Liz Erstad-Hicks, Community Engagement Manager, Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (IOCP)
Please describe your volunteer program:
IOCP engages individuals, schools, businesses, faith communities, civic groups, health systems and foundations in meaningful partnership to build capacity and create opportunities for all to thrive. We believe relationships are key and partnerships are powerful! Our Community Engagement team meets with each individual or group to learn more about their motivation, skills and passion and match them to the needs of our organization. We believe everyone can have a meaningful role in supporting the work of IOCP.
After moving from a Volunteer Management Program to a Community Engagement Department, IOCP has more than doubled our volunteer staff. These 1500+ volunteers are our champions in the community. They lead our programs, serve our clients, support our office staff, fundraise on our behalf, and so much more. Their contributions add up to 23 FTE and their compassion and care is invaluable
What is your role?
I serve as IOCP's Community Engagement Manager. I recruit and welcome new volunteers, help them navigate the organization and find the right volunteer opportunity for their specific skills, passions and interests. I empower volunteers in leadership and decision-making and provide support as needed. I also get to capture the impact of our volunteers and share their amazing stories with staff, partners and funders.
How did you get involved in Volunteer Management?
When I graduated college with a Liberal Arts degree I was struggling to find a clear career path. I knew I wanted to explore jobs in the nonprofit sector, but didn't know where to begin. When this position at IOCP opened up, I knew it was the right fit for me. A job that required strong communication - both verbal and written, excellent interpersonal skills, daily problem-solving, and helping people help others was right up my alley. I continue to enjoy the opportunity to work with such a diverse group of people everyday and help others to repurpose their lives in a way that helps their community.
What does it mean to you to be a MAVA member?
MAVA has been a wonderful resource to me since beginning as a manager of volunteers. I earned my Certificate of Volunteer Leadership in 2010 and it provided me with the tools I needed to develop our volunteer program and build a sustainable model. Since then, MAVA has provided additional career development opportunities, networking events, and general leadership in the field that has helped to strengthen IOCP's volunteer program.
Can you recall a time when being a MAVA member directly impacted your work in your organization? What were the outcomes of MAVA’s impact?
Earning my Certificate of Volunteer Leadership through MAVA was a critial step in my career as a manager of volunteers. After learning from peers and walking away with well-developed tools, I had the resources I needed to do my job - something my own employer couldn't have provided on their own.
Do you have any advice for new MAVA members/ leaders of volunteers?
Explore all that MAVA has to offer! Its network of members, diverse training session, research in Volunteer Management, and advocacy on our behalf enriches our careers as Volunteer Managers and makes us all "help people help others" better.
Jen Elbert, Specialty Practice and Volunteer Coordinator, Fairview Northland Medical Center
Please describe your volunteer program:
Our volunteer services program assists all areas of the hospital, along with an Auxiliary and homecrafting group. We strive to assist the staff in providing the best patient and family experience while honoring our values and fulfilling the commitment of Fairview.
What is your role?
I manage the entire volunteer program
How did you get involved in Volunteer Management?
Working for a non-profit organization has always been a career goal of mine. When the opportunity arised to work for Fairview, a non-profit organization, I jumped at the chance to work with some of our best citizens - volunteers.
What does it mean to you to be a MAVA member?
Ongoing educaiton and networking are vital to a success of a volunteer program. I am lucky enough to be in an industry that "shares" information, tactics and strategies to make their volunteer program a success. MAVA offers the opportunities to receive both ongoing education and networking.
Can you recall a time when being a MAVA member directly impacted your work in your organization? What were the outcomes of MAVA’s impact?
Being a member of the Administrators of Health Care Volunteers (AHV) has been a real value to my program and organization. Not only have I learned information to meet all compliances needed, I have gained many new ideas that have helped grow my volunteer program.I also found value in the leadership training series.
Do you have any advice for new MAVA members/ leaders of volunteers?
Even though we don't always see the impact of our volunteers directly, we must remind ourselves our work is truly meaningful and makes a difference.
