Reflections on Our Profession:

Leaders of Volunteer Engagement

VAN 2015 Conference

Betty Stallings-facilitator

WAY TO GO!!!

Ways to Go……

Group Discussion

What are the challenges /concerns, related to our profession, that are impacting our capacity to enhance volunteer engagement?

Challenges to The Profession

1. How can we create/sustain a strong national platform for leaders of volunteer engagement?

2. How can we become more clear about the purpose (not simply the tasks) of our role within organizations, churches, initiatives, corporations – basically anywhere we are the designated leader of volunteer engagement?

3. How can we reverse our tendency to re-invent resources and programs rather than updating and building on the best that has been developed: in resources, policies, methods, technology, risk management, etc.?

4. How can we gain more success in building commitment, competency and support of administration and all staff to discover the amazing value/impact of volunteers when effectively engaged within our organizations?

5. How can our profession gain further understanding/influence with funders, corporations, and other key external stakeholders who could greatly impact our profession, thus ultimately strengthening volunteer efforts?

6. How can we get ahead of the curve in trends and be visionaries: more effectively sharing the potential of volunteer engagement (how it could be), rather than looking for support for…what is?

Group Discussion

• What gives you hope and encourages you about the profession?

What Gives me Hope1. Many young leaders around the country (many in this room) are passionate about this work, have fabulous ideas and are or can become the thought leaders of our profession.

2. Funders are SLOWLY getting the connection between the success of a mission and the organization’s effective engagement of volunteers.

3. Technology is enabling us to network and share resources in ways truly unimagined when I began this work over 40 years ago.

4. We are slowly moving away from being seen as “miracle workers” as younger folks enter the profession. (They see the skills and talent it takes!)

5. Much of my hope comes from being privileged to see and hear about the great work you are doing here through VAN. SOOOOO…..I know it can be done.. We just need to clone you around the country!

Individual Response

After thinking about our challenges and encouraging signs of our profession….what key action are you committed to make to move our profession forward…

Photo by Morgan Stumm – age 10