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Equity and Inclusion Work in 2020
Lisa Josylin
Published on: 1/7/2021
MAVA had an impactful year with our racial equity and inclusion in volunteerism work.
VISTA Work in 2020
Maureen Bourgeois & Brien Osborn
Published on: 1/7/2021
In 2020 the MAVA VISTA program saw the end of the 2019-20 cohort, the beginning of a full eleven member 2020-21 cohort, and the hiring of a new VISTA Program Manager.
MAVA Year in Review
Karmit Bulman
Published on: 1/7/2021
The field of volunteerism changed dramatically in 2020 and MAVA responded quickly. We created two COVID-19 volunteer engagement response guides, hosted weekly COVID-check-in meetings and held trainings on adapting to changes in volunteerism that resulted from the pandemic.
Service Enterprise Recap
Polly Roach
Published on: 1/7/2021
2020 was a busy year for the Service Enterprise. As MAVA entered its seventh year of hosting Service Enterprise in Minnesota, both expected and unexpected changes made it a year to remember.
Greater MN in 2020
Julie Vreeland
Published on: 1/7/2021
2020 has been a year to remember and embrace. Changes to everything we have done and new changes for the future.
Membership, Fundraising, and Volunteers in 2020
Jenna Egan
Published on: 1/7/2021
Due to COVID, many of our MAVA members were furloughed or laid-off and were unable to renew their memberships. We offered our MAVA members that were experiencing hardships MAVA member scholarships.
Yesterday Was A Hard Day
Karmit Bulman
Published on: 1/7/2021
Dear MAVA Community:
Regardless of your own political outlook, yesterday was a hard day. While we at MAVA believe that political and social movements and even protests are an essential form of volunteerism, the violence and obstruction that took place yesterday challenges our democracy. These actions are an affront to our ability to co-exist and to respect those with different viewpoints.
Conference Wrap-Up: What's Next?
Lisa Joyslin
Published on: 12/2/2020
After MAVA’s 2020 Virtual Conference on "Redefining Volunteerism: Dismantling Inequities" we asked participants to share practices, ideas or resources they hope to implement in the future as a result of the conference. People had such amazing ideas and action items that we wanted to share a sampling of responses (see below). We hope these ideas give you a snapshot of conference takeaways, and also provide ideas for actions you can take for yourself and your organization.
Volunteerism Best Practices: Not Best for Everyone
Lisa Joyslin
Published on: 10/28/2020
The idea of “best practices” is a key part of nonprofit lingo and a concept touted by volunteer engagement leaders as we work to build our profession.

It can be a helpful term, and a helpful concept. But it can also be harmful.
What We're Reading
Check out what MAVA staff have been reading this month!
Welcome, new members!
Meet MAVA's members who joined or renewed their membership in the past month.
Recognizing Racism in Volunteer Engagement
Lisa Joyslin
Published on: 6/19/2020
Today, June Nineteenth, we commemorate the end of official slavery in the U.S. On this day, we recognize how racial injustices are still deeply rooted into the fabric of our society. In the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, followed by protests and riots across the nation calling for racial justice, many people are experiencing discomfort. Discomfort at the unfairness and injustice experienced in the Black community. Discomfort in our own actions, or lack thereof. Discomfort regarding how to move forward.
COVID-19 Resources for Volunteer Engagement Leaders
Published on: 5/20/2020
MAVA staff and board wish to provide support to each of you as we address challenges we face as a result of COVID-19. We are balancing health concerns with the importance of providing our members with support, connection, and resources.
MAVA in the News: Responding to COVID-19
Jenna Egan
Published on: 3/23/2020
MAVA in the news to discuss volunteerism and volunteer leadership during COVID-19.
MAVA COVID-19 Support and Updates
Published on: 3/16/2020
Dear MAVA Community:

These are hard times. The uncertainty can produce anxiety and it is difficult to know how to do our jobs and how to navigate the constantly changing environment. MAVA staff are working remotely and will continue to provide services and support to each of you virtually where possible.
MAVA’s Response and Resources for COVID-19
Published on: 3/12/2020
Dear MAVA Community,

MAVA staff and board wish to provide support to each of you as we address challenges we face as a result of COVID-19. We are balancing health concerns with the importance of providing our members with support, connection, and resources.
Preparing Your Volunteer Program for COVID-19
Published on: 3/11/2020
As COVID-19 spreads through the US, there are many unknowns as to the level and depth of response needed from nonprofit organizations. Managing volunteers through this pandemic will be an important part of continuing essential service delivery in our communities. While we acknowledge this is uncharted territory, we want to offer some tips for nonprofits and volunteer engagement leaders as you prepare your organization’s volunteers for COVID-19.
Member Spotlight: Courtney Flug and Ree Ford
Published on: 1/9/2020
Meet this month's featured members, Courtney Flug a Volunteer Manager and Ree Ford a Community Outreach & Engagement Coordinator VISTA for VEAP (Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People)
New Website Connects Immigrants with Volunteer Opportunities
Published on: 1/9/2020
Learn about Abdurrahman Mahmud who made a website focused on connecting immigrants to jobs and volunteer opportunities
Plan for Your DEI Professional Development in 2020
Published on: 1/9/2020
There are many opportunities to advance your own professional development through events focused
on diversity, equity and inclusion. Take a look at some of the organizations providing DEI training and
what they’re offering in 2020.
MAVA Announces New Inclusive Volunteerism Resources and Opportunities!
Published on: 1/9/2020
MAVA is excited to announce the release of several new inclusive volunteerism resources for volunteer engagement leaders, along with a first-time cohort learning opportunity around racial equity in volunteerism in 2020.
Member Benefit: Background Check Discounts with McDowell Agency
Learn about MAVA member discounts on background checks through the McDowell agency.