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So far SAVMA Leaders has created 61 blog entries.

Jennifer Fahrmeyer: Community Service Recognition

Jennifer Fahrmeyer: Community Service Recognition Jennifer is a passionate volunteer who actively participates in company-coordinated events and her interests. If there’s a volunteer event happening, chances are you’ll find Jennifer there, along with many members of her family. She supports a wide range of organizations, including 4H, Tucson Rodeo Committee, Tucson Youth Football, SALEF, Pima Sheriff Auxiliary Volunteers, Junior Livestock, MADD, Humane Society, PACC, Erik Hite Foundation, and the Community Food Bank. Jennifer Fahrmeyer, Community Service Recognition submitted by Tucson Electric Power Company for her service on the Community Action Team as the Outreach Project Coordinator. "It's been a big part of my world since I was a young teen, with church and different clubs I was a part of. As I've gotten older, I realized that Volunteering for others and the community costs nothing but my time. I will if I can give a little of my time to [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|January 17th, 2025|Categories: SAVMA Events, Sponsors|0 Comments

Mary Zier: Community Service Recognition

Mary Zier: Community Service Recognition Mary Zier has been an amazing volunteer to work with at the Children's Museum Tucson for the past year. She brings her positive energy and enthusiasm to the weekly program she volunteers for, Discovery Nights. Mary is always excited to learn new craft activities. She facilitate the crafts during Discovery Nights and has wonderful engagement with children and their families. Mary is so consistent and reliable; she is basically part of the staff! She not only comes ready to do the tasks she signed up for but also offers help in other areas and anticipates the needs of the programs or events. Mary has made hundreds of extra premade stickers on her own time without being asked, simply because she knew it was a popular activity children love to do at the Museum. She also donated lanyards for volunteer badges when she noticed there were [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|January 17th, 2025|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|0 Comments

Rick Witt: Community Service Recognition

Rick Witt: Community Service Recognition Rick has been a dedicated volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Tucson for the past six years, contributing an impressive 1,500+ hours of his time and expertise. Splitting his year between Wisconsin and Tucson, Rick also lends his skills to Habitat in Wisconsin, showcasing his deep commitment to our mission of building quality homes and stronger communities. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, Rick has taken on the role of mentor, teaching countless volunteers how to build homes and use tools effectively and safely. His leadership and patience have left a lasting impact on everyone he works with. Known for his steadfast dedication and work ethic, Rick has earned the trust and admiration of both staff and fellow volunteers. Beneath his tough exterior lies a kind-hearted individual who inspires us all. Whether he’s swinging a hammer or sharing a laugh, Rick's passion and character remind [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|January 17th, 2025|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|0 Comments

Ken Johnson & Shadow: Community Service Recognition

Ken Johnson & Shadow: Community Service Recognition It is with great enthusiasm that Tucson Medical Center (TMC) nominates volunteer Ken Johnson and his pet therapy dog, Shadow. Ken and Shadow have visited the hospital almost daily for the past six years. Ken and Shadow quickly became a TMC fixture, visiting the lobbies and units every morning. Ken’s visits were so frequent that he struck a strong friendship with many TMC employees. Though Shadow is a one-hundred-and-twenty-pound bull mastiff, she is sweet and loves belly rubs and attention. Like Ken, her playful and fun nature has a wonderful calming effect on all who visit with her. Ken delightfully visits with people while Shadow wags her tail and wallows in the attention. The big dog brings big smiles and happiness. Ken and Shadow are always seen at special events and other "guest star opportunity" times. They also go out of their way [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|January 17th, 2025|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|0 Comments

Karl Hoffman: Community Service Recognition

Karl Hoffman: Community Service Recognition Karl Hoffman has been a dedicated volunteer at the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona for over five years, contributing more than 1,680 hours of service. Known for his unwavering commitment and leadership, Karl volunteers three days a week, often arriving early and staying late to ensure critical tasks are completed. As a leader in the Emergency Food Box Production area, Karl plays a vital role in assembling approximately 2,500 food boxes each shift. These boxes provide essential nutrition to families across Southern Arizona, addressing food insecurity and improving the quality of life for countless individuals. His leadership ensures the process runs efficiently, and his work ethic inspires fellow volunteers to take on greater responsibilities. Karl’s impact extends beyond food box production. Always willing to help where he is most needed, he has supported client check-in during busy times. As a bilingual volunteer, Karl excels [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|January 17th, 2025|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|0 Comments

Jesus Hernandez Galindo: Community Service Recognition

Jesus Hernandez Galindo: Community Service Recognition Jesus Hernandez is a dedicated and passionate volunteer with Literacy Connects' Adult Basic Literacy programs. His journey began as a student in an English Language Acquisition for Adults (ELAA) class, where his love for learning and teaching flourished. In 2021, Jesus transitioned from student to volunteer, where he discovered his talents in teaching as part of the Spanish language GED program. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Jesus taught GED Social Studies remotely via Zoom. After a few sessions, he made the switch to in-person instruction as a Basic Math instructor, a role he has held with great enthusiasm ever since. Jesus brings warmth, humor, and unwavering commitment to every session. Known for his kindness and his strong connections with students, he creates a supportive learning environment that fosters confidence and growth. One of Jesus's unique contributions is his use of the word "facilísimo"—or "very easy"—during [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|January 17th, 2025|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|0 Comments

