of practice discusses the challenge and successes of operating a volunteer program within a government structure.
All times 2 PM Eastern for 1 hour.
2025: Feb 13, Apr 10, Jun 12, Aug 14, Oct 9, Dec 11
Communities of Practice are an AL!VE member benefit; however, anyone is welcome to attend their first meeting with out being a member. NAVPLG members can attend anytime for free as part of our partnership
*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.
âYou may opt out by emailing manager@volunteeralive.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...
Host Site registration for the 2025 Volunteer Management Hybrid Conference is officially open! This year’s theme, Show Them the Money, is designed to help you confidently communicate the financial impact of volunteer engagement to leadership — with practical tools, proven strategies, and expert insights. The conference takes place October 28–29, 2025, and as a Host Site, you’ll bring your local network together a day of learning, connection, and inspiration. We are in a friendly competition with VMPC to see who can recruit the most host sites! Lear more here! https://www.betterimpact.com/vmhc-site-registration more info...
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.
2025 Meetings will be held (All times 2 PM Eastern):
January 21, February 18, March 18,
April 15, May 20, June 17,
July 15, August 19, September 16,
October 21, November 18, December 16
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.
Tackling Common Volunteer Challenges: The Role of Volunteer Grants and VTO in Recruiting + Retaining Volunteers
Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 Time: 11:00am - 11:30am Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) / 1:00pm – 1:30pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Hosted by: Houston Goodwin, CEO @ Better Impact and Madison Jones, Partnerships Success Specialist @ Double the Donation
Recruiting new volunteers and retaining existing ones remain two of the most significant challenges for nonprofit volunteer programs. As nonprofits strive to bring in new supporters and build long-term commitment, corporate volunteer programs (including volunteer grants + volunteer time off) offer an innovative - yet often overlooked - way to address these challenges!
In this session, we’ll explore the current volunteerism landscape and discuss common obstacles that many nonprofits face when it comes to volunteer recruitment and retention. We’ll also zoom in on corporate volunteer programs and share actionable tips for incorporating volunteer grants and volunteer time off in your nonprofit’s volunteer recruitment and retention strategies!
Join us on August 20 at 1 PM ET to:
Explore the latest challenges and opportunities in nonprofit volunteer engagement, including recent trends in corporate volunteerism
Look closely at the volunteer grant and volunteer time off programs offered by many companies like CVS, Walmart, and Verizon!
Discover tips for incorporating volunteer grants and volunteer time off in your outreach to new and existing volunteers to elevate recruitment and retention!
Can’t join for the live session? Register anyway to receive a copy of the recording!
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.
âYou 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...
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 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. 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
2025 Dates:
Jan 7
Feb 4
Mar 4
Apr 1
May 6
Jun 3
Jul 1
Aug 5
Sep 2
Oct 7
Nov 4
Dec 2
To register, please continue with this form. You'll receive the log in information and reminders after registration.
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...
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...
If you recently lost your job or feel like you have reached the ceiling at your current organization and are looking to explore opportunities, this COP is for you. AL!VE’s Career Transition Community of Practice is a supportive space for volunteer engagement professionals in career transition, offering encouragement, networking, and connections to help you find new opportunities through our community. more info...
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)
2025: Jan 9, Mar 13, May 8, Jul 10, Sept 11, Nov 13
January topic: The Cost of Volunteering
March topic: Volunteer Appreciation Week
May topic: Summer Student Opportunities
July topic: Including DEI in Volunteer Onboarding
September topic: Terminating a Volunteer
November topic: Making the Worst Volunteer Role More Appealing
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...