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Christopher Bohmer, Volunteer Services Coordinator, Minnesota Sex Offender Program
Please describe your volunteer program.
We provide a very diverse array of spiritual services with community resource volunteers. We also have many client volunteers within and outside of our program. Currently there are approximately 28 community resource volunteers that offer their expertise and time within our facility. There are also 10 client volunteers that are giving back to the community in various different locations.
What is your role?
I manage all spiritual services and volunteer groups, memorials and special spiritual needs of our clients. I also manage all of the community resource volunteers and client volunteers.
How did you get involved in Volunteer Management?
I began my volunteer management when I was in the US Army for five years. I was a Chaplains Assistant helping the Chaplain to set up for services, providing security for the Chaplain while deployed and also managing Family Readiness Groups while not deployed. We held many different events for soldiers and their families which all required as many volunteers as possible. When I separated from the military, I became a Security Counselor working for the MSOP. I anxiously waited for another opportunity to begin managing volunteers. I was once again offered the privilege of working with volunteers after a few years of working for MSOP. I now continue to work with volunteers and don’t plan on moving out of the volunteer management career field. I want to make this a lifelong career.
What does it mean to you to be a MAVA member?
I feel that it is important to be able to speak with people that work in the same field as you. MAVA has the resources and the people with the experience that can help you out with any problem that may arise, and the different trainings offered are just that much more of a plus.
Can you recall a time when being a MAVA member directly impacted your work in your organization? What were the outcomes of MAVA’s impact?
After receiving my certificate in Volunteer Leadership, I realized a few things that are missing from my volunteer program. One of which is the volunteer handbook. I feel it would be very beneficial for our volunteers to each receive a volunteer handbook, with information about our program and what to expect while volunteering with MSOP. I have begun putting together a packet for our volunteers and can’t wait to begin using it.
Any advice to new MAVA members/ leaders of volunteers?
Don’t take your membership for granted. There are so many resources and trainings that you can use with MAVA. If you can’t find an answer on the website check out the forum. Volunteer management can be a very rewarding career, but it can also allow you to begin giving back to the community with the experience that you gain with leading volunteers. Don’t be afraid to put yourself in their shoes. It can be even more rewarding.
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Pamela Mills, Director of Volunteer Services, Park Nicollet Health Services
Pamela Mills is the Director of Volunteer Services at Park Nicollet Health Services. Her program leads over 1200 volunteers yearly! Pamela says she fell into Volunteer Management. “I had no idea there was a profession of Volunteer Management until I was hired as an Assistant Director of Volunteer Services…[working in volunteer management is]the best job I’ve ever had!” She recently started a new position at Park Nicollet Health Services as their Director of Volunteer Services.
Pamela says that Minnesota is very fortunate to have such a cutting edge leadership model in the profession of Volunteer Management. “MAVA really elevates the level of professionalism and I’m glad to be a member of this organization. “ Through her years as a member of MAVA, Pamela has gained many things. “In many organizations the volunteer leader is the only one in an organization responsible for the volunteer program….It can feel overwhelming unless you have a support network and MAVA is that and more!”
As a seasoned MAVA member, Pamela has some advice for those new to MAVA: “Get involved! Network with others, ask questions, get your VRL Certification, attend and participate in as many of the MAVA workshops and events as you can and definitely attend the biannual MAVA conference!.” Congratulations on your new position, Pamela, and thanks for all your contributions as a MAVA member!
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Mary Capuzzi, Coordinator of Volunteer Services, Ramsey County Community Human Services Department
While working at the Ramsey Nursing Home in 1990, Mary was promoted to the position of Volunteer and Activities Director, supervising five staff and 200 volunteers. When she moved to her current position in 2003, she inherited her MAVA membership.
