AL!VE Annual Meeting Showcases Goals Met, 2024 Goals, and Honoring Katie Campbell Thank you to our Board, Volunteers and Staff AL!VE held their Annual Meeting on December 6. All committees and projects currently in the works by AL!VE were reported on accomplishments for 2023 and goals for 2024. You can view the slide deck here.
You can watch the meeting recording here. Our annual report will be published in the first quarter of 2024.
Our meeting agenda items included: - Introducing our 2024 Board of Directors
- Committee Reports - Accomplishments and 2024 Goals
- Recognition of Katie Campbell, CVA
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| We are so pleased to announce Katie Campbell, CVA with AL!VE's new Lifetime Achievement Award. For nearly 40 years, Katie has been a champion of volunteer engagement and our profession. She has taught countless colleagues via her writing, teaching, leadership, encouragement and support.
To list all of her many accomplishments in the field are far too numerous to mention; but to name a few: - Adjunct Professor
- Author
- Executive Director, AVA
- Director, Virginia office of Volunteerism
- Trainer and Consultant
- Mentor and Advisor
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Executive Director, Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration.
AL!VE is pleased to honor Katie in this small way to honor the true legacy she has brought to our profession. Our gracious and heartelf thanks! |
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President's Message - Michelle Raymer, CVA |
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As my term as President and on the Board comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we've shared over the last six years. Our membership has tripled; our Hybrid conference host sites have tripled; we’re launching an exciting job competencies resource; we’ve created new programs including Communities of Practice, the Mentor Program, CVA Study Group, and Presenter Bootcamp; we conduct an annual member survey; we have a CPA supporting our financial management; we release an annual report; we have an enhanced Board nomination and onboarding process; we’re continuing to seek ways to be a more equitable and inclusive organization; we have systems for engaging volunteers; we now facilitate Service Enterprise - that national organizational accreditation in volunteer engagement; and we developed and finished our five year strategic plan in four years! Together, we've achieved some truly remarkable milestones.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you for making my tenure so fulfilling. It has been an honor and privilege to serve alongside of and learn from such talented Board and committee members (and Gretchen!), all for this amazing community of volunteer engagement professionals. The meaningful experiences, shared insights, and fun had while doing it will be something I continue to value and remember. As I pass the torch to your new President Cathy Thoma, as well as the incoming Board, I am confident that AL!VE is poised for even greater accomplishments. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Your commitment has made a lasting impact, and I am excited to see the continued success of AL!VE.
Lastly, my congratulations to Katie Campbell, recipient of our Lifetime Achievement Award. AL!VE would not be where it is today without the foundation she helped establish for the profession. Thank you for your leadership, mentorship, and dedication! With heartfelt gratitude, Michelle
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Cathy Thoma, CVA AL!VE Board President 2024 |
| From Our Incoming President: I wanted to take this opportunity to thank Michelle Raymer for her 6 years of service on the AL!VE Board of Directors. During that time, Michelle was our VP of Programs and Advocacy, President Elect, and finally, for the past two years, President.
Michelle has been responsible for many of AL!VE’s accomplishments during her tenure with AL!VE. She played a critical role on the Finance and Development committee, HR & Policy committee, developing the Career Pathways Survey, Annual Report and spearheading the new Strategic Plan for 2024-2028.
Michelle was instrumental in having Points of Light select AL!VE as the new administrator for Service Enterprise. This included writing the proposal, negotiating the contract, forming the Service Enterprise Advisory Committee and hiring the SE consultants.
As President, Michelle always brought a mindful, innovative, and calm approach to all issues. She encouraged and entrusted each board member to be the leaders that they truly are, enabling them to take the necessary actions to fulfill our Goals and Objectives and our mission.
It has been my honor and privilege to have worked with her these past three years. She leaves big shoes to fill. But, true to Michelle, she will continue to volunteer with AL!VE on a variety of committees. From myself, the board of directors, and our membership, we are grateful for your service Michelle. Thank you for your continued commitment to AL!VE. |
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Winter 2024 AL!VE CVA Study Group Now Open!
The CVA study group is a member benefit from AL!VE open to all AL!VE members preparing for the Spring 2024 exam.
It will be led by facilitators who have earned their CVA certification.
On January 24, 2024 @ 12 PM EST we will review the study resources and an overview of chapters one and two of the textbook.
We will meet every Wednesday at 12:00pm ET for eight weeks from January 31, 2024. The study schedule is based on reading 1-2 chapters of the CVA textbook, discussing those chapters and reviewing sample scenarios during the calls. Interested in the study group, complete this registration link by January 20, 2024.
If you are not yet an AL!VE member, you are welcome to attend the first session, but you must join as an AL!VE member to attend further sessions. (Your $75 AL!VE membership will also give you a $50 discount to sit for the CCVA Exam!) |
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| Renewing Your CVA for 2024? If you're renewing for this year, you can find a listing of all the AL!VE Academies presented this year on our website, here.
