Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement
Calendar of Events

Event Type:

March 2025
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21
22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31
Events in the next 45 days...


Monday, March 24, 2025
National Networks COP:
Those working at a national level face different issues than those operating on a local or regional level. Often national level leaders are engaged in big picture, strategic or policy decision-making. Sometimes those operating at a national level don’t work directly with volunteers, but rather help empower others in their organizations who do. Join the discussion to connect and learn from others working nationally. We invite anyone looking to brainstorm around the unique issues facing volunteer leaders on a national level.  This COP group will be a chance to network, share expertise, ask questions, and solve problems with your peers. 

All times 2:30 Eastern
Jan 27, Mar 24, May 26, July 28, Sept 22, Nov 24

Click here to join the next meeting!


If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Mooney or Laura Gray, COP Facilitators.

Communities of Practice are an AL!VE member benefit;
Not a member?
Click here to join AL!VE.
Want to try before you buy? Email info@volunteer AL!VE to try out your first session free. 
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Take the next step in your career as a leader of volunteers and become certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA).

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.
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
  • January 22:  we will meet to review the study resources and an overview of chapters one and two of the textbook. 
  • February 5 - March 26:  We will meet every Wednesday at 12:00pm ET for eight weeks. The study schedule is based on reading 1-2 chapters of the CVA textbook, discussing those chapters and reviewing sample scenarios during the calls.  

We will contact you with the zoom login information. 

* 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.
If you're interested in learning more about the Certification in Volunteer Administration in general, visit the CCVA website for information sessions about the exam and application and upcoming information sessions from CCVA.    

Wednesday, March 26, 2025
This COP is designed to include a broad range of topics regarding urban and rural parks, botanical gardens, parks, and nature preserves. 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 engagement professionals in the Parks & Rec field. Bring your lunch/brunch and beverage! If you're not sure if you fit with us, please join us! This COP is facilitated by Meagan Patterson, Gateway Arch Park Foundation Senior Manager, Operations & Volunteer Engagement, Jenny Garver, Macon Courty Conservation District Volunteer Coordinator,  Callie Le'Au Courtright, CPM, CVA, City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Supervisor, and Yvonne Dunphe, Five Rivers Metroparks, Volunteer Coordinator.

2025 Dates are January 15, March 19, May 21, July 16, September 17, and November 19. 
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Session Chat: Recruitment Strategies, Resources, and Materials
Looking to grow your local association’s membership and volunteer base? Join us for an engaging discussion on best practices, innovative tools, and effective messaging strategies to attract and retain members. This session will explore creative and practical approaches to recruitment, from developing compelling outreach materials to leveraging digital and in-person engagement tactics. Learn how to highlight your association’s value, foster meaningful connections, and create an inviting community that encourages involvement. Whether you’re looking to refine existing strategies or discover new resources, this Community of Practice meeting will provide valuable insights and actionable takeaways to enhance your recruitment efforts.

Click Here to Register for this Event
Be sure to add this event to your calendar and sign up for your email reminder below before joining for the event!

The Local Association COP is a paid member benefit.  Not a member yet? Click here to join now!
Thursday, March 27, 2025
AL!VE’s Book Club Community of Practice brings volunteer engagement professionals together to explore insightful books, share perspectives and connect through meaningful discussions that inspire growth & innovation.

Be sure to add this event to your calendar and sign up for your email reminder below before joining for the event!

The Book Club COP is a paid member benefit.  Not a member yet? Click here to join now!
Friday, March 28, 2025
All are welcome to join our quarterly networking social for anyone involved in Volunteer Engagement.

All Volunteer Engagement Professionals are welcome to attend a networking social event, quarterly at 4 PM Eastern for 45 minutes.  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!

All times 4:00-4:45 PM Eastern
  • March 28
  • June 17
  • September 12
  • December 4
When you register, we will send the meeting information, and you'll be signed up for the following sessions for the rest of the year.  You can always opt out by emailing us.

Door prizes, networking and camaraderie will be on hand.  Don't miss it!

