Save the Dates: 2023 National Service Trainings

See you in San Diego, New Orleans, Charleston, or online!

America's Service Commissions, in partnership with state and territorial service commissions, is pleased to announce the dates for our 2023 National Service Training regional events. The theme for the 2023 trainings is “Expanding What's Possible.”

Please consider joining us for one of the following events:

• March 21-23, 2023: West · San Diego, CA · Hosted by California Volunteers
• May 2-4, 2023: Central · New Orleans, LA · Hosted by Volunteer Louisiana
• May 15-17, 2023: East · Charleston, WV · Hosted by Volunteer West Virginia
• June 7-8, 2023: Virtual*

*Unlike in 2022, the 2023 virtual event will NOT be a livestream of one of the in-person events. Rather, it will be an entirely virtual event with all participants and presenters online — allowing for two-way interaction — and sessions created for the virtual space.

The primary audiences for these events 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, Tribal, VISTA, NCCC, Seniors, and VGF — are welcome and invited to attend.

We will update our event website — www.nationalservicetraining.org — as more information, including any health and safety protocols, is available.

• Begin understanding data about volunteering and health. 
• Increase the effectiveness of your volunteer recruitment through detailed position descriptions.
• Consider collecting data on your own volunteer population in order to better serve them.

About our Presenter:

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. 

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

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.