Sharon Foltz: Community Service Recognition

Sharon Foltz: Community Service Recognition Raised in rural Ohio, Sharon Burrier Foltz started volunteering with her parents and grandparents at an early age: school, church, helping neighbors. Volunteering with developmentally disabled children in high school led to teaching, then becoming volunteer administrator for Ohio Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, and serving on the Greater Columbus United Way, her first of hundreds of boards and committees. The early 70’s saw the formalization of Volunteer Programs, and Sharon was Ohio’s first State Volunteer Director in 1977. Moving to Arizona in 1981, Sharon immediately continued volunteering as a child advocate for PAG, on nonprofit boards, in TUSD schools and usually with one or both of her daughters in tow. Both Rachel and Robin continue volunteer leadership in their communities in Michigan and Virginia. Becoming United Way of Southern Arizona’s Volunteer Director in 1990, Sharon tapped into her 70’s policy work of [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|January 17th, 2025|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|0 Comments

Tom Crowly: Community Service Recognition

Tom Crowly: Community Service Recognition Tom is organized, a great communicator, and enthusiastic about dogs and the joy they create- to owners and to those they interact with. This is why the number of Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) teams in Pima County has more than doubled, from 40 to 99 teams, since he volunteered to be a trainer and coordinator five years ago. Tom has volunteered with ATD for nearly 16 years, the first ten in Dallas. Upon moving to Pima County six years ago, he continued his volunteer work but became a certified ATD trainer and started communicating/coordinating between organizations that wanted an ATD team. The requests are from a wide array- schools, hospitals, libraries. Anywhere, people need attention, affection, and connection. Love is a warm dog hug. Demand far outweighs supply, so Tom actively recruited other trainers and cheerfully enabled newly certified teams to match with agencies/events [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|January 17th, 2025|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|0 Comments

Rebecca Crane: Community Service Recognition

Rebecca Crane: Community Service Recognition Rebecca Crane is a Realtor and Team Owner of Signature Group at Real Broker, and she served as the 2024 Board of Directors Chair for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona. Her journey with the organization began in 2014 as a founding member of the Advocacy Board for Young Professionals, and she has been on the Board of Directors since 2019. Rebecca’s commitment to youth advocacy shines through her tireless efforts to raise awareness and support for Southern Arizona’s youth. Beyond her work with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Rebecca is passionate about charitable initiatives focused on the well-being of children and families in her community. Every Thanksgiving, she donates five full dinners to families in need, bringing warmth and celebration to those who might otherwise go without. She also hosts an annual cornhole tournament, raising approximately $3,000 each year for a local charity. Her [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|January 17th, 2025|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|0 Comments

Johanna Cordero: Community Service Recognition

Johanna Cordero: Community Service Recognition With a passion for poverty alleviation, Johanna Cordero has been teaching financial literacy throughout her banking career the past 19 years. She is tireless in her support for the Tucson community as she comes from humble beginnings and knows what it is to struggle. She wants to help offer her financial expertise to give people tools to break out of the cycle of poverty. Johanna was nominated by her current employer, Pacific Premier Bank. Although there are a wide variety of organizations she is intimately involved with, the ones she has given the most time to include Habitat for Humanity Tucson’s family partner, VITA’s (United Way) intake specialist, Junior Achievement’s volunteer teacher and UCREW’s chair. The time spent at these organizations in particular remind her of why she has the sense of passion for volunteering. When you have a child come up to you at [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|January 17th, 2025|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|0 Comments

El Rio Vecinos: Community Service Recognition

El Rio Vecinos: Community Service Recognition Since 2013, the El Rio Vecinos Block Party event proceeds have supported El Rio Community Health Center's patients and programs. In 2024 this young professionals volunteer group crossed a milestone by raising more than $1,000,000! Proceeds from their 2025 "Run for the Roses" May 3rd Block Party will help provide 175-200 free mammogram screenings for women who are uninsured and have no other resources. In addition, 15-20 patients who have no other resources will receive help with cancer treatment. Beyond the dollars raised, los Vecinos have volunteered countless hands-on hours at El Rio events and community organizations positively impacting the lives of others. Community Service Recognitions Community Service Recognitions, including the one received by El Rio Vecinos, are given at the annual SAVMA Awards. These recognitions and awards are part of a larger strategic effort to draw attention to the essential work of volunteers [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|January 17th, 2025|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|0 Comments

Charlotte Bruntmyer: Community Service Recognition

Charlotte Bruntmyer: Community Service Recognition Charlotte Bruntmyer began volunteering with Aviva in October 2022 and has completed over 450 volunteer hours. Her warm smile welcomes the 200-300 youth served monthly at the Community Resource Program, who need emergency resources like clothing, socks, underwear, shoes, hygiene items, beds, and car seats for youth and families involved with the Department of Child Safety (DCS). Like a retail store, the Resource Room allows DCS case workers, foster and kinship placements, and youth in care to browse racks and shelves for needed items. As you can imagine, the room needs constant resetting and refilling. Charlotte quickly stepped up as master organizer, and her diligence ensured clients could quickly and easily find the required resources. With a shared passion for serving the community, Charlotte communicates well with the Aviva staff. She has been key in helping the resource team keep items stocked and available. She [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|January 17th, 2025|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|Tags: #SAVMAAwards2025, #SAVMACSR, #VolunteerAwards|0 Comments