A great way to keep track of your CVA Professional Development Units (PDU's) is to upload your documents to your portfolio manager. You can do so on the member's side of the website and selecting 'Portfolio Manager' |
| Correction: Joey White, CVA was inadvertently left off the list from the November newsletter of AL!VE members who recently earned their CVA Credential. Congratulations Joey! |
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Become a 2024 AL!VE Academy Presenter! |
| AL!VE's Presenter Bootcamp: Register for the 3rd Cohort in 2025! |
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AL!VE Academy provides high-quality varied educational opportunities designed to help leaders in volunteer engagement. These sessions build and strengthen leadership, management, and/or technical skills.
We are currently seeking proposals for presenters of monthly AL!VE Academy sessions for 2024. |
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The second cohort of AL!VE’s Presenter Bootcamp in February 2024 is sold out!
If you would like to reserve your spot for Cohort #3 in 2025, Sign Up Here. Registration is limited to 24 AL!VE members for each cohort. When you enroll in the waitlist we will automatically add you to Cohort #3 and confirm that the timing still works for you next year. 2024 Dates and Topics, each at 12noon Pacific for one hour: February 6: Where Do I Start? February 9: Presenter Boot Camp Community of Practice (COP) February 13: Knowing and Engaging Your Audience February 16: Presenter Boot Camp COP February 20: Draft to Presentation February 23: Presenter Boot Camp COP February 27: Prepare to Go Off-Script March 1: Presenter Boot Camp COP
March 5: Speaker Logistics and Brand Identity March 8: Presenter Boot Camp COP March 12: Attendee Presentations March 15: Attendee Presentations
March 19: Attendee Presentations March 22: Attendee Presentations |
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December AL!VE Academy: Service Enterprise - Success Stories from the Field It's been a little over a year since AL!VE began administering the Service Enterprise Program. If you've not heard Service Enterprise, or would like to know 'how it's going', come and listen to learn more! Join AL!VE’s National Service Enterprise Administrator and some Volunteer Engagement Professionals with Service Enterprise accredited organizations from across the country.
Together we will learn about this organizational change management program that helps entities practice strategic volunteer engagement and achieve national accreditation. To learn about the research-backed characteristics of Service Enterprises and strategic volunteer engagement, you will hear from organizations about tangible and replicable ways that they are putting the characteristics into action. We will connect you with Service Enterprise Training and Implementation Partners nationwide when you are ready to explore how your organization can begin its Service Enterprise transformation.
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| About our Presenter:
Kayla Paulson, CVA has been with the Service Enterprise Program since the national pilot over a decade ago. During her tenure with United Way, she led the regional volunteer center. She fought for strategic volunteer engagement by working with and building the capacity of almost 100 local agencies, managing 4 RSVP programs of more than 500 volunteers, and volunteering with the state commission, Points of Light, and United Way Worldwide to help improve volunteer engagement practices. Kayla Paulson has spent her professional career in marketing, training, community relations, and volunteer management. She is an experienced state, regional, and national trainer, delivering interactive and empowering workshops.
Kayla has a passion for volunteerism and has served as President for the local DOVIA, Chair for RSVP Directors of Iowa, Alburnett School District Foundation Board Member, United Way Worldwide Committees, Service Enterprise Curriculum Design Team Member, LAP-AID Emergency Volunteer Center Leader, AL!VE's President-Elect, and as a pro-bono volunteer for various nonprofits across the nation sharing her skills in volunteer management, strategic planning, training, marketing and communications.
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January 17, 2024 AL!VE Academy: Restorative Practices as a Tool for Volunteer Program Management Registration is now open on our calendar. |
| February 22, 2024 AL!VE Academy: “B.A.S.I.D.E.” in Volunteer Appreciation: Belonging | Accessibility | Safety | Inclusion | Diversity | Equity Registration is open now on our calendar. |
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Add Your Voice: Participate in the Volunteer Management Progress Report Survey Deadline: January 1, 2024, 5pm E
Attentional all leaders of volunteers - we're excited to invite you to participate in VolunteerPro’s 2024 Volunteer Management Progress Report, their ninth annual survey! As we navigate the dynamic landscape of our sector, everyone is eager to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of affairs. Your valuable input is crucial to discovering the most current trends in volunteer engagement. ? Why Participate? This survey serves as a pulse check for the field of volunteerism by providing a nuanced view of challenges, trends, and opportunities. By taking a few minutes to complete the survey, you contribute to a collective intelligence that guides our industry's evolution.
? Your Data Matters: Rest assured, your responses are confidential and anonymous. The aggregated data will be utilized to generate an industry report, providing a comprehensive overview that benefits everyone.
