A Community of Practice is a group of volunteer engagement professionals that meets virtually to share issues, strategies and best practices, get and receive colleagues' support, make connections, and provide an opportunity to share information, experiences, and resources specific to the industry/structure or community they serve.
Meetings are held at least quarterly (check our calendar or newsletter for dates) and will last no more than one hour. Discussion topics will vary depending on issues affecting COP members in their programs.
Each COP has a Facilitator who works with AL!VE to determine the needs of the COP, and AL!VE members can suggest meeting topics for future COPs through their facilitator.
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, we request you join as a member to attend subsequent meetings.
Interested in starting a new Community of Practice? Apply as a volunteer to get started.
Reminder: Don't forget to reregister for Communities of Practice in 2025 to recieve reminder emails about upcoming events and important information from our COP facilitators. Thank you!
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 and innovation.
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.
The past few months have especially created some challenging situations. Let’s support each other! Health care (hospitals, blood banks, health care facilities, long-term health care, and other related organizations) has some unique situations, requirements, and environments for volunteers! Join your colleagues in discussion about your questions, situations, needs, and share your experiences with others as well.
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.
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.
Quarterly COP Meetings are held virtually on a variety of topics pertaining to administration of a local association of volunteer engagement professionals (Dovias, AVA, etc). Past topics have included Board Recruitment and DEAI, Financial Management, Membership and Marketing, Social Media, and Revitalizing your Organization. Check our calendar for future discussion topics. Meeting notes, resources, and handouts are posted in the 'file archive' section of our website. All involved in leadership with a local association in the US are welcome!
This is for those managing volunteers in museums, galleries, cultural and arts centers. Join us as we discuss and share insights and experiences that we are all having in the arts education/enrichment communities. COVID has posed certain challenges and changes for us all so let’s rely on each other for ideas and inspiration! This is a time for networking, sharing ideas, asking questions, and brainstorming with your peers. AAMV members welcome!
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.
2024 dates: January 22, March 25, May 20, July 22, September 23, November 25
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.
This is involved in managing volunteers at food banks, food pantries, hunger relief, nutrition or food-focused community organizations. These organizations use volunteers in unique and creative ways, especially during times of crisis like the pandemic. Join your hunger relief colleagues virtually to discuss your challenges, successes, and to share ideas.
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.
Let's talk about County Government volunteer programs. This community of practice discusses the challenge and successes of operating a volunteer program within a government structure. NAVPLG members welcome!
To attend a Community of Practice (COP),
Interested in starting a new Community of Practice? Apply as a volunteer to get started.