Cydne Bolton: Community Service Recognition

Cydne Bolton: Community Service Recognition Cydne Bolton has called Tucson home for over 40 years. She is currently the Training Manager for the Adult Basic Literacy Program at Literacy Connects, a non-profit organization with the mission of connecting people of all ages to a world of opportunities through literacy and creative expression. Cydne considers herself to be a lifelong learner and educator. Her positions in elementary education, logistics, juvenile corrections, and adult basic education have all focused on teaching and training. She is a graduate from the Tacheria Interfaith School of Spiritual Direction and the African American Leadership Institute of Southern Arizona. Currently, Cydne supports the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona as a volunteer grant reviewer, an advisory board member for the African American Legacy Fund, and a member of the foundation's Community Impact Committee. Cydne also serves as Board Secretary for The Learning Community for Loss, Grief and Transition. [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|January 17th, 2025|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, Sponsors|0 Comments

2024 Hottest Reads and Resources for Volunteer Engagement Professionals

2024 Hottest Reads and Resources for Volunteer Engagement Professionals In 2024, VEPs used various books and resources to enhance their leadership skills, improve volunteer engagement, and address community challenges. Is your favorite included in the 2024 hottest reads and resources for Volunteer Engagement Professionals? "The Art of Gathering" by Priya Parker - A deep dive into creating meaningful events and gatherings useful for planning volunteer meetups or fundraising events. This book made both reading lists on Galaxy Digital and VolunteerHub "Transforming Disruption to Impact" - Edited by Doug Bolton and others, this book offers case studies on turning challenges into opportunities, emphasizing innovative volunteer engagement. Included on Galaxy Digital "Doing Good Better" by William Macaskill - Focused on effective altruism, this book provides strategies to maximize impact in charitable efforts, valuable for strategic volunteer management Galaxy Digital and VolunteerHub. "The Idealist’s Survival Kit" by Alessandra Pigni - A guide to avoiding burnout [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|December 12th, 2024|Categories: Resources and Samples|Tags: #EventPlanning, #VolunteerEngagement, #VolunteerLifecycle, VEPBooks|Comments Off

2025 Proposed SAVMA Leadership

2025 Proposed SAVMA Leadership The Governance and Administration Committee of the Board of Directors is presenting the 2025 proposed SAVMA Leadership. The link to submit interest in a leadership position is perpetually open, as all members are encouraged to take up leadership. The annual meeting is December 12th. If you still need to register, please do so here so we have enough food and beverages. Board of Directors Officers (terms end 12/2025) Jennifer Lohse (President) Jennifer has served in the nonprofit sector for over 25 years in various leadership positions. She holds a Certified Nonprofit Professional credential from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. As the Vice President and External Relations of the Tucson Foundations, she works with more than 70 grantees annually and administers $3 million to the local community. Leadership for volunteer engagement professionals is near and dear to Jennifer’s heart, and she is proud to support the community in [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|December 1st, 2024|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events, SAVMA Programs, Sponsors|Tags: #SAVMALeadership|Comments Off

SAVMA shares the VMPR 2025 survey

SAVMA shares the VMPR 2025 survey SAVMA shares the VMPR 2025 survey with members! SAVMA's leaders encourage participation in VolunteerPro’s 2025 Volunteer Management Progress Report – The Recruitment Edition, their 10th annual survey! Your input cumulatively identifies current trends in volunteer engagement. This year, VolunteerPro is exploring: The challenges for leaders of volunteers The average salaries for leaders of volunteers The recruitment tactics organizations are using to attract volunteers Which tactics are the most effective, and what benchmarks to track against The extent to which organizations are leveraging paid advertising in their recruitment The most popular websites for posting volunteer opportunities And more ... 🚀 Why Participate? The report provides an annual pulse check for the field of volunteer engagement, providing a nuanced view of challenges, trends, and opportunities. By taking a few minutes to complete the survey, you contribute to a collective intelligence that guides the volunteer engagement industry's [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|November 16th, 2024|Categories: Resources and Samples|Tags: @volpronet, #LoVols, #VEPResearch, #VMPR, #vmprogress2025|Comments Off

Volunteer Engagement Defined and Measured

Volunteer Engagement Defined and Measured Volunteerism is flourishing globally, even while volunteers sit untapped and underutilized. Volunteer engagement defined and measured opens the door to standard benchmarks across the profession, at least locally. Apples and oranges make a nice visual for comparative data, but how about volunteers and headcounts? If there is a common language and shared understanding of metrics, then comparative metrics are not out of the possibility. Defining Volunteerism The prevailing definition of "volunteer" in the United States, comes from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) at the U.S. Department of Labor. Volunteer: An individual who performs hours of service for a public agency for civic, charitable, or humanitarian reasons, without promise, expectation, or receipt of compensation for services rendered, is considered to be a volunteer during such hours. "To understand how the economy is functioning and changing over time requires measuring and valuing all productive unpriced labor [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|June 3rd, 2024|Categories: Learning and Development, Resources and Samples, SAVMA Programs|Tags: volunteer engagement metrics, volunteer resources headcount|Comments Off

