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.

2024: Jan 18, April 18, July 18, Oct 17

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, we request you join as a member to attend subsequent meetings.  Learn more about membership here.

*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. 
​You may opt out by emailing manager@volunteeralive.org    

Meetings will be held bimonthly (every 2 months) with the first meeting on Wednesday, April 28th at 8-9pm ET (5-6pm PT).  Following meetings will be 10 AM Pacific, 1 PM Eastern:   
2024:  February 22, April 26, June 28, Aug 23, Oct 25, Dec 27

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.

• Member benefits
• Resources & where to find them
• Associations goals for 2024
• Discuss what's happening in the field on a regional or national level
• Bring your own topic - have a question you need to discuss? We're happy to connect.

Save the Dates: 2024 National Service Training

See you in Minneapolis or online!

America's Service Commissions, in partnership with state and territorial service commissions, is pleased to announce the dates for 2024 National Service Training (NST). The theme is Serve. Connect. Build.

Please consider joining us in-person* or online:

• April 24-26, 2024 · Minneapolis, MN
• May 14-16, 2024 · Virtual

*In 2024, we will be hosting one national in-person event, bringing together folks from across the country, rather than several regional events.

The primary audiences for NST are AmeriCorps State program and fiscal staff, state and territorial service commission staff, and commissioners. While not a primary audience, all other streams of national service — including National, Native Nations, VISTA, NCCC, Seniors, and VGF — are welcome and invited to attend.

We will update our event website as more information is available.

Taking place virtually on May 15-16, the 2024 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 Breauna Dorelus, an AmeriCorps alum and founder of Connecting the Cause, and Sue Carter Kahl, a nationally-known expert in volunteer engagement. In addition, attendees will participate in multiple hands-on workshops each day as well as virtual networking opportunities and resource-sharing.

1. Understand the historical context and evolution of court-ordered community service programs, including their initial intentions and their impact on individuals with intersecting marginalized identities.
2. Identify the economic and societal contributions of individuals completing court-ordered service, while exploring the ethical concerns regarding the potential exploitation of compelled labor within these programs, especially in light of the barriers returning community members face in seeking employment.
3. Explore actionable strategies and frameworks to create more meaningful, skill-building, and impactful community service opportunities, aiming to reduce recidivism rates and foster positive reintegration for individuals with criminal records.

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.

Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA) is an international professional certification in the field of volunteer resources management

In this session, you will learn about the CCVA, why certification may be right for you, how the exam is created, what the application, preparation, and certification process is, and when you will be ready. 

All 2024 dates:  Jan 24, Feb 21, Mar 20, April 17, May 15, June 12, July 17, Aug 21, Sept 18, Oct 16

 March & April  Book Club: Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab  

End the struggle, speak up for what you need, and experience the freedom of being truly yourself.  

Healthy boundaries. We all know we should have them in order to achieve work/life balance, cope with toxic people, and enjoy rewarding relationships with partners, friends, and family. But what do "healthy boundaries" really mean - and how can we successfully express our needs, say "no," and be assertive without offending others?

Licensed counselor, sought-after relationship expert, and one of the most influential therapists on Instagram Nedra Glover Tawwab demystifies this complex topic for today's world. In a relatable and inclusive tone, Set Boundaries, Find Peace presents simple-yet-powerful ways to establish healthy boundaries in all aspects of life. Rooted in the latest research and best practices used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), these techniques help us identify and express our needs clearly and without apology - and unravel a root problem behind codependency, power struggles, anxiety, depression, burnout, and more.

Facilitated by Brittany McGarry, MA, CVA .  She is a Senior Manager in Volunteer Engagement at the National MS Society. Currently residing in Denver, CO and working remotely full time, she enjoys a good networking happy hour, especially if it’s on a patio when weather allows. With a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from Bellarmine University, a Master’s degree in College Student Development from Appalachian State University and completing her Certification in Volunteer Administration (CVA) in 2021, she thrives on being a forever learner.

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.

*NOTE:  MARCH BOOK CLUB IS AT 4 PM EASTERN

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.

2024 Meetings will be held (All times 2 PM Eastern):
January 16, February 20, March 19,
April 16, May 21, June 18,
July 16, August 20, September 17,
October 15, November 19, December 17

To register for these dates, see the  link below.

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.