Program Placed on Hold

Due to a loss of state funding, the Arkansas Public Administration Consortium (APAC) has made the difficult decision to place the Certified Volunteer Manager Program on hold.

For many years, this program has equipped volunteer coordinators and nonprofit professionals across Arkansas with tools to lead and strengthen volunteer programs. We are proud of its impact and grateful to the participants, instructors, and partner organizations who have supported it.

At this time, we have not identified a financially sustainable way to offer the program in its current form. All previous certifications remain valid, and alumni will continue to be part of the APAC network.

We are actively exploring alternative funding, partnerships, and more cost-efficient ways to deliver training for volunteer managers in the future. We hope to provide an update by summer 2026.

If you have ideas or are interested in partnering or sponsoring future offerings, please contact us at [email protected]. We would value your insight.

Program Description

APAC’s Certified Volunteer Manager (CVM) Program equips professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead impactful volunteer programs. Through expert in-person instruction, aligned with international standards for volunteer management, participants will learn best practices for:

  • Recruiting, placing, supporting, supervising, engaging, and recognizing volunteers.
  • Developing policies and procedures to mitigate risks and liabilities associated with volunteer programs.
  • Designing and implementing strategic improvements to enhance your volunteer program’s effectiveness.

The CVM Program caters to anyone currently managing volunteers or volunteer programs, or those interested in enhancing their skills in this field. Both seasoned professionals and those new to the work find this program to be impactful.

Reasons to Participate

Volunteer management is a crucial aspect of organizational success in the nonprofit, public, and corporate sectors. It can:

  • Enhance Organizational Effectiveness: Organizations that invest in volunteer management infrastructure, such as dedicated staff, technology, and policies, are better positioned to harness the full potential of volunteers. Engaged volunteers can significantly boost organizational capacity, become advocates for issues and organizations, provide crucial financial support, and maximize impact.
  • Maximize Volunteer Contributions: Volunteer managers play a pivotal role in ensuring volunteer satisfaction, retention, and productivity. Effective practices, such as clear volunteer job descriptions, adequate training, and supportive supervision, contribute significantly to volunteer engagement and commitment.
  • Create Positive Volunteer Experiences: Volunteers who experience effective volunteer management, including recognition, training, and feedback, have higher levels of volunteer satisfaction, commitment, and intention to continue volunteering.
  • Foster Positive Social Outcomes: Organizations can leverage the power of volunteers to advance their mission and create lasting change in communities.

Developing a volunteer program with such impacts demands significant time and talent. Strategic engagement of volunteers necessitates not only knowledge but also planning expertise, appropriate infrastructure, and leadership skills. APAC’s Certified Volunteer Manager program is tailored to nurture professionals capable of achieving these goals.

For More Information: Contact APAC at [email protected] or 501-916-6050. For regular updates about our programs, join our mailing list.