Commitment to Community

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As a community of practitioners, AL!VE achieves its mission by cultivating a welcoming culture for our members. Through the challenges we face as a profession, it is of vital importance that we provide an environment where all members feel supported. We commit to actively creating and maintaining spaces where individuals can bring their whole, authentic selves to our work and profession, and thrive. We celebrate the unique differences, lived experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talents of each member as invaluable to the AL!VE community.
(first published 2021, updated 2025)

Our Commitment in Action

• In late 2022, a committee dedicated to furthering representation, inclusion, access, and belonging across the organization and sector was convened. In 2025, the committee was titled the CARE committee (Community, Awareness, Respect & Engagement).   
• In 2024, the role of equity leader was established, serving on the executive committee for the board of directors. 
• The equity leader leads conversations on relevant topics with the board of directors at the beginning of each board meeting. 
• Members of the CARE committee serve on other teams throughout the organization to support and provide recommendations. 
• AL!VE hosts regular learning sessions (AL!VE Academies) focused on inclusive strategies and practices, offered at no cost to non-members. (Please see a list of recent relevant AL!VE Academies below.) 
• The CARE committee encourages all academy presenters utilize an equity lens and collaborates with the Program committee to achieve that goal.
• AL!VE celebrates and amplifies inclusive work being done across in the broader sector. 
• AL!VE maintains a pay-what-you-can membership option for individuals who may not have the financial means or organizational backing to join. 
• With guidance from the CARE committee, the board of directors regularly evaluates processes and procedures, making updates as needed.
• In 2024, CARE committee crafted a mission statement for the committee: A community of thought and learning partners serving as a resource and providing opportunities for volunteer engagement professionals to develop skills for  incorporating belonging into all aspects of our work. We support AL!VE by encouraging welcoming and inclusive spaces for members. Our goal is to provide volunteer engagement professionals with the tools needed to cultivate spaces in which all can belong and thrive.

We welcome feedback on our work and strategies from our members. Please share your thoughts via the following online form. Also, we welcome your participation! Please consider joining the team. You can learn more via the AL!VE Volunteer web page.

Submit Feedback to the CARE Committee

Learn About Volunteer Opportunities

CARE Focused Webinars