Voluntary Self-Identification Form

Voluntary Self-Identification Form Does your volunteer application include a "voluntary self-identification form" to collect demographic, economic, cultural, and social information? Is it damaging your recruitment efforts? Maybe it is helping? Was it there before you arrived? This is the case for one such Volunteer Engagement Professional, who has a few questions. While holding one VEP's confidentiality, we agree these are valuable questions and our discussion might spark more interest. Why the Voluntary Self- Identification Form? Congress established the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to enforce Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The EEO compliance effort may have birthed the Voluntary Self-identification (VSI) form. Many nonprofit agencies adopted the form over the years as part of federal contract compliance, representing efforts of non-discrimination in hiring practices. The Society of Human Resources Managers has also adopted this form, and variations of this form as a standard of practice. [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|March 26th, 2024|Categories: Member Feedback, Member Share, Resources and Samples|Tags: data collection, onboarding, volunteer application|Comments Off

Networking is Volunteer Engagement Gold

Networking is Volunteer Engagement Gold Networking is Volunteer Engagement gold and we have the key strategies to meet your outreach and recruitment goals. With volunteer recruitment being the biggest need within the profession, developing your networking skills might be your solution. SAVMA's Roundtable Discussion on Networking identified key strategies: Key Strategy: Do your homework Before you attend an event, find out who will be in the room. If you cannot find out the specific individuals, get a general sense of the audience demographics from the host so you can build a plan. If you are attending a Chamber of Commerce event, you might want to meet business professionals that can join your Board of Directors. Compare that to attending a Public Health Awareness event where your goal might be to meet professionals of industry for your advocacy team. Getting a sense of who will be attending an event, or who [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|March 7th, 2024|Categories: Connect with Your Peers|Tags: connect, goals, Networking, recruitment, recruitment goals|Comments Off

Partners: Call to Action

Partners: Call to Action Our in-box is full this month with partners call to action including voter registration deadlines, survey requests, pre-conference sessions and Virtual Conferences! There are deadlines looming so let's make this quick and easy for your punch lists. Call to Action: Apply for State AmeriCorps! Applications for the AmeriCorps State Formula Grant (RFGA#: RFGA-FOR-GOYFF-080124-00) are now being accepted. Approximately $4 million will be awarded to programs throughout Arizona to engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions/practices that extend organizational capacity to address critical community needs in one of six AmeriCorps focus areas: disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and services for veterans and military families. Organizations awarded AmeriCorps funding will be responsible for the recruitment, training, supervision, and management of AmeriCorps members. We suggest you collaborate with fund development and HR to divide the work. Do not leave funding on the table>>>>> Call [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|February 7th, 2024|Categories: VEP Ecosystem Offerings|Comments Off

Community Service Recognition: Melissa Acuña

Community Service Recognition: Melissa Acuña Melissa Acuna, a Cox Communications employee, and Junior Achievement volunteer will receive a Community Service Recognition for her service. With the support of hundreds of education, business and volunteer partners, Junior Achievement here in Southern Arizona is giving kids the tools to succeed. Our volunteer mentors from the community teach students about the importance of money management, workforce readiness and entrepreneurial thinking. Arming today’s youth with this critical education will result in less financial instability and debt, a better-trained workforce, a more robust economy, and healthier families. Junior Achievement programs, developed by experts, are designed to keep kids engaged and meet them at their level of understanding. But it’s through our volunteering that students can connect what they learn in the classroom to the real world. Melissa Acuña a Career Mentor For example, Melissa Acuna, volunteers at CE Rose K-12 teaching the global market system. [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|January 3rd, 2024|Categories: SAVMA Events, Sponsors|Tags: volunteer appreciation|Comments Off

Volunteerism is a Values Proposition Match for Sponsors

Volunteerism is a Values Proposition Match for Sponsors The SAVMA Awards 2024 presented by the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith, and Family, found volunteerism is a values proposition match for sponsors. These generous sponsors made publicly recognizing volunteerism in Southern Arizona on January 18, 2024 a priority. In turn SAVMA Leadership is sharing more about our sponsors and their match with volunteerism. 2024 Award Sponsors found the value proposition for sponsorship clear. Volunteers are a critical part of the health and well-being of our community. Public recognition and celebration of volunteerism brings more attention to the causes that are priorities in our community. Platinum Sponsors Presenting Sponsor The Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family The GOYFF develops and implements programs, strategies, and initiatives to strengthen the continuum of services through partnerships with community, faith, private, public, and tribal partners. Their vision is a big one and it has to [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|January 3rd, 2024|Categories: SAVMA Events, Sponsors|Comments Off

