Celebrating the Heart of Service

This month, we shine a spotlight on the power of recognition - both for volunteers and the volunteer engagement professionals that lead them. Discover fresh ideas and tools to honor those who make impact possible.

Darlene Laird, CVA

Board President

Dear Members,

As volunteer engagement professionals, we know recognition is more than a moment - it's a mindset. When we pause to celebrate the time, talent, and heart our volunteers give, we affirm their value and strengthen the culture of service that keeps our communities thriving.

This month, as we highlight the importance of recognition, we also want to celebrate and recognize you. The impact of volunteers is magnified by your work: building connections, creating belonging, and making sure every contribution is valued. While you're sharing your gratitude with your volunteers, I encourage you to take a moment to recognize the amazing work that you're doing every day. Thank you for making change in your corner of the world!

Darlene

News & Announcements

FEATURED NEWS

Celebrate Volunteer Managers on November 5 with Resources from AL!VE

AL!VE proudly announces its celebration of International Volunteer Managers Day (IVMDay) 2025, observed annually on November 5. This year's global theme, "BeBOLD. MakeChange.", encourages volunteer engagement professionals to advocate for meaningful change, embrace innovation, and strengthen the impact of volunteer programs in communities across the country.

Learn More

MORE FEATURED NEWS (from the Newsroom)

Volunteer Manager Hybrid Conference Registration for Individuals is Now Open!: Join AL!VE, Better Impact, and Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada (VMPC) for the 11th annual Volunteer Management Hybrid Conference on October 28 or 29, 2025!

PROGRAM & MEMBER NEWS (from Member News)

Melissa Rhodes Carter, Senior Manager of the Walmart Foundation's Caring and Connected Communities Portfolio, Opens Our Brunch Celebration!: Join us November 5, 2025 at 12:30pm for a spirited Virtual Brunch Celebration honoring IVMDay - hosted by AL!VE.
Now Recruiting Our Next Cohort of Presenter Bootcamp Participants: Level up your presentation skills with AL!VE's Presenter Bootcamp! Each year, AL!VE equips volunteer engagement professionals with the tools, strategies, and confidence needed to deliver impactful presentations.
Book Club/Movie Club Gathering to Observe 2025 International Volunteer Managers Day: To mark IVMDay, join a viewing of the documentary "Join or Die" followed by a discussion of the movie and the book, Bowling Alone.
Check Out the Speaker Lineup for This Year's Volunteer Management Hybrid Conference: Learn more about session topics and speakers for this year's conference. Don't forget to register today!
Why Investing in a Volunteer Engagement Professional Makes Cents (and Sense): Read the latest blog from AL!VE's Executive Director, Nicole R. Smith, highlighting five compelling reasons why hiring a dedicated Volunteer Engagement Professional is essential for strengthening organizations and impact.
Announcing Newly Accredited Service Enterprise Organizations (May & August 2025): AL!VE is please to announce organizations that have successfully met the standards and requirements for Service Enterprise accreditation in May and August of 2025.

GENERAL RESOURCES (from the Resource Vault)

Volunteer Retention Strategy: Rewards and Recognition (VolunteerHub): Recognizing volunteers goes a long way with retention. Incorporate these strategies into your program to show your appreciation for your supporters.

Upcoming Events

Sponsored By

ACADEMY WEBINAR

VolunteerMatch & Idealist: What the Merger Means for Volunteer Recruitment & Leaders of Volunteers

With Jennifer Bennett, CVA

Wednesday, October 22

2-3 PM Eastern

RECOGNIZING YOU!

International Volunteer Managers Day Brunch Celebration

With Melissa Rhodes Carter, Senior Manager of Community Resilience for the Walmart Foundation's Caring and Connected Communities Portfolio

Tuesday, November 5

12:30-1:30 PM Eastern

MORE EVENTS

October 8, 14, 20 - CVA Credential Info Sessions
October 13 - AL!VE Offices Closed in Recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day
October 15 - AL!VE New Volunteer Info Session
October 28 & 29 - Volunteer Manager Hybrid Conference
October 30 - AL!VE New Member Info Session

Visit the Event Calendar

COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE
All Times in Eastern Time Zone

October 7, 3pm - Food Banks
October 9, 1pm - Animal Welfare

October 9, 2pm - Volunteer Programs in Local Government
October 14, 11:30am - Education & Reading Programs
October 15, 3pm - AmeriCorps Seniors
October 21, 2pm - Rural Programs
November 3, 2:30pm - Career Transition
November 4, 3pm - Food Banks

Member Connect

MEET-UPS

New to AL!VE or need a refresher? 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 give away great door prizes too!

Upcoming New Member Info Session
October 30

MEMBER AREA

Check out what's new in our Member Area. Keep up to date on all things AL!VE through the News and Events section, jump into a conversation on the Message Board, flip through the Member Directory, and more!