News / Articles - Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration

Learn How Our Greater MN Members Are Responding to Volunteers During COVID

Julie Vreeland

This month we are focusing on the engagement of volunteers in Greater Minnesota. Over the past 8
months organizations have seen more changes than they have in the past 8 years. Volunteer
Engagement Leaders are being asked to do more than ever before.

Member Spotlight: Brittany Biggers

Meet this month's featured member, Brittany Biggers, the Volunteer Service Manager for Hospice of the Western Reserve (Cleveland, Ohio)

Support Those Harmed by the Pandemic

Jenna Egan

Contribute to MAVA’s Strengthening Service Campaign

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.