Mary enthusiastically assumed leadership from the beginning of her membership, serving as an at-large board member in 2003 and on the membership committee, later becoming the chair of the membership committee. She has also served as the product line chair negotiating for the McDowell member benefit agreement, on the marketing and technology committees. She continues to produce the MAVA Monthly, which she has done since 2007. She has also served as the board secretary since 2009.
Mary says that MAVA is her “go-to source for continuing education, networking, and general professional support…MAVA has provided me numerous opportunities to hone my professional skills.” To those considering becoming a MAVA member, Mary says this, “A MAVA membership provides a HUGE return on investment. MAVA offers a wide range of member benefits, there is truly something for everyone involoved in volunteer management at any level.”
Finally, Mary says, “It has been a thrill to watch MAVA grow and evolve over the years, and to have been a part of it. I look forward to what’s ahead…”
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Janene Riedeman, Director of Volunteer Services, St. Cloud Hospital
Janene is the Director of Volunteer ServicesSt. Cloud Hospital and has been active with MAVA for the past 10 years, serving as a trainer, committee member, board member, and event participant. Janene says “By serving as a MAVA Trainer, I’ve strengthened my own knowledge of our profession and improved my communication skills. I appreciate the opportunities to serve as a leader, whether on a committee, task force, or the board – each new effort has helped me develop confidence, critical thinking skills, and also given me the opportunity to operate outside my comfort zone.”
Janene became involved in the volunteer management field after a friend invited her to volunteer with a local non-profit. “I enjoyed the volunteer work and connected to the agency’s mission,” says Janene, “and soon began working part-time with the organization. After several years working with the agency, I became the Director for
Central Minnesota, working with volunteers in more than 20 counties on programming and special event fundraising. Volunteering truly can be a ‘foot in the door’ to work toward employment!” “MAVA has been invaluable for education and professional development, but I am also very grateful for the connections and friendships I have developed through my work with MAVA. It’s wonderful to have friends that are also colleagues – they can understand the unique role we each play as a volunteer manager, and the sometimes unbelievable situations we encounter!”
Katie Bottiger, Director of Volunteer Resources, Hammer
Katie has been the Director of Volunteer Resources at Hammer, a non-profit organization that supports adults and children with developmental disabilities, for 11 years. She has been a MAVA member for 8 years and is highly involved as a trainer, event participant, committee and Board Member.
"I was able to show the organization I worked for that Volunteer Resources was a valuable piece of the organization and the position has moved from Manager to Director to a Member on the Executive team."
Katie got involved with MAVA to network with her peers; she got involved with Conference planning and hasn't been able to get away! Katie states, "Through what I have learned through MAVA and my passion for Hammer's mission: we have grown from 80 volunteers to over 500." She says being able to network with her peers is worth it! It makes a difference for Katie to know that others are dealing with similar experiences.
The Value of MAVA from Katie Bottiger:
Membership: $35
Conference: $249
Value of MAVA: Priceless
Jenna Barke, Volunteer Coordinator, Children's Hospital & Clinics of Minnesota
Jenna volunteered at Children’s Hospitals & Clinics of Minnesota while she was attending college, and her first job was a part-time position in the hospital’s child life department. One day Jenna stopped by Children’s volunteer department to say “hi,” and learned they were hiring a temporary, part-time volunteer coordinator. Excited about the possibility of working at Children’s full-time, she applied for the position. “The rest is history,” says Jenna. “At that point in my life, the thought of working in volunteer management on a long-term basis honestly never crossed my mind. However, I enjoyed my part-time position so much that I became a full-time volunteer coordinator in 2008.”
A MAVA member for three years, Jenna attended a Volunteer Impact Leadership Training series and the organization’s 2009 state conference in Rochester. “MAVA does an excellent job of providing professional development opportunities,” says Jenna. “I love learning new things, and having opportunities to network and share with others keeps my work fresh!”
