Let's Do This! 

Join our initiative to recognize volunteer engagement professionals by advocating for an official occupational code with the Department of Labor - US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Learn More About The Initiative

Webinar Date: August 1, 2024 @ 3:00 PM Eastern

Register here

Can't attend?  View a recording here. 

Why Advocate for an Occupational Code

Professionals in volunteer engagement play a crucial role in managing and coordinating volunteers, contributing significantly to community and organizational success. Despite having a certifying body*, we are not currently recognized as a profession by the Department of Labor - US Bureau of Labor Statistics. By advocating for an official occupational code, we can ensure our profession receives the recognition and support it deserves.

*The Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA) offers the Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA) credential, an international professional certification in the field of volunteer resources management. This credentialed certification underscores the expertise and professionalism of individuals in our field.

How to Advocate

• Watch the Webinar  August 1: Gain insights from our experts. Or, View the recording and slide deck.
  
  
• Use the Template: Download the template here  to ensure your feedback is impactful and structured.
  
  
• Submit Your Commentary: Use the live links below (available after July 15th) to submit your feedback directly by August 12 at 11:59 AM Eastern to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 
  
  
• Share with the Field: Encourage colleagues and other stakeholders to join the advocacy efforts.

Tips for Effective Advocacy

• Be Consistent: Make sure you are using the correct terminology - for us it is 'Volunteer Engagement Professional'
• Be Specific: Clearly describe the role and its impact on the organization and community.
• Use Data: Include statistics and personal anecdotes to illustrate the importance and necessity of the role.
• Stay Professional: Maintain a respectful and constructive tone to ensure your message is well-received.
  
  

Resources

• Recording of the July 15th Webinar: Recording Link 
• Slide Deck from the Webinar: Slide Deck 
• AL!VE's submitted Public Comment (pdf)

Submission Process:

Download the template here for the language and instructions to submit your comments.

Comments should be submitted by August 12, 2024 by 11:59 AM Eastern through www.regulations.gov —a Federal E-Government website that allows the public to find, review, and submit comments on documents that agencies have published in the Federal Register and that are open for comment. See below for the process.

First, Enter BLS-2024-0001 (in quotes) in the Comment or Submission search box, click Go, and follow the instructions for submitting comments. 

Please include the Docket ID (BLS-2024-0001) and the phrase ‘‘Standard Occupation Classification (SOC) – Updates for 2028, at the beginning of your comments.

Comments received by the date specified above will be included as part of the official record.

Before pressing submit Print or Make a PDF using the Print-friendly View: It is recommended that you print a copy or make a PDF of your completed form for your records using the print-friendly version. See below of what the screenshot should look like.  You may use this screenshot to save as documentation for your CVA PDU's.

By rallying together, we can ensure that professionals in volunteer management and engagement receive the recognition we deserve. Let’s Do This!

For any questions regarding this initiative, contact Cathy Thoma, AL!VE Board President.  For further assistance with the form, please visit the Department of Labor's contact page.

For more detailed information and to access the Occupational Code Request Form (ETA-741), visit the Department of Labor's Occupational Code Request page.