Open to all in the field of volunteer engagement.  We look forward to seeing you!   
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Join your peers for discussions for those who manage food banks, hunger organizations, or nutrition programs.     This COP will meet Monthly  on the first Tuesday  @ 3 PM Eastern. See dates below.
*note* When you register, you will be automatically be registered for all the future COP dates (listed below) and monthly reminders will be sent - the COP will use the same zoom link. 
You may opt out by emailing manager@volunteeralive.org    


2025 Dates:
Jan 7
Feb 4
Mar 4
Apr 1
May 6
Jun 3
Jul 1
Aug 5
Sep 2
Oct 7
Nov 4
Dec 2

For more information, contact facilitator Elizabeth Garrabrant.

To register, please continue with this form.  You'll receive the log in information and reminders after registration. 

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.   
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
AL!VE New Member Information Sessions will be held monthly at 3 PM Eastern for 30 minutes. 

In this 30 minute call, we will highlight:
  • Member benefits
  • Resources & where to find them
  • Association goals for 2025
  • 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.
All members are invited to attend! 

Can't make this meeting? Check our calendar for the next date.  They are held every month.

We look forward to seeing you online!
Monday, April 7, 2025
If you recently lost your job or feel like you have reached the ceiling at your current organization and are looking to explore opportunities, this COP is for you. AL!VE’s Career Transition Community of Practice is a supportive space for volunteer engagement professionals in career transition, offering encouragement, networking, and connections to help you find new opportunities through our community.  Register Here.
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - Thursday, April 10, 2025

See you in Atlanta or online!

 

America's Service Commissions, in partnership with state and territorial service commissions, is pleased to announce the dates for 2025 National Service Training (NST).

 

Please consider joining us in-person or online!

  • April 8-10, 2025 · Atlanta, GA
  • April 29 - May 1, 2025 · Virtual

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.

 

Stay tuned for venue and lodging, call for proposals, and sponsorship details later this summer!

 

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

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Meetings will be held bimonthly (every 2 months).  Following meetings will be 10 AM Pacific, 1 PM Eastern:   

2025:  February 13, April 10, June 12, Aug 14, Oct 9, Dec 11

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.

Thursday, April 10, 2025

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.

2025: Feb 13, Apr 10, Jun 12, Aug 14, Oct 9, Dec 11

Communities of Practice are an AL!VE member benefit; however, anyone is welcome to attend their first meeting with out being a member. NAVPLG members can attend anytime for free as part of our partnership

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    

Thursday, April 10, 2025
Take the next step in your career as a leader of volunteers and become certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA).

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.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025

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.

2025 Meetings will be held (All times 2 PM Eastern):
January 21, February 18, March 18,
April 15, May 20, June 17,
July 15, August 19, September 16,
October 21, November 18, December 16


Click here to join the next meeting.

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. 

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

April AL!VE Academy:  Small Wins, Big Impact: Managing Partnerships in Volunteer Engagement: Meagan Patterson, CVA - April 16, 2025 @ 1:00 PM - 60 Minutes

As volunteer professionals, we play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and building meaningful connections with volunteers and organizations alike. Managing partnerships is a crucial aspect of effective volunteer engagement and something that should be considered as part of your overall volunteer plan. Building and maintaining fruitful relationships with partner organizations can amplify the impact of volunteer efforts, enhance community outreach, and foster a sense of shared purpose. In this presentation, we’ll explore how partnerships can enhance our personal and professional growth while creating a positive impact for our volunteers and organization. Let’s embrace collaboration, celebrate diversity, and unlock our full potential as leaders of volunteers.

 

About Our Presenter

As Senior Manager, Operations & Volunteer Engagement, Meagan took the lead in building Gateway Arch Park Foundation’s co-managed volunteer program with the National Park Service. Today, she manages over 300 volunteers who donate approximately 5,000 hours annually.

Meagan is a leader in the field of volunteer management locally and nationally. She serves as the President of the Metropolitan Volunteer Manager Association with the mission to promote and enhance the field of volunteer management for its members in St. Louis. She also leads a Parks & Recreation Community of Practice and serves on the Programs and Advocacy Committee for the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE). She is a 2023 AL!VE Presenter Boot Camp Graduate.

Meagan holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Southern Indiana and an M.A. in Historical Administration from Eastern Illinois University. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Hunter, and two pets, Paisley(dog) and Sundae (cat). She also loves to cook, go to concerts and travel.

Wednesday, April 16, 2025
This COP is for those managing an AmeriCorps Seniors program(s) as a grantee or sponsor. This includes Foster Grandparent Program (FGP), RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), and SCP (Senior Companion Program. Join us as we are a sounding board for sharing best practices and resources that are unique to federal grants and the older volunteers we work alongside.


