Join a diverse community of trained volunteer management professionals dedicated to making a difference in organizations serving the public.
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.
Public-Serving Organizations that Participate
APAC’s Certified Volunteer Manager Program attracts participants from diverse public-serving organizations such as non-profits, cities, state agencies and commissions, schools and universities, and churches.
Examples include:
Airports
Alumni Associations
Camps
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Programs
Community Health Clinics
Community Theaters
Disaster Relief Organizations
First Responders
Extension Services
Food Banks
Hospice Organizations
Hospitals
Libraries
Literacy Councils
Museums
Nature Conservancies
Senior Centers
State Parks
United Ways
Zoos
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.
Program Details
The primary commitment is during an in-person training retreat. It allows participants to focus on learning, renewal, and fostering relationships with fellow volunteer managers. Participants prepare for the retreat with assignment work that includes self-assessment, exploring other volunteer programs, and reading about strategic engagement. A post-retreat capstone project where new skills are applied to enhance a volunteer program completes the program.
“Love the idea of being ‘cloistered’ and leaving other work and personal concerns at home.”
The retreat was “very engaging – spot on. Informative and relevant.”
For More Information: Contact APAC at apacprog@ualr.edu or 501-916-6050. For regular updates about our programs, join our mailing list.
