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Looking at the Future of the MAVA VISTA Program
Maureen L. Bourgeois
Published on: 4/14/2021
When I started working for MAVA in September 2020, I was new to AmeriCorps VISTA and had a lot to learn. With the help of MAVA’s VISTA Leader (Brien Osborn), our Corporation for National and Community Service Regional Representative (Deborah Richardson), and MAVA staff, I received a crash course in all things VISTA and eagerly started meeting our VISTA members and Site Supervisors. In no time, I felt like I was part of a dynamic team working together to serve communities across the state.
We Are Tired, Yet We Cannot Rest. Statement from MAVA Board of Directors and Staff
Karmit Bulman, MAVA Board & Staff
Published on: 4/13/2021
In the midst of the Chauvin trial, which is adding trauma to communities still mourning the death of George Floyd, our hearts break once again at the news of another police killing of a Black man.
A VISTA Year with the YWCA Minneapolis Children’s Centers
Miriam Moore-Keish
Published on: 4/1/2021
I didn’t expect to end up in AmeriCorps. It was actually the last thing I expected. When I finished my master’s degree in children’s literature at the University of Cambridge in the middle of 2020, I anticipated entering the children’s book publishing field, as had been my plan. As we all know too well, 2020 as a year had no respect for anyone’s plans, so I expanded my job search to include anything in the education, library, nonprofit, and book worlds.
Member Spotlight: Kathleen Cannon
Published on: 4/1/2021
Meet this month's featured member, Kathleen Cannon, the Program Director for Girls on the Run Twin Cities
Greater MN
Published on: 4/1/2021
It has been great connecting with many of you this past month. I have attended a few network meetings and have had a Zoom "coffee break" with a few volunteer coordinators from around the state.
Starting from Scratch
Brian Kimmes
Published on: 4/1/2021
For the first time in the organizations 140+ history, The Family Partnership is proudly partnering with MAVA and Americorps to host a VISTA, and we couldn’t be happier about the partnership and about our VISTA, Cat Holl. Engaging with volunteers in a deep and meaningful way has long been a desire of the organization, but with scarcity of time and resources it has been difficult to get the program up and running.
How My VISTA Years Shaped My Professional Growth
Jenny Moore
Published on: 4/1/2021
I moved from New Jersey to Minneapolis in 2019 for my first VISTA position; and at that time, I only had one connection in this state. Being a part of the MAVA VISTA cohort helped me feel more connected to other people amidst a lot of changes and unknowns. The training opportunities that were provided supported me in my personal networking and allowed me to meet people in a new environment; and the professional development opportunities granted me the ability to fully dive into the hunger relief sector here in Minnesota.
MAVA Statement on Race Related Murders and Racist Violence
Karmit Bulman
Published on: 3/18/2021
We at MAVA are devastated by the murders in Atlanta, Georgia on March 16, which resulted in the deaths of eight people, including six women of Asian descent.
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.