Wrapping up our highlight of the executive committee, I’d like to lift up the amazing VP of our Programs and Advocacy Committee, Darlene Laird, CVA. As the Skilled Volunteer Strategy and Engagement Manager at Habitat for Humanity International, Darlene is already a leader in our field, and I’m so grateful she shares her many talents with AL!VE. After joining the board in 2022, Darlene immediately jumped in, proving her effectiveness and reliability. She skillfully facilitated a book club on the Power of Moments that was very impactful for all of us who participated, including our own “moment” of speaking with the author! In 2023 she was called upon to lead the Programs and Advocacy committee, AL!VE’s largest committee, and has risen to the challenge and continued the growth and success of their work. Darlene leads with thoughtfulness and grace, considerate of those around her and not afraid to ask important questions. Thank you, Darlene, for all you add to our Board. I look forward to continuing to learn with you!
 
I’d also like to take a moment to thank all of our dedicated, passionate, inspiring, thoughtful, and fun Board members. We held a Board retreat last month and I was blown away by their energy, ideas, and commitment to AL!VE’s mission and members. I could not wish for a better group to work with, feel so lucky and humbled, and cannot wait to see what this group will accomplish. More to come!
 
Michelle

Advocacy Alert! 
Currently, AmeriCorps is soliciting comments concerning its proposed renewal of the Current Population Survey Volunteering and Civic Engagement Supplement. This survey is the basis of the Volunteering and Civic Life in America research, and the source for longitudinal data about volunteering for our profession.

AL!VE encourages its members to review the proposed survey and submit comments by the 5/30 deadline encouraging the inclusion of volunteer-focused questions, as it is a critical dataset for our field. AL!VE will be submitting comments incorporating the following key points:

• The importance and practical utility of currently included questions about employer supported volunteering (WP2), informal volunteering (7), volunteering (16), clarifying what volunteering is (16a), frequency and amount of volunteering (16d and e), and online or in-person volunteering (16f).
• Opportunities to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected by
  • Splitting question WP2 to ask about volunteering and pro bono services separate from donating to a charity to measure the rate of employer supported volunteering separate from financial donations.
  • Reinstating previously removed questions on types of volunteer activities and organizations, how they became connected to their primary volunteer activity, how many organizations they volunteer with
  • Incorporating new questions asking respondents who are not volunteering what barriers prevent them from volunteering and asking volunteers if they donate financially to the organizations they volunteer for

 
This is important data for measuring changes in our field, and the only source for this critical information. Your help ensuring this dataset focuses on volunteerism and the information we need to be effective strengthens our profession.  The deadline for comments is May 30.

 

AL!VE – Better Impact – VMPC present

The Volunteer Management Hybrid Conference

 

 

Tuesday, October 18 –

9:30 AM - 3:30 PM Pacific 

9:30 - 3:30 PM Mountain Standard time zones

10:30-4:30 PM Mountain Daylight Time

Wednesday, October 19

10:30 AM - 4:30 PM Atlantic

9:30 AM - 3:30 PM , Eastern

8:30 AM -2:30 PM Central time zones

 

This is the volunteer management conference presented by AL!VE, Better Impact, and VMPC (Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada).  Now in its ninth year, this year's topic will focus on the quickly changing landscaping of technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI).  

The generation of volunteers in the not too distant future will be very different compared to volunteers now.  How can we prepare our policies, programs and recruitment in an inclusive, responsible, and creative way that looks to leverage technology in a human world?

Our current streaming event will consist of three 25 minute presentations, local discussion in smaller groups, followed by a moderated discussion with the other presenters (think Ted talk meets late night tv), including responding to questions from the audience.

The broadcast will be streamed live in the United States and Canada, with the likelihood of an audience of 1000 or more.  In order to participate, you will need an internet connection strong enough to handle audio/video streaming and adequate computer or external speakers.

You can learn more about the conference by watching this informational video, and by visiting the main conference website.

Presenters for this years Volunteer Management Hybrid Conference are:

Rob Jackson has almost 30 years experience working in the voluntary and  community sector, holding a variety of strategic development and senior management 
roles that have focused on leading and engaging volunteers. Rob will be our host and facilitator for the day.

Beth Kanter is a well-established international nonprofit thought leader and author. Her first book, The Networked Nonprofit, introduced the sector to a new way of thinking and operating in a connected world. Her second book, Measuring the Networked Nonprofit, is a practical guide for using measurement and learning to achieve social impact. Her third book, The Happy, Healthy Nonprofit: Strategies for Impact Without Burnout, was the first book to advocate for personal and workplace resilience in the nonprofit sector. Her fourth book, The Smart Nonprofit, examines the impact of artificial intelligence for nonprofits.  Beth will be presenting about keeping the human and inclusive touch in technology.

Stephan Dobri, Neil Squire Society :  Stephan has always been