News / Articles - Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement

September new members

Your Voice Matters! MAVA Membership Satisfaction Survey 2020 Results

2021 Shifting Environment Survey: We need to hear from you

Title: 2021 Shifting Environment Survey: We need to hear from you
Author: Polly Roach
Tagline: Help MAVA map the changing landscape of volunteerism

Voices of Greater Minnesota - MAVA’s District Councils

Voices of Greater Minnesota - MAVA’s District Councils
The Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement (MAVA) is interested in what volunteer engagement leaders have to say. Six District Councils have been created throughout Greater Minnesota to provide the structure for volunteer leaders to speak candidly and confidentially about challenges they are facing in Volunteer Management and to learn from each other about how to manage these challenges as well as share new ideas. The District Councils provide networking opportunities as well as serve to advise MAVA on program and training needs for Greater Minnesota. =

What We’re Reading - September 2021

MAVA Monthly Member Spotlight: Angelica Vannatta

Meet this month's featured member, Angelica Vannatta, the Senior Manager of Volunteer Engagement for the United Way of East Central Iowa

Activating YOUR MAVA Member and Volunteer Engagement Professional Voice

By: Jenna Egan

In this September Issue of the MAVA Monthly you’ll learn how your voice has been activated as a MAVA member and Volunteer Engagement Professional following COVID. This issue also focuses on ways in which you can continue to elevate your voice to create meaningful and positive changes in your organization, as a volunteer engagement leader, and as a MAVA member.

Volunteer Driver Coalition's Win in the 2021 Minnesota Legislature

The MN Volunteer Driver Coalition, which MAVA is member of, had a win in the recent legislative session with the passage of a definition for a volunteer driver and a volunteer mileage reimbursement bill. As a result of this legislation, the burden on volunteers for paying state taxes on the difference between the mileage reimbursement rate for volunteers (14 cents a mile) and the standard IRS mileage reimbursement rate will be dropped. Guidance on this change will be available in a few months. The Volunteer Driver Coalition is hopeful that passage of the definition of a volunteer as different from a for-hire driver will result in insurance companies no longer increasing insurance rates on individuals solely because they volunteer as drivers. A Fact Sheet is currently being developed by the Minnesota Council on Transportation Access (MCOTA) to help organizations understand these legislative changes. MAVA will make this Fact Sheet available to members as soon as we receive it.

Use Your Voice

Raise your voice and be heard as a MAVA Member!

A member organization thrives on member input and involvement. As a member of the long-standing, but newly-renamed, Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement, you have several options for allying with your peers and contributing to MAVA’s future advancement. Some ways to be heard are:

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.

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.

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.

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.