Upcoming events

Switch to Calendar View

• Hidden Biases in Volunteer Management

  • When
    09/23/2025
  •  
    11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Zoom

  Register

  While we may say we work for greater diversity in our volunteer programs, our actions may not always support that vision.  Hidden Biases in Volunteer Management allow participants to reflect on the ways we -- as leaders of volunteer programs -- can discover, face and fight hidden biases in our volunteer program’s practices, procedures and policies. We will reflect on the established structures of our sector and the volunteer programs that may unintentionally be less than welcoming.  This webinar is safe space for volunteer directors, managers, or coordinators to reflect on their own volunteer program and how we can best make a difference.

  Bio: Susan Sanow, CVA, is the Senior Manager, Volunteer Management Education at Volunteer Fairfax (Fairfax, Virginia).  She leads the volunteer management educational programming including a portfolio of over twenty webinars, roundtables, and book clubs concentrating in developing volunteer engagement leaders. She has presented educational programs in the local area, statewide conferences and at national meetings. Thousands attend Susan’s webinars annually.  Susan holds a B.S. in Consumer-Community Services from Michigan State University. She became a Certified Volunteer Administrator in 2020. In 2022, Susan was named an Exemplary Leader in Volunteer Engagement by the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE). 

  Note: to encourage open conversation this presentation will not be recorded. (This of course can be edited but we should add a note of some sort at the end).
  

  Show details
• GAVA Summit for Leaders of Volunteers

  • When
    10/16/2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    Lilburn Activity Building 788 Hillcrest Rd NW, Lilburn, GA 30047

  Register

  Join GAVA for our first in-person event since 2018! We will meet for a day of community building, problem solving, and learning alongside volunteer engagement professionals from across the state. Lunch will be provided. Our keynote will be from Amanda Bisgaard, the Director of Volunteer Strategy and Engagement at Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) where she strategizes on national employee engagement with corporate partners.

  Interested in volunteering for this event? GAVA will waive the cost of your ticket for help volunteering for this event. Please note this will require arriving before and staying after publicly-listed times. You will receive approval after registration. 

  Not a member but interested in joining GAVA? For an extra $5 added to your non-membership registration, you can become a GAVA member for the next year!  

  Pre-registration is required to attend this event. 

  Registration Types: 

  • GAVA Member: $20 
  • Non-GAVA Member: $50
  • Event + GAVA Membership: $55
  • Event Volunteer: Free (limited availability)

  
  

  Keynote Speaker Bio

  Amanda Bisgaard is the Director of Volunteer Strategy and Engagement at Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) where she strategizes on national employee engagement with corporate partners. Amanda previously worked at American Red Cross of TN where she led volunteer recruitment and engagement efforts for local and national disaster relief and Hands On Atlanta where she consulted with small organizations on their volunteer engagement strategy to support food insecurity and led AmeriCorps recruitment efforts. Amanda is an AmeriCorps alumni, an instructor at Georgia Center for Nonprofits, serves on her neighborhood Cabbagetown’s board, past board chair of Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Atlanta, and LEAD Atlanta alumni. In her free time, Amanda lives in the Atlanta area and enjoys paddle boarding, walking her dog Phoebe, reading, and traveling. 

  Show details
• Simple Actions, Lasting Impact: Inclusive Volunteer Practices That Drive Change

  • When
    11/13/2025
  •  
    2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Zoom

  Register

  This presentation offers practical strategies for fostering inclusive volunteer environments that support LGBTQ+, disabled, neurodivergent, BIPOC, and immigrant communities. Attendees learn simple, impactful steps to make all volunteers feel safe, respected, and empowered. The session emphasizes how small changes can lead to stronger engagement, retention, and a more equitable volunteer experience.

  Bio - Collin Kind, CVA is a creative thinker and problem solver who brings passion, authenticity, and purpose to Volunteer Administration. With a strong commitment to community impact through volunteerism, Collin leverages lived experience as a Queer, Trans, Disabled, and Neurodivergent individual to advocate for inclusive, accessible spaces that celebrate difference and drive meaningful change. Based in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Collin can be found crafting, listening to audiobooks and podcasts, playing video games, and enjoying time with his spouse and their cats. Whether he's presenting, or building community, Collin brings heart, humor, and a deep belief in the power of people working together to make a difference.

   

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details