Molly Doran, Development Officer, Minnesota Private College Fund
Molly first joined MAVA in the summer of 2008 to take the Volunteer Resources Leadership Series. As an administrator of the Phillips Scholars Program, she was seeking ways to successfully guide the scholars through their projects. Armed with new information from the series and other MAVA programs, she explains that she is now able to better engage her students, "It is very helpful to share this information with my students because it comes from credible and well-recognized sources."
Two years later, Molly credits her continued involvement with MAVA in making her a more effective board member to the Children's Grief Connection of Minnesota and better volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters as well. "My membership provides a significant return on investment. The membership rates are affordable, access to resources and MAVA staff are exceptional and the opportunities to network and collaborate with other members are limitless. Renewing my MAVA membership is a no-brainer!"
Elizabeth Ellis, Membership and Outreach Specialist for Greater Wisconsin, Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin Lakes and Pines
Elizabeth Ellis, membership and outreach specialist for Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin Lakes and Pines, has been a MAVA member “since day one.” Elizabeth was president of Directors of Volunteers in Agencies (DOVIA) and participated on the planning team for the development and birth of MAVA. Over the years she has served in many capacities for MAVA. She received the organization’s Mary Wiser Award for Excellence in Volunteer Administration.
Elizabeth’s career in volunteer management began while she was in college, studying human services. One of the undergraduate requirements was 365 hours of unpaid internship. Elizabeth interned as the volunteer coordinator for the YWCA of St. Paul. After completing the internship, she was offered the newly developed – and paid! – volunteer coordinator position at the Y.
Networking plus growth and development are some of the key benefits of MAVA membership, says Elizabeth. “There have been many times during my MAVA membership that I made myself step up and get involved to learn a new skill or expose myself to environments unfamiliar to me,” she says. “People are surprised when I share that I never wanted to be a trainer. I was petrified of standing in front of a group and speaking. Being a VRL Trainer developed that skill in me, a skill I otherwise may not have explored or discovered within myself.”
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Jay Haapla, Volunteer Services Manager, Minnesota Children's Museum
Jay was working in a customer services management position at Minnesota Children’s Museum when the volunteer services manager position became available. “I didn’t consider applying for the promotion at first, but long-story short, I applied and was accepted,” says Jay. He had some experience in recruiting and training volunteers in a previous position at the American Red Cross.
“I didn’t expect that I’d love working with volunteers the way that I do, and I didn’t realize I’d appreciate the chance to collaborate with other volunteer administrators so much,” says Jay.
Jay has been an active MAVA member for four years and currently serves on the board. “MAVA is a great forum for professional development, networking and the chance to gain experience as a leader, first through a committee and then the board. I’m more effective in my job because I’ve learned so much through the VRL series, Connections meetings, networking with other volunteer administrators and by participating in MAVA’s advanced topic workshops.
“There is an enormous amount of wisdom shared by MAVA’s 800 members,” continues Jay. “Everyone I’ve met has been very willing to share and collaborate.”
Amy Lobitz, Volunteer Services Coordinator, Fairview Southdale Hospital
A sociology major, Amy’s career plan was to work with at-risk youth. Her first job was with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Minnesota. As a case manager, she worked with youth and their volunteer “bigs.” Amy discovered that she really enjoyed working with volunteers. Her next position was in volunteer management and human resources at the YWCA of St. Paul. From that position she learned “HR is not my cup of tea,” and she decided to focus exclusively on volunteer management. Around that time, Amy’s mom became ill and was hospitalized for a few months. “The hospital staff and volunteers who interacted with my family were so positive and supportive. I wanted to be a part of that.” Now Amy is a volunteer services coordinator at Fairview Southdale Hospital.
A MAVA member for 1½ years, Amy has attended many training sessions (which she finds are thought-provoking and well-planned), and serves on the Administrators of Healthcare Volunteers (AHV) board and MAVA Membership Committee. Amy says, “I find it valuable to network with other people in my field. Often times, volunteer departments are departments of one and that can be lonely. It’s nice to learn tips and tricks from others, and also to commiserate when needed.”
