Remote but Far-Reaching: Empowering Volunteer Leaders Nationwide

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Tonya Ackley. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

While most people think of volunteering as an in-person activity, remote activities can be equally impactful and convenient to participate in. Forty-eight-year-old Tonya Ackley has been a remote administrative volunteer with the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE) since February 2025. AL!VE supports volunteer engagement professionals across the US with professional development, peer connection, advocacy and shared resources needed to succeed.

Tonya’s dedication to research has uncovered funding sources, nearly 100 chances for the executive director to speak and more than 95 recognition opportunities for volunteers. She has been instrumental in getting the word out about the organization and a vital part of building out the organization’s infrastructure and helping the new executive director transition into her role.

Prior to her work with AL!VE, Tonya was the director of community engagement at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford for a decade and has always had a passion for working with college students. Her other roles have been in career services, residence life and academic advising. When she’s not researching, Tonya finds peaceful hobbies to enjoy like gardening and listening to audiobooks with her 19-year-old cat Linus or spending time with her husband of nearly 20 years.

What inspires you to volunteer?

It’s knowing that even small impacts can make a larger impact. It strengthens your purpose to feel useful and contribute positively to your community. I’m currently volunteering with AL!VE, but I’ve been on a regional board of directors for the American Red Cross for five years. And, since my freshman year of college, I’ve been involved with organizations that support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Most recently, I was on the YWCA victims’ resource advisory board. And I was an advisor for the Pitt Bradford chapter of Habitat for Humanity. As a big cat-lover, I’ve also fostered cats to keep them out of the shelters. Now my focus is AL!VE.

Tell us about your volunteer role with the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement.

I work on a variety of research projects to help them meet their strategic goals. I’ve researched colleges and universities that offer nonprofit management graduate programs as a way to promote internships and volunteer opportunities with the organization. I’ve researched nonprofit podcasts centered around volunteer engagement so that AL!VE might connect and spread awareness of the organization. And I looked into potential sponsors for the annual national conference that was just held in March. The focus varies.

It can be a challenge trying to find different ways to search for information. You have to dig a little deeper and find creative ways to see if you can discover something new. I’ve also started training on how to manage the general email account for the organization.

What inspired you to get started with this initiative?

They put the call out for volunteers. I thought it was interesting that you can volunteer for a professional development organization. It aligned with my career interests. I’ve valued those who work in volunteer engagement throughout my time in community engagement, and working with nonprofit community partners has always been important to me. The fact that they provide professional development, resources and support while advocating for people who work in the field impressed me.

What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization?

I got a certificate in human resources in December 2023 and I haven’t worked in that area yet. Our executive director was able to get me connected to the HR and Policy Committee, so I’m hoping to contribute in that capacity as well.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

It’s been Nicole Smith, our executive director. She’s been very positive and a supportive mentor. I’m really grateful to serve as a volunteer with AL!VE, and I feel like they’ve helped me more than I’ve helped them. It means a lot to me to be a part of something bigger and have the capacity to positively impact other volunteer engagement professionals across the country.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

From a practical perspective, I learned to use Excel. That has been important. AL!VE is unique in that there are not a lot of professional organizations designed to support volunteer engagement professionals.

Do you have any tips for organizations looking to attract and keep volunteers by giving them a good experience?

Marketing and communication are important, especially through social media. Promoting opportunities far and wide increases the chance of connecting with those who are a good fit. From my perspective working in higher education, getting to know your community partners and having conversations about shared priorities and how you might be able to work with them are also key. And lastly, recognize your volunteers. Make sure they feel appreciated and see the impact of their service.

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?

It’s important to have a sense of the broader community and your place in that. From working with college students, I’ve seen it help them recognize their passions and talents and show them how they can use those to make a positive impact.

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?

I started with something small. My family decided to participate in a walk for multiple sclerosis. That was my first exposure to volunteering. Pick something–maybe a one-time experience–to get your feet wet before committing to something for longer. Then, think about other opportunities available that align with your passion and interests.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

AL!VE is a great way to get involved for volunteer engagement professionals, but there are also internships available to college students and community members who just want to expand their skill set. Whether you want to intern or volunteer, there are opportunities. Join us!

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Tonya? Find local volunteer opportunities.