Keynote Nicole R Smith

Announcing Keynote Speaker Nicole R Smith SAVMA Awards 2024 includes a keynote address by Nicole R Smith, CVA. She is a Panamanian-American, workforce development expert, athlete, published author, nonprofit founder, motivational speaker and sports entertainer. Nicole enthusiastically inspires her audiences with her take on today's volunteerism. She earned her Bachelor's degree via a Division I full-ride track scholarship. After graduating she founded Step It Up! Inc, a nonprofit dance organization. She performed for audiences nationwide, while simultaneously using dance to teach teamwork to kids in after school programs. Nicole's experience in sports entertainment, radio, TV, the performing arts and social services spans nearly 20 years covering the Chicago, Houston, Ft. Lauderdale/Miami and Orlando markets. She danced and cheered for four Professional and Semi-Professional sports teams. Undeniably, these experiences gave her a knack for workforce development. It wasn't long before she had prepared more than 800 interns to enter the workforce [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|January 2nd, 2024|Categories: Learning and Development, SAVMA Events, SAVMA Programs|Tags: Awards, Keynote|Comments Off

Career Growth Through Professional Associations

Career Growth Through Professional Associations How much time should one invest weekly in a professional association? What do you need to ensure maximum career growth through professional associations? How do you choose the right associations? It turns out there is some pretty good recommendations out there to light our paths as Volunteer Managers in this area. Business Network International (BNI) founder, Dr. Ivan Misner, suggests that successful networkers spend between 8-10 hours per week networking in a professional setting. Dr. Misner, shared at length his experience and his research on professional networks in the BNI Podcast, Episode 528: How Many Networks, How Many Hours? Networking is part of Professional Development Harvard Business Review, LinkedIn, Indeed, and Google all agree that networking and professional development time should be between 5-10 hours per week. Some of this time is dedicated to "knowledge acquisition" and some of this time is dedicated to "skills [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|December 9th, 2023|Categories: Learning and Development|Tags: Professional Development|Comments Off

National Volunteer Management Insights Survey

National Volunteer Management Insights Survey SAVMA is calling all leaders of volunteers to participate in this national volunteer management insights survey. This is VolunteerPro’s 2024 Volunteer Management Progress Report, their ninth annual survey! As they navigate the dynamic landscape of our sector, everyone is eager to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of affairs. Your valuable input is crucial to discovering the most current trends in volunteer engagement. Why Participate? This survey serves as a pulse check for the field of volunteerism by providing a nuanced view of challenges, trends, and opportunities. By taking a few minutes to complete the survey, you contribute to a collective intelligence that guides our industry's evolution. Survey Link: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/OqCzf5 Survey Deadline: Friday, January 1, 2024 @5pm EST Your Data Matters: Rest assured, your responses are confidential and anonymous. The aggregated data will be utilized to generate an industry report, providing a comprehensive [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|December 1st, 2023|Categories: Member Feedback, VEP Ecosystem Offerings|Comments Off

CSR Awards Deadline Extended to 11/15

CSR Awards Deadline Extended to 11/15 Those organizations committing to Table Sponsorship or above, are eligible to submit a volunteer for Community Service Recognition. This recognition opportunity is a unique way to showcase a special volunteer in a meaningful way. Public, and formal praise of those who demonstrate extraordinary service in support of your organization’s work not only confirms their efforts but also inspires others in Southern Arizona to become more involved in our community. After you register for your sponsorship or table, you complete an online form. The form provides all the information we need to know about your special volunteer we need for materials at the event to highlight their service and for social media materials before and after the event. Each organization may only submit one volunteer or volunteer couple for this recognition (even if more than one table is purchased). You must provide the following [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|November 9th, 2023|Categories: SAVMA Events, Sponsors|Comments Off

International Volunteer Managers Day 2023

International Volunteer Managers Day 2023 Helping Others Help SAVMA Leadership celebrates International Volunteer Managers Day 2023 This November 5, 2023, SAVMA celebrates those that support the profession of volunteer engagement. This includes: volunteer managers, leaders of volunteers, volunteer engagement professionals and volunteer administrators. Thank you for your dedication to your craft. Thank you for your work. This day provides an opportunity to recognize the invaluable contributions of volunteer managers. They play a pivotal role in mobilizing and coordinating volunteers to address critical needs within our communities. Volunteer managers serve as the linchpin between volunteers and organizations. They ensure that the skills and time offered by volunteers get effectively utilized for the betterment of society. Their dedication, passion, and strategic planning are instrumental in driving positive change, enhancing community resilience, and promoting a spirit of civic engagement. By recognizing International Volunteer Manager's Day, we acknowledge the vital role these professionals play [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|November 5th, 2023|Categories: SAVMA Events|Comments Off

2024 Proposed SAVMA Leadership

2024 Proposed SAVMA Leadership The SAVMA Board of Directors would like to present the 2024 proposed SAVMA Leadership. To identify barriers to leadership, the Willing and Able Leadership Survey opened September 1st, posing four questions about willingness and ability to serve. The results of that data will be presented in 2024 blog posts. Those identified as willing and able to serve (and qualified) are hereby presented as your leadership team for 2024. As there are open positions there will still be a call for nominations from the floor on December 7th at the annual meeting. If you have not registered, please do so here as the hosts are providing food and beverages. Board of Directors Officers (terms end 12/2024) Jennifer Lohse (President) Jennifer has served in the nonprofit sector for more than 25 years in a variety of leadership positions. She holds a Certified Nonprofit Professional credential from the Nonprofit [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|November 1st, 2023|Categories: Member Stories, SAVMA Events|Comments Off

4 minute- willing and able survey!

