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.
August 2025 AL!VE Academy - Gaining Organizational Support from the Top Down for Your Strategic Volunteer Engagement Initiatives - August 14th 1P Est - 60 Minutes
Service Enterprise is a comprehensive change management program designed to weave strategic volunteer engagement through every aspect of an organization resulting in executive level buy-in, increased capacity and greater mission impact. Learn more about what Service Enterprise is, how the program works and how your organization can become Service Enterprise Certified to be recognized for excellence in strategic volunteer engagement.
Bios
Nicole R. Smith, CVA, AL!VE Executive Director
Nicole is a dynamic leader in volunteer, intern and community engagement with over two decades of experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, including the performing arts, social services, sports, media and entertainment. As a Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) and recognized thought leader, Nicole has been at the forefront of creating scalable, impactful and capacity building volunteer and internship programs that emphasize recruitment, engagement, retention, and mentorship. She has developed recognition programs that have strengthened organizational cultures and volunteer experiences. Her professional background brings a creative and innovative approach to her leadership in the nonprofit and volunteer sectors.
Amy Pinger, CNP, CVA, Community Engagement Manager at Harvesters - The Community Food Network
Amy Pinger has extensive experience managing volunteers, national service members, and leading organizational change. In her current role, she is responsible for evaluating annual resource development strategies for volunteerism, community outreach, and donor engagement at Harvesters, a Feeding America partner food bank. Amy serves as a Governor-appointed Commissioner for the Kansas Volunteer Commission and is an active community volunteer. Amy is a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) and one of eleven individuals in Kansas to become Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA). Amy brings her experience and passion to the AL!VE board serving on the Service Enterprise Advisory Council and AL!VE Programs
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...
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 4 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 4:00-4:45 PM Eastern
March 28
June 17
September 12
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...
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.
