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• Bridging the Gap: Aligning the Volunteer Management Cycle with the Volunteer Engagement Cycle

  • When
    06/18/2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

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  This interactive session explores the intersection between organizational processes and the lived experiences of volunteers. While the Volunteer Management Cycle focuses on the systems and structures organizations use to support volunteerism, the Volunteer Engagement Cycle reflects the emotional, social, and motivational journey of the volunteers themselves. Though distinct, these two cycles are deeply interconnected—and when aligned, they create the foundation for deeper engagement, stronger relationships, and lasting impact. Through peer-to-peer discussion and reflection, participants will identify opportunities to bridge gaps, share promising practices, and reimagine volunteerism as a human-centered, purpose-driven partnership.

  Bio: Darlene Laird is the driving force behind Habitat for Humanity International's Skilled Volunteer Strategy and Engagement initiatives, specializing in crafting dynamic resources, trainings, and best practices for the Habitat affiliated network. She holds a CVA credential from the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration, solidifying her professional acumen and dedication to excellence in volunteer management. In her capacity as President for the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE), Darlene is dedicated to advancing the field and instigating positive change within the sector. Her visionary leadership and passion for driving meaningful impact position her as an industry leader, inspiring others to join the movement towards building stronger, more engaged communities through the power of volunteers.

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• Volunteer Appreciation: How Recognition Retains Your Volunteers

  • When
    07/22/2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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   Showing volunteers appreciation and recognition on a regular basis is a high impact management strategy that can boost volunteer satisfaction and is a key driver of high volunteer retention rates. Never assume that volunteers know they are appreciated. Recognition of their contributions should be part of the formal and informal operation of the organization. But how do you weave recognition into your daily practice, rather than reserving it for one week out of the year? And how can you pull this off with a limited, or no, budget? This presentation will explore how volunteer recognition significantly impacts volunteer retention by demonstrating appreciation, fostering a sense of belonging, and ultimately, encouraging continued involvement. 

  Speaker Bio: Lin Chao is the Office of Georgia State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Service Coordinator/ Social Services Program Consultant 3. Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are advocates for residents who live in Skilled Nursing Facilities, Personal Care Homes also known as board and care homes, Assisted Living Communities, Community Living Arrangements, and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. Lin is Georgia Association for Volunteer Administration board member, a member of United States Ombudsman Association serving as Conference Planning Committee, a member of the Gerontology of Society, and an Alumni of American Society on Aging Rise. 

  Prior to taking on the role with Ombudsman Program, she was Case Management Coordinator with Iowa Area Agency on Aging and Aging Program Specialist with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, advocating on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities and those who serve them. 

  
  

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• Hidden Biases in Volunteer Management

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

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  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).
  

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