4 minute- willing and able survey! Members, did you take the "willing and able survey?" The adage it take a village to raise a child, serves rather well when talking about the care of a membership association. The question before you as a member today is, are you willing and able to serve your profession? There survey is not meant to make members feel bad, but rather to identify barriers to leadership and remove them. Willingness Members might be very willing to serve, but completely lack the ability. This could be the case, but we cannot guess. Tell us! That is all we are asking. Take two minutes and tell us you are willing, but not able. Perhaps you are not willing, because you do not like the current leadership. That is ok too. Be honest, the survey is anonymous. Maybe you even think SAVMA is a waste of time. [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|October 26th, 2023|Categories: Learning and Development, Member Feedback|Comments Off

C-Suite Must-Dos for your Volunteer Program

C-Suite Must-Dos for your Volunteer Program October is a big volunteer month These C-Suite must-dos for your volunteer program will remind you why you need SAVMA and why your volunteer engagement professionals depend on the association. Members of the volunteer management community are hard at work at recruitment events, fundraisers, interviews, orientations, planning meetings, outreach events, and conferences. Well, actually that sounds like a lot. Unfortunately, since the pandemic this breakneck pace has become the volunteer management way. Volunteer management professionals continue to operate at emergency levels of activity with no end in site. Below are a few must-do actions to take right now to show your support and to help ease the burden. C-Suite Must Dos Right Now Discuss SAVMA Leadership positions with your volunteer engagement staff and why you support their 2024 participation. Without your support of their professional development they will not be able to prioritize this. [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|October 2nd, 2023|Categories: Learning and Development, VEP Ecosystem Offerings|Comments Off

2023 Volunteer Administrator Award- An overdue award for a truly committed CVA!

2023 Volunteer Administrator Award An overdue award for a truly committed CVA! Tucson, Sep. 17 — Victoria Carlson-Foscz, to receive the 2023 Volunteer Administrator Award from the Southern Arizona Volunteer Management Association (SAVMA). Victoria, “Tori,” serves as a role model with her passion, experience and best practices in volunteer engagement and leadership. She holds a CVA, by the Council on Certification in Volunteer Administration. Tori has committed herself to the role of Manager of Volunteer Engagement at Interfaith Community Services (ICS) for over 9 years. She advocates for volunteerism and those who manage volunteers with grace, compassion, and leadership. Her work as a trainer for the Service Enterprise Initiative through ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation, finds her using her coaching skills with her peers. This helps to strengthen the entire volunteer program management sector. As a member of the Arizona Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteerism, Tori [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|September 17th, 2023|Categories: SAVMA Events|Comments Off

2023 Corporate Volunteerism Award- Focus on leadership development is core to Caterpillar’s mission!

2023 Corporate Volunteerism Award Focus on leadership development is core to Caterpillar’s mission! Tucson, Sep. 14 — Caterpillar Tucson Regional Offices, is being awarded the 2023 Corporate Volunteerism Award from the Southern Arizona Volunteer Management Association (SAVMA). Paloma Santiago, Southern District Director for Junior Achievement of Arizona submitted the nomination. The Caterpillar Tucson Regional Team will receive the award on January 18, 2024, at the annual SAVMA Awards. The event recognizes all levels of volunteerism including individuals, nonprofits and corporations. Steve Pangburn, Global Sales Manager is quoted “we, at Caterpillar, are honored to be awarded the Corporate Volunteerism Award by Southern Arizona Volunteer Management Association. We continue to look for volunteer opportunities where our values align with the code of sustainability, excellence and integrity. JA provides this by giving our employees the chance to work together annually and share their expertise to future generations the importance of having a strong work [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|September 17th, 2023|Categories: SAVMA Events|Comments Off

2023 Volunteer Board Member Award- a leader that believes in wearing all the hats!

2023 Volunteer Board Member Award SAVMA Award goes to a volunteer who has worn many hats! Tucson, Sep. 14 — Junior Achievement of Arizona – Southern District, volunteer Director on the Board of Directors, Chrisie Ballard, is receiving the 2023 Volunteer Board Member Award from the Southern Arizona Volunteer Management Association (SAVMA). Since joining the Junior Achievement of AZ Southern District Board in 2010, Chrisie has been a force of good for 13 years. She has worked to overcome challenges, advocated for healthy growth and change, and increased fundraising resulting in the two best years in 21-22 and 22-23. Chrisie passionately supports JA’s mission and work to inspire entrepreneurship in their youth. She has held every leadership role: Secretary, Vice Chair, and Chair, serving on the JA AZ Governance Board and chairing multiple committees. Chrisie brings this same energy and impact as a volunteer in JA classroom programs at every [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|September 17th, 2023|Categories: SAVMA Events|Comments Off

