The Hidden Cost of 'Free' Volunteers and How to Leverage It with Brooke Campbell, CNP, CVA
Thursday April 9, 2026 from 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Register HERE
This is a live virtual webinar. The session will not be recorded.
In this eye-opening workshop, we’ll break down the true cost of volunteer engagement and show you how to quantify the financial and operational resources your program really requires. You’ll learn to apply a cost calculation formula that translates hidden inputs into clear numbers, giving you a powerful tool to advocate for adequate funding, justify budget lines, and communicate your program’s value to internal and external stakeholders.
Whether you’re a volunteer manager, program coordinator, or development professional, you’ll leave with:
- A practical cost-calculation worksheet you can adapt for your own program
- Real-world examples to guide your estimates
- Strategies to build a stronger case for investment in volunteer infrastructure
- Renewed confidence to shift the narrative around volunteerism from “free help” to “strategic resource”
The Speaker:
Brooke Campbell, CNP, CVA, brings a wealth of experience in volunteer engagement, disaster recovery, and instructional design. An AmeriCorps NCCC alum, Brooke has spent her career fostering intentional service learning and strengthening nonprofit programs. She previously led Volunteer Houston, managing a volunteer recruitment platform, a corporate engagement program, disaster volunteer coordination at the system level, and facilitating the Volunteer Engagement Training Program for nonprofit professionals. Brooke has designed a state AmeriCorps program and VISTA workplans, authored and advised national training courses. She currently serves on the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition Board of Directors. Brooke is deeply committed to strengthening volunteer engagement and offers insights and services as a passion project at www.volunteerstrategies.com.
In this 30 minute call, we will highlight:
- Member benefits
- Resources & where to find them
- Association goals for 2026
- 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.
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.
Supporting more than 1,200 national service program and nonprofit staff in their professional development each year, National Service Training provides professionals with the tools needed to effectively manage AmeriCorps and other volunteer-driven programs making a difference throughout the country. Come together with national service program colleagues, state and territorial service commission staff, AmeriCorps agency colleagues, and volunteer engagement partners for an educational and inspiring training opportunity.
Visit NationalServiceTraining.org for more information.
Join us for our next AL!VE Volunteer Information Session. Learn how volunteering with AL!VE supports leaders of volunteers nationwide, builds a stronger sector, and offers you a meaningful way to contribute your expertise. Discover roles that match your interests, meet fellow changemakers, and take the first step toward a more connected and impactful year.
Make 2026 the year you invest in community!
Click Here to RegisterThe session will include a brief review of the article followed by a facilitated discussion. Those who register for the session will have access to the article before the session. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, share success stories as well as address challenges local associations face.
The Local Association Committee looks forward to participation by the Local Association partners. Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/
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.
All Volunteer Engagement Professionals are welcome to attend an industry social event, monthly at 2 PM Eastern for 45 minutes on the fourth Tuesday of each month. 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!
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.
| Date | Tentative Topics – any topic can be brought up in any session – we’re in charge 😉 |
| Feb 3 | Difficult Situations |
| Mar 3 | Planning for Appreciation |
| Apr 7 | Staff Buy-In |
| May 5 | The Tools We Use |
| Jun 2 | Schools/Unis |
| Jul 7 | Corporate Partnerships |
| Aug 4 | Volunteers for HAM |
| Sep 1 | Recognition |
| Oct 6 | Preparing for the Holiday RUSH |
| Nov 3 | Self-care/VM Day Celebrating US |
| Dec 1 | Managing Expectations |
| Jan 5 | NY Dreams |
We have many great speakers this year, including Traci Lato-Smith and Amber Melanie Smith. We will have a variety of sessions for volunteer leaders who are new to the field as well as seasoned volunteer leaders. The workshop with Traci will include time to work on your own volunteer engagement, be ready to brainstorm. We are excited for our Thursday evening social to network, raffles, and more! The raffles fund our conference scholarship program for next year's conference.
If you have further questions, please reach out wvcaleadership@gmail.com.
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.
You will learn:
- What Service Enterprise is
- How it works
- Who can benefit from Service Enterprise
- Benefits of Service Enterprise
- How to Get Involved
Taking place virtually on May 13-14, the 2026 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 Nicole R. Smith, Executive Director of the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement, and Cliff Fleet, president and CEO of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. In addition to these inspiring keynote sessions, attendees will participate in multiple hands-on workshops each day as well as virtual networking opportunities and resource-sharing. Sessions will cover everything from Volunteer Management 101 to more advanced conversations about innovations in volunteerism and service, the potential of power partnerships, and more.
Attending this conference can be applied towards hours needed for professional development requirements for initial CVA Certification or CVA Renewal. The CVA (Certified in Volunteer Administration) is the only internationally recognized credential in the field of volunteer administration. If you require proof of the number of hours you engaged in professional development, please contact the organizers of this training. CCVA will not have proof of your attendance to events that they haven’t organized. To learn more, visit www.cvacert.org.
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.
In this 30 minute call, we will highlight:
- Member benefits
- Resources & where to find them
- Association goals for 2026
- 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.
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.
Facilitators:
Jenny Garver, CVA – Volunteer Coordinator, Macon County Conservation District
Callie Le'Au Courtright, CPM, CVA – Parks & Recreation Supervisor, City of Des Moines
Yvonne Dunphe, CVA – Volunteer Coordinator, Five Rivers MetroParks
2026 Meeting Dates:
January 21, March 25, May 20, July 15, September 16, November 18
Time:
1:00 PM EST | 12:00 PM CST | 11:00 AM MST | 10:00 AM PST
Meetings are held virtually.
Click here to join the community and participate in our upcoming meeting.
Communities of Practice are an AL!VE member benefit; however, anyone is welcome to attend their first meeting with out being a member. Email info@volunteeralive.org for a free trial. You can learn more about membership here.
Charity to Solidarity - Auditing your Volunteer Program for Optimal Allies with Meghan Maloney, CVA
Thursday May 21, 2026 from 9:00am - 10:00am EST
Register HERE
We're excited to be cohosting this session with our partners at DOVIA-LA.
This is a live virtual webinar. The session will not be recorded.
This one-hour interactive training challenges participants to move beyond traditional “charity” models and re-examine power dynamics within their volunteer programs. How can you ensure that your service opportunities meet your organization’s mission and not a volunteers’ self-serving motivations? Participants will learn how to audit their recruitment messaging, onboard volunteers with a focus on systemic context, and manage "savior" narratives with grace and clarity. Join us to gain practical strategies for building a more equitable, dignified, and sustainable volunteer culture. We can transform volunteers from well-intentioned helpers into effective allies and partners of our organizations.
The Speaker:
Meghan has a passion for the nonprofit sector and public service. She has participated in three AmeriCorps Programs (Vista, State, and National). She has over a decade of volunteer engagement professional experience. Meghan is a certified CCVA and is a graduate of the ALiVE Bootcamp Series. She has served as Vice President of DOVIA-LA and currently serves on the DOVIA-LA Advisory Committee.
Meghan is an alumna of UCLA, graduating with a B.A. double major in American Literature and History with a minor in LGBT Studies. She is a proud and rare Angeleno with roots in the Harbor area. Behind the scenes, Meghan enjoys spending time with her cats, attending live music shows, and visiting National Parks.
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