Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement

Need Support Advocating to Attend the 2026 National Summit?

We've got you covered! Find resources, messaging, and a sample justification letter to advocate for your attendance with your organization.

In light of the ongoing shifts in our profession and the broader world, staying informed, connected, and equipped has never been more important. Attending the 2026 National Summit on Volunteer Engagement is not just professional development—it’s a strategic investment in your organization and in the leadership capacity it will rely on in the future. To support our members, AL!VE has created an Advocating for Your Attendance Guide designed to help you confidently and professionally make the case for why attending the Summit matters—for you and your organization.

Why This Matters

Many volunteer engagement professionals face similar barriers when requesting approval to attend conferences: limited budgets, staffing concerns, or assumptions that “you already know this.” This guide equips you with practical language, organizational benefits, and ROI-focused talking points to address common objections and reframe Summit attendance as a smart, forward-thinking investment.

What You’ll Find in the Guide

The Advocating for Your Attendance Guide includes:

  • Common objections leaders raise—and professional, thoughtful rebuttals
  • ​Clear explanations of why attendance matters at an organizational level
  • Language that highlights what the organization gains by sending you
  • Messaging that reinforces how professional development affirms your value and leadership

From cost concerns to coverage while you’re away, the guide helps you position your attendance as a win-win.

Sample Justification Letter Template

Find and customize our template by filling in the bracketed sections to reflect your role, your organization’s priorities, and your anticipated costs, then submit it to your supervisor or manager as part of your professional development approval process. Be sure to tailor the ROI examples to clearly demonstrate how attending the Summit will directly benefit your organization.

Download the Justification Letter Template (DOCX).




Link: https://volunteeralive.org/summit_justification.php

Submitted: 12/15/25
Article By: Beck, Shelli