2023 Nonprofit Volunteer Program Award- volunteers that literally build a better community

2023 Nonprofit Volunteer Program Award Tucson, Sep. 15 — Habitat for Humanity Tucson, to receive the 2023 Nonprofit Volunteer Program Award from the Southern Arizona Volunteer Management Association (SAVMA). The Nonprofit Volunteer Program Award recognizes an organization that has demonstrated outstanding impact through their volunteer program. Habitat for Humanity constructed an extraordinary volunteer program. SAVMA will recognize their successes on January 18, 2024 at the annual awards event. The event recognizes all levels of volunteerism including individuals, nonprofits, and corporations. Every year thousands of Volunteers make the mission of Habitat Tucson possible. In 2022-2023 the Habitat for Humanity Tucson volunteer base was 2,100 persons who served for over 46,000 hours. They literally help build a better community right here in Southern Arizona. They strive to find unique ways to utilize our volunteers' valuable skills by inviting each volunteer into the process of partnership that is at the core of everything [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|September 17th, 2023|Categories: SAVMA Events|Comments Off

2023 Youth Volunteer Award- Donation drive yields $2.6K for domestic shelter

2023 Youth Volunteer Award Tucson, Sep. 13 — Felipe Garcia, a Commissioner on the Arizona Governor’s Youth Commission, will receive the 2023 Youth Volunteer Award from the Southern Arizona Volunteer Management Association (SAVMA). SAVMA will honor young Mr. Garcia on January 18, 2024 at the third annual, SAVMA Awards. The awards recognize all levels of volunteerism including individuals, nonprofits and corporations. Felipe's leadership on the Governor's Youth Commission (GYC) is evident throughout his three years of service. He wrote reports on youth mental health in Arizona, and as Vice President, he presented these reports to the Arizona House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Teen Mental Health and the Pima Behavioral Health Coalition. Beyond regular duties, Felipe collaborated with the GYC's Domestic Violence Workgroup to expand their donation drive to Tucson. Despite setbacks, Felipe worked with his school to collect approximately $2,600.00 in donations for a local domestic violence shelter. [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|September 16th, 2023|Categories: SAVMA Events|Comments Off

SAVMA 2023 Program Volunteer Award!- This volunteer was seen going the distance-

2023 Program Volunteer Award Tucson, Arizona September 11 — Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, Dave Tabb, is being recognized with the 2023 Program Volunteer Award from the Southern Arizona Volunteer Management Association (SAVMA). Dave has been a volunteer for CASA of Pima County for three years. He is currently a CASA for nine children. Dave has donated more than 2,000 hours, and more than 24,000 miles in support of his CASA children. Some of Dave's acts of service as a volunteer have included making new memories with his CASA children. This has included watching their first 3-D movie to taking them to experience the snow and scenic views of Mt. Lemmon. He has tried virtual reality at the request of one of his teens, karate lessons, and has been known to see the same movie multiple times in one weekend for “his kids.” Many times, Dave has remained the [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|September 11th, 2023|Categories: SAVMA Events|Comments Off

New study finds benefits to volunteering in late life

Volunteering in late life may protect the brain against cognitive decline and dementia This article was written by Lisa Howard and originally posted on UC Davis Health Key Takeaways: Volunteering in late life may protect the brain against cognitive decline and dementia. New study of older adults found better memory and executive function among those who volunteered. (Sacramento) Volunteering in late life is associated with better cognitive function — specifically, better executive function and episodic memory. Those are the findings of a new study from UC Davis Health presented today (July 20) at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2023 in Amsterdam. “We hope these new data encourage individuals of all ages and backgrounds to engage in local volunteering — not only to benefit their communities, but potentially their own cognitive and brain health,” said Donna McCullough, Alzheimer’s Association chief mission and field operations officer. Senior volunteers stay active at the UC Davis Arboretum Nursery in Davis, [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|July 30th, 2023|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off

Research study on Volunteer Administrators- Participants Needed

Research study on Volunteer Administrators Career pathways We encourage SAVMA members are to participate in a research study on Volunteer Administrators career pathways. The study is being conducted by Dr. Allison Russell, an Assistant Professor of Public and Nonprofit Management at the University of Texas at Dallas. Along with her doctoral research assistant, Kayla Parker, they are conducting a research study to investigate the career pathways of volunteer administrators. They seek to examine what leads individuals to enter the volunteer administration profession and their subsequent professional development experiences in the field. The goal of this research study is to improve our understanding of the volunteer administration profession through an exploration of the perspectives of volunteer administrators. From the desk of Dr. Allison Russell Dear SAVMA Members! We want to learn directly from volunteer administrators through in-depth virtual interviews, and we are hoping that you will consider participating. During the interview, [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|July 21st, 2023|Categories: Learning and Development, Member Feedback|Comments Off

SAVMA Awards 2024 Nominate Now

SAVMA Awards 2024 Nominate Now Thousands of volunteers weekly share their skills, time and enthusiasm to hundreds of nonprofits, schools, churches and governments across Southern Arizona. Publicly celebrating and thanking them and recognizing the work they do to make our communities happier and healthier is a win-win for all. Don’t miss this opportunity to share your agency’s good work and the volunteers who make it happen! PLEASE take a few moments to nominate for one or all six of the award categories. SAVMA Awards 2024 nominate now through July 31st at 5PM, with additional details at: https://www.savma.org/awardsnominations/ The Southern Arizona footprint includes: Pima, Santa Cruz, Graham, Greenlee, or Cochise County. Award Categories (nominate now) Southern Arizona Volunteer of the Year Award Corporate or Group Volunteerism Award Nonprofit Volunteer Program of the Year Youth Volunteer of the Year - Individual or Group Board Member of the Year Volunteer Administrator of the Year [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|July 6th, 2023|Categories: SAVMA Events, Sponsors|Comments Off

