Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration

This platform represents the belief of the Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration that we have a responsibility to be a powerful voice for volunteerism and civic participation in the state. We believe that volunteerism is of great value to the community and its citizens, is economically beneficial and plays a major role in public safety, health, education and social well-being.

To advance this vision MAVA will:

1. Be a powerful “Voice for Volunteerism” in Minnesota.

Serve as a resource to policymakers on volunteerism-related topics and questions.

Advocate for new funding streams for volunteerism to maintain and build the quantity and quality of Minnesota civic participation.

Educate policymakers about the nature, complexity, and impact of volunteer programs in Minnesota, including the significant level of responsibility carried out by volunteer resources leadership and the return on investment achieved through volunteers

2. Build partnerships with private, corporate, state and national entities.

Work toward bringing to scale current efforts already in the state to provide training, consultation and resources on volunteer engagement.

Conduct research and convene key organizations to build collaboration and capacity to address pressing issues.

Position Minnesota as a national leader in volunteerism and strengthen civic participation in Minnesota on a broad scale.

Advocate for a public-private partnership with the State of Minnesota to ensure access and engagement of citizens for state and community outcomes.

3. Strengthen and support connector organizations that assure all Minnesotans have access to volunteer opportunities and reach their full civic potential.

4. Support defraying prohibitive volunteer costs of transportation and charitable driving, such as increasing the mileage deduction for driving while providing volunteer service.

5. Work toward more accessible, seamless and affordable background checks of volunteers as an important tool in risk management with vulnerable populations.

6. Recognize the value of AmeriCorps members serving in volunteer coordination roles and who supplement the structure of volunteer leadership in organizations to build capacity. MAVA does not consider these members to be an appropriate replacement for professional volunteer management staff. (MAVA seeks to provide training in volunteer management to these AmeriCorps members while recognizing and supporting their commitment to civic engagement.)

Direct questions or comments to:

Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration
1800 White Bear Avenue North
Maplewood, MN 55109-3704
Email office@mavanetwork.org

We need your help in advancing the Platform. Keep us abreast of new developments in the field and volunteerism-related issues of importance to you and your organization.

The Committee will act in accordance with the Board approved Policy on Taking Public Positions that is included in the Members-Only section of the MAVA website. Members are encouraged to become familiar with that policy.

We look forward to being of service to you, and by working together, to being instrumental in creating real, needed change in the field of volunteerism and volunteer resources management.

Please forward information on an ongoing basis to office@mavanetwork.org. Join our committee today. And/or serve as an adviser on areas in which you have special expertise.