National Summit Justification

"We don’t have the budget."

The Summit is cost-effective with high-value training, tools, and insights. Options include virtual participation, early booking, scholarships, or departmental cost-sharing.

Improves program efficiency, strengthens volunteer retention, and reduces staff time spent on recurring challenges. ROI multiplies when shared internally.

I will bring back tools, templates, and streamlined processes that save time, reduce inefficiencies, and strengthen the volunteer program’s outcomes.

Shows the organization believes I’m worth investing in and trusts me to maximize that investment for organizational benefit which improves employee retention.

"We can’t afford it."

Not attending carries an even greater cost to the organization. Missing this opportunity means we forgo access to the latest best practices, industry insights, and networking that can directly improve program efficiency, innovation, and outcomes.

Attending brings back new strategies, insights, and best practices that strengthen programs and drive results.

Investing in my attendance now ultimately saves time, resources, and risk later."

Supporting my attendance demonstrates trust affirms that my growth and contributions are important to the organization.

"You have been doing this for years, you don’t need it."

Volunteer engagement is evolving. Even strong performers need continued learning to stay aligned with national standards and best practices.

Reduces organizational risk, increases quality of services, and ensures we stay relevant and competitive.

I will implement updated practices, anticipate trends, and strengthen our systems to reflect national standards—improving our overall impact.

Signals confidence in my expertise and acknowledges that my professional growth drives program excellence.

"Your colleagues are already going."

Multiple attendees allow for session-splitting, shared learning, and consistent implementation across departments.

Strengthens cross-team alignment, accelerates adoption of improvements, and ensures no important content is missed.

Together we can divide sessions, compare insights, and implement changes more effectively and cohesively when we return.

Demonstrates the organization values a collaborative team approach and sees my contributions as important to group success.

"Your colleagues aren’t going."

Sending at least one representative ensures our organization stays informed, connected, and aligned with national trends.

Prevents us from falling behind sector standards and brings valuable insights back to the whole team.

I will curate resources, summarize key learnings, and share best practices through presentations or internal trainings.

Shows trust in me as the organization’s representative and reinforces that my expertise is relied on.

"It is too far."

Travel is temporary; the long-term value is significant. National exposure, high-level training, and diverse perspectives cannot be replicated locally.

Provides focused learning time, exposure to fresh ideas, and access to innovative programs and national leaders.

I will return with new strategies and connections that directly strengthen our program and improve service delivery.

Demonstrates that the organization is committed to my development—even when it requires going the extra mile.

"Who will oversee the volunteers while you are gone?"

Part of strong leadership is building systems and empowering others so the program can continue successfully, even if I’m temporarily unavailable. My goal is to ensure there are trained staff or volunteers, clear processes, and documentation in place so the program doesn’t rely on any single individual to run smoothly."

The program continues uninterrupted, demonstrating resilience and strong operational planning. It reduces risk by ensuring no single person is indispensable.

I gain updated industry knowledge, best practices, and strategies that I can bring back and implement, directly improving the program’s effectiveness and innovation.

Demonstrates that the organization invests in and trusts its leaders, showing that my growth, expertise, and contributions are recognized and valued.