*note* When you register, you will be automatically be registered for all the future COP dates (listed below) and monthly reminders will be sent - the COP will use the same zoom link. 
​You may opt out by emailing manager@volunteeralive.org    


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.
Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Enhance your professional development and support the profession of volunteer engagement at the same time! Join us for an AL!VE New Volunteer Information Session! This session is your opportunity to learn more about AL!VE, our mission, and how you can get involved. Whether you’re interested in sharing your skills, learning new ones, or connecting with a community of like-minded professionals, we have opportunities for you! Don’t miss this chance to join a dynamic organization that supports leaders in volunteer engagement nationwide. We can’t wait to meet you and explore how we can make an impact together!
 

Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Take the next step in your career as a leader of volunteers and become certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA).

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.
Thursday, April 24, 2025
AL!VE’s Book Club Community of Practice brings volunteer engagement professionals together to explore insightful books, share perspectives and connect through meaningful discussions that inspire growth & innovation.

Be sure to add this event to your calendar and sign up for your email reminder below before joining for the event!

The Book Club COP is a paid member benefit.  Not a member yet? Click here to join now!
Monday, April 28, 2025
Take the next step in your career as a leader of volunteers and become certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA).

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.
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 - Thursday, May 1, 2025

See you in Atlanta or online!

 

America's Service Commissions, in partnership with state and territorial service commissions, is pleased to announce the dates for 2025 National Service Training (NST).

 

Please consider joining us in-person or online!

  • April 8-10, 2025 · Atlanta, GA
  • April 29 - May 1, 2025 · Virtual

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.

 

Stay tuned for venue and lodging, call for proposals, and sponsorship details later this summer!

 

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

Thursday, May 1, 2025

When segments of the community do not feel welcome in volunteer spaces, they may choose not to engage.  Join CCVA's Executive Director Faiza Venzant, CVA as she takes you through Is Everyone Welcome? Tools To Broaden Volunteer Engagement.  This field-building toolkit consists of resources to help leaders of volunteers apply an equity lens to the various aspects of their practice. It was created by over 25 CVAs (Certified in Volunteer Administration) in the US and Canada.  Attend this session to learn about tools like A Guide for Creating Inclusive Position DescriptionsBroadening Access to Volunteer Opportunities, and the Inclusive Volunteer Recruitment Guide. Learn about relationship-building tools like Encouraging Reflection in Volunteer OpportunitiesGetting to Know Volunteers through Values Based Questions, and the Volunteer Motivation Questionnaire. Check out strategic tools like Guiding Questions for Equitable Community Collaboration and Ethical Data Collection.

Learn more about ADEVI at cvacert.org/adevi  

Monday, May 5, 2025
Take the next step in your career as a leader of volunteers and become certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA).

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.
Monday, May 5, 2025
If you recently lost your job or feel like you have reached the ceiling at your current organization and are looking to explore opportunities, this COP is for you. AL!VE’s Career Transition Community of Practice is a supportive space for volunteer engagement professionals in career transition, offering encouragement, networking, and connections to help you find new opportunities through our community.  Register Here.
Monday, May 5, 2025

Education & Reading Programs Community of Practice is a group of professionals with the interest of improving reading levels for youth and adults. We convene bimonthly to offer support, share best practices, provide a safe space for discussion, and networking.  

For more information contact Brandy Tolbert, Facilitator.  Register from our calendar on the next available date.

2025:  January 6, March 3, May 5, July 7



*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 


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.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Join your peers for discussions for those who manage food banks, hunger organizations, or nutrition programs.     This COP will meet Monthly  on the first Tuesday  @ 3 PM Eastern. See dates below.
*note* When you register, you will be automatically be registered for all the future COP dates (listed below) and monthly reminders will be sent - the COP will use the same zoom link. 
You may opt out by emailing manager@volunteeralive.org    


2025 Dates:
Jan 7
Feb 4
Mar 4
Apr 1
May 6
Jun 3
Jul 1
Aug 5
Sep 2
Oct 7
Nov 4
Dec 2

For more information, contact facilitator Elizabeth Garrabrant.

To register, please continue with this form.  You'll receive the log in information and reminders after registration. 

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.   

We welcome any event related to volunteer engagement professionals! 
To submit your event, click on the link below.