? Exclusive Access: Participants will receive exclusive access to the [SNEAK PEEK] 2024 Volunteer Management Progress Report Early Results webinar, offering a first look at the insights that will shape our collective future. Your commitment to sharing your expertise is invaluable, and we appreciate your dedication to advancing our industry. |
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| Upcoming Events & Opportunities |
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Upcoming Communities of Practice: December 19, 2pm - Rural Programs December 19, 2pm - Literacy
December 27, 1pm - Animal Welfare January 11, 12pm - Health Care January 12, 2pm - Mental Health *More COP Topics and dates will be added in late December. Check our calendar! *All times EST* |
Other Upcoming Events: December 12 & January 11 - CVA Credential Information Session January 17 - AL!VE Academy More events will be added in the next few weeks. Why not set a calendar reminder for the first week of January to see what's happening? |
| Local Associations - if you are planning for 2024, join us for a community of practice in 2024.
Wow! We had 24 local associations represented at this year’s summit. Networking, discussions and ideas were shared about member involvement, recruiting, programming and more. Special thanks to Nikkie Preston from DOVIA Las Vegas for sharing their innovative idea of a shared volunteer recognition event, and to Martin J. Cowling for his reflections and encouragement to us all in honor of Volunteer Managers Day (is your sticky note still up?) We did record this session, and notes from the event are posted on the Members only side, under the File Archive under the ‘Resources’ Section. Consider having your local associations board listen and discuss.
The Local Associations Community of Practice meets again in 2024 and will on these dates (topics and registration info in January): March 27, June 26, September 25 Next year’s Summit: October 30 |
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As the year ends, it's a great time for goal-setting. Consider adding the establishment and engagement of a cross-functional Volunteer Engagement Advisory Team to your 2024 goals.
Organizations benefit immensely from such a team, fostering a robust volunteer engagement culture, advising volunteerism, and collaborating for change within the organization. This not only expedites an organization’s Service Enterprise transformation but also sustains a strategic and responsive volunteer engagement culture throughout accreditation. Starting early is key—our training partners can assist by facilitating a Diagnostic and Debrief Service for your team.
Contact Kayla Paulson, AL!VE’s Service Enterprise Administrator, for more details on forming your Advisory Team. |
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Volunteer With Us!
Looking to get involved further with AL!VE? Join us as a volunteer! Volunteering is a great networking opportunity and a chance to gain new skills and areas of expertise. There are a number of areas of support needed: Marketing committee - Assist with tech issues and website development. Programs Committee- AL!VE Academy lead. Advocacy Committee - Resource pages updating. Advocacy Committee - Partnership and Collaboration. Programs Committee - Presenter Bootcamp tech support. |
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AL!VE Graphic Tees Now Available! |
Now you can have that perfect shirt to wear to work, events, or whenever you need to advocate for your position and the profession! We've partnered with a small business who will take your t-shirt order in your size & style, then ship directly to you!
AL!VE will receive a portion of the t-shirt revenue. There are two designs available at this time; with more interest, more designs & colors will be created! You can find more information at our website, Membership>Donate/Shop |
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Welcome to Our Newest Members! |
Kathy Shirley
TJ Geist Corinne Philips Susan Blake Cassandra Daly Beth Zender Angela Meyers Michelle King Julie Han Ann Echols Erin Kelly |
| New to AL!VE or just want to check in?
Find out what's happening or get a quick fix of networking with your peers! New members will get a brief overview of our mission, benefits, activities and committees. We also are giving away some cool door prizes too! 2024 Member Dates will be posted later this month! |
| Thank you to Our Renewing Members! |
Brenna Ewing Jennifer Roers Kirsten Abel Ruch Jean Ward Anne Marie McPartlin Meredith Hershner Corey Roscoe Kim Soto Sarah Koppelman Paige Stein Jan Hathaway |
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We're Updating Our Website!
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Not finding what you’re looking for on the website? No worries! We’ve made a few changes to make things more accessible. You can now find Al!VE Academies, Better Impact & Hybrid Conference, Mentor Program, Impact Awards, and Presenter’s Bootcamp under the “Get Involved” drop down. All resources such as professional standards, advocacy, ethics, trends, DEAI, and general management under the “Resources” drop down. |
| Be Sure to Whitelist our Emails! |
We send this newsletter monthly, and an additional 3-4 emails per month. If you didn’t get it in your inbox please check your junk/spam folders (if you find it there right click it and choose Junk/Spam and then select Never Block Domain). If you don’t find it that way you may want to ask your IT to whitelist volunteeralive.org. You can also try to whitelist at your email level by following the directions linked below (sometimes you may need admin permissions): Whitelisting for Gmail
Whitelisting for Office 365 Outlook Whitelisting for Outlook ios If you need more assistance or haven’t been able to access the email please email manager@volunteeralive.org so that we can follow-up and do another test email after volunteeralive.org has been whitelisted on your account. |
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