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Terry Straub, Program Specialist, University of MN Extension Master Gardener Program in Hennepin County
Terry has been with MAVA since the beginning. He is a past-president, has co-chaired the Minnesota Conference on Volunteer Administration, chaired the Boomer Task Force and is an active presenter for the VRL Series and Boomergistics.
Terry finds MAVA to be priceless. "I have never worked with a group as open and willing to share not only their stories and expereince, but actualy examples of things they created, like forms, policies, manuals and the like... leaders of volunteers gladly share this information so others can gain knowledge and excel." He says the Minnesota Conference on Volunteer Administration as well as MAVA's continuing education classes has been exceptional.
"I have gained a support network of professional colleagues who "get it;" I have a rich network of individuals I can turn to when the going gets tough, or just share a laugh with."
Patricia Stumme, RSVP Director, Senior Resources of Freeborn County/Tri-County RSVP
Pat Stumme is the RSVP Director at Senior Resources of Freeborn County/Southern Tri-County RSVP and has been involved with MAVA for a year. She has attended MAVA events and values the networking and training opportunities.
Pat got involved with volunteer management when she was fortunate to incorporate RSVP volunteers into some projects while working for KSMQ Public Television. "When the RSVP Director position opened I was energized by the opportunity to engage a wider range of vital volunteers to tackle projects of critical importance in our communities."
"MAVA supports the professional aspect of volunteer management... offers the background research and the 'polish' needed to succeed as a manager of volunteer programs," stated Patricia Stumme.
Delacy Thomas, Independent Consultant
Delacy has over ten years of corporate experience and has volunteered for many different organizations. As a volunteer, she was able to recruit and train other volunteers and really enjoyed it. She noticed how some organizations did a better job than others in engaging volunteers.
In 2009, she found herself in a career transition and after much reflection decided to pursue a career path in Volunteer Management. She said this was because of her passion to help nonprofits develop and maintain effective Volunteer Engagement Programs. Delacy’s involvement with MAVA for the past year includes: being a trainer, volunteering for MAVA and attending MAVA events.
“MAVA is committed to helping members be the best that they can be by offering opportunities for continuous learning through classes, workshops, networking events, an updated website, and consulting,” says Delacy when asked why she would recommend MAVA.
Missy Thomas, Volunteer Coordinator, Northwoods Caregivers
Missy is the volunteer coordinator for Northwoods Caregivers, a human services organization that serves the elderly and people with special needs in the Bemidji area. She began working as the organization’s program assistant while attending Oak Hills Christian College in Bemidji. “After several months with the organization, I realized that I wanted to make working with volunteers my career,” says Missy. She changed her major to applied psychology, completed an internship with Northwoods Caregivers, and then became the volunteer coordinator.
Missy joined MAVA three years ago. She says MAVA resources benefit her both personally and professionally and help Northwoods Caregivers continue to succeed in its community.
“Through the Volunteer Impact Leadership Series I gained both the tools and the confidence to be the leader our volunteers deserve,” says Missy. She became a trainer for the series in June, 2007. “As a trainer, it has been an honor to share MAVA resources with fellow volunteer directors and see how it impacts their organizations as well.”
Laurie Verseput, Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator, The Consortium at Carondelet Village
Laurie, a former teacher and fundraiser, is a volunteer recruitment coordinator at The Consortium at Carondelet Village, a collaborative group of health and wellness providers that empowers area residents to live independently in their homes. Laurie worked with volunteers in a previous job, and decided to pursue a job in volunteer administration.
She joined MAVA and attended the Volunteer Impact Leadership Training Series to earn her certificate in volunteer leadership. “A huge amount of learning was condensed into two energetic and fun-filled days,” she says. “I came away with many additional resources for future reference. I also had the opportunity to meet other volunteer supervisors in a variety of fields and locations.” Laurie says she is excited to work in the field of aging and having the opportunity to match volunteers with seniors in need. “Seeing both the volunteer and recipient engaged is very rewarding to me.”
