Treats for 2011 NCVS

Today’s post comes from Delores Morton, Vice President of HandsOn University and provides strategic direction and vision for the National Conference on Volunteering and Service.

Having attended the National Conference on Volunteering and Service for at least the last seven years, I’ve observed first hand its continuing growth and evolution. As we begin to put the final touches on the 2011 conference, scheduled for June 6-8 in New Orleans, Louisiana my own excitement is gaining momentum. Some of the treats that 2011 participants can look forward to are:

1. An enhanced VIRTUAL experience—this year we have really upped the ante on our virtual conference and are including conference mobile applications, live streaming, and a virtual exhibit hall.

2. Unique LEARNING FORMATS—we are introducing a series of “mini-sessions” in the 2011 conference, which allows us to showcase a multitude of innovative programs and practices.

3. Limited ACTIVITY BLOCKS—to maximize exposure to some of the leading thinkers in creating change, and preparing leaders for the future, we have designated one block that will have only a few sessions from which to choose. We are excited to elevate these sessions and anticipate a packed house! Keep an eye out for our Forums and Signature sessions on the conference website.

4. More VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT—we have listened to attendees and know that we need to increase the available content on effective volunteer management. This year’s volunteer management track is the largest content area, and boasts many advanced sessions for the seasoned volunteer manager.

5. Return of the EXHIBIT HALL—we are excited to bring back the Exhibit Hall in 2011, and look forward to providing networking space, demonstration opportunities, and connecting attendees to new products and services that will benefit your work.

Finally, I’m thrilled that we are heading to The Big Easy—New Orleans!! It is a city that has been a living laboratory for service and truly tells the story of how people can come together to create lasting change. Continue to check out the conference website, so that you can take advantage of early bird registration rates in the coming week. We look forward to seeing you there.

Is Managing Volunteers a real job?-Reflections on AVMI

In 2008, one Immigration agent raised himself up to his full height and demanded to know why I was going to the National Conference on Volunteering and Service:“what do we need someone from Australia to tell us how to mange volunteers. All you do is tell them to turn up and they turn up”

Clearly this was someone who did not understand there is significant work involved in turning volunteer time, skills, talents and passion into effective service.

He’s not alone. There is significant skepticism toward those of us who manage volunteers. In the 2008 Global Volunteer Management Survey, 35% of managers said being taken seriously, was one of the most significant issues facing them.

There appears to be a belief that with a couple of hours of training, anyone can manage volunteers. My concern is that putting an unskilled person in charge of volunteers is akin to throwing them into the Australian surf after one swimming lesson. While many will learn “on the job”, they would be more effective, if they were properly equipped for this role.

How do we challenge the myth that Volunteer management is “not a real job”?

The 2010 National Conference on Volunteering and Service theme was “its up to you”. I believe we cannot wait for someone else to do it. We, who manage volunteers must educate each other, the sector and community about the skills, knowledge and strategic thinking required to manage volunteers.

This is why I have been part of the Advanced Volunteer Management Institute held in conjunction with the National Conferences. As an AVMI facilitator, I have four goals:

1. to affirm volunteer management leaders who can feel very isolated,

2. to encourage managers of volunteers and the sector to value long term involvement. The 2008 Global Volunteer Management Survey found that 43 % of managers of volunteers have worked in volunteer management for less than five years and 20% less than two years,

3. to provide teaching and knowledge at a level that is not always found in the wider conference (although I would like to see as much volunteer management material in the broader conference)

4. to learn and listen to the issues in the sector

I know we didn’t succeed in these goals with everyone who attended the 2010 Advanced Volunteer Management Institute. For some we exceeded expectations. For others, there was a feeling that there needed to be room for even more growth. Both views gave us material to reflect on for the future.

In the meantime Its “up to us” to show the value and importance of volunteer management. Hopefully we can get my immigration agent to be more affirming about volunteer management!

See you next institute in New Orleans.