Career Pathways for Volunteer Engagement Professionals Survey

Career Pathways for Volunteer Engagement Professionals Survey There is a lack of data on career pathways for volunteer engagement professionals, causing many professionals to leave the field in search of other advancement opportunities. Our Association partner, AL!VE, has a goal to create a Career Pathways Report that will demonstrate the various job levels within our field and the competencies and skills for each level. This will give practitioners and employers a roadmap of progression. SAVMA Members we need your participation in the career pathways for volunteer engagement professionals survey. We hope to use this data as validated evidence for the job of the volunteer engagement professional to be officially recognized by the Department of Labor (DOL) in the Occupational Outlook Handbook https://www.bls.gov/ooh/. When DOL conducts its next revision to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), we intend to heavily advocate for the addition of this role! This means, [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|April 11th, 2023|Categories: Member Feedback, VEP Ecosystem Offerings|Comments Off

AL!VE Conference- SAVMA Saves the Date

AL!VE Conference- SAVMA Saves the Date October 17th AL!VE announces its conference theme "Leveraging Technology in a Human World: Inclusively, Responsibly, and Creatively." Each new generation of volunteers is very different from the ones before them. How do we prepare our policies, programs and recruitment in an inclusive, responsible, and creative way that looks to leverage technology in a human world? AL!VE taps Rob Jackson facilitator Rob Jackson is Director of Rob Jackson Consulting Ltd. His consultancy and training company engages and inspires people to bring about change. He has almost 30 years experience working in the voluntary and community sector. Holding a variety of strategic development and senior management roles he focused on leading and engaging volunteers. Since 2011, Rob has worked with a wide range of clients in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the USA and Canada. He is co-author of The Complete Volunteer Management Handbook (DSC, [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|April 10th, 2023|Categories: Learning and Development, VEP Ecosystem Offerings|Comments Off

Service Enterprise Initiative Recommended

Service Enterprise Initiative recommended by SAVMA to all members. SEI certification is a way to increase the impact of volunteerism in our community. ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation is offering this certificate of distinction and its nationally recognized designation of excellence in organizational volunteer integration. Together with AL!VE and Points of Light organizations will gain access to proprietary content and research, including a robust resource library with trends and reports about how best to engage and manage volunteers. Service Enterprise Initiative recommended for these Key Benefits Access to a research-based program which according to research by the TCC Group will transform your organization into one of the top 11% of nonprofits in volunteer management and organizational performance. A diagnostic evaluation of current volunteer engagement practices with customized recommendations for improvement. 16 hours of training focused on change-management and volunteer engagement strategies and best practices. 15-20 hours of individualized coaching and the support of a [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|March 21st, 2023|Categories: Learning and Development, Resources and Samples, VEP Ecosystem Offerings|Comments Off

SAVMA Volunteer Fair 2023 April 20th- Registration Now Open

SAVMA Volunteer Fair 2023- April 20th Recruitment and Recognition Fair 2023 Registration Open The SAVMA Volunteer Fair 2023 will take place at Reid Park Zoo on April 20th. Community members are invited to attend from 4:30PM-7PM and celebrate their volunteerism during this Volunteer Appreciate Week event! This event is open to the public. Volunteer Fair 2023 (for the public- volunteers) This event is for you and we cannot wait to see you at the fair. You do not need to register. To put you in the right mood click here for the Zoo map. Check in with the agency with whom you volunteer and see if they are attending. If not, encourage them to register below. Volunteer Fair 2023- For Volunteer Managers Organizations planning on hosting a table must register now by April 10th. Please invite all your volunteers to attend to celebrate volunteer appreciate week. Organizational, supporting and partner [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|March 20th, 2023|Categories: SAVMA Events|Comments Off

Volunteer Administrator Skills Assessment- Now Open

7 Industry Standards and their Competencies The "Body of Knowledge and Competency Framework" by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA) provide the questions for the volunteer administrator skills assessment. The 7 standards are listed below as reference before you begin the survey: Plan for Strategic Volunteer Engagement Advocate for Volunteer Involvement Attract and Onboard a Volunteer Workforce Prepare Volunteers for their Roles Document Volunteer Involvement Manage Volunteer Performance and Impact Acknowledge, Celebrate and Sustain Volunteer Involvement Volunteer Administrator Skills Assessment The survey is open to all Volunteer Management professionals in SAVMA's area. It takes approximately 10 minutes to complete the survey. This assessment is for Volunteer Administrators or those whose primary duties are the recruitment, supervision and retention of volunteers. It is NOT an assessment of volunteerism within an organization, but rather an assessment of the skills of individual Volunteer Administrators. You do not need to be a [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|March 1st, 2023|Categories: Member Feedback|Comments Off

2023 Proposed Leadership

2023 Proposed Leadership The 2023 proposed leadership slate of officers and directors are on the agenda for the February 16, 2023 meeting of the general membership. At the annual meeting in 2023 the vote for officers was postponed for additional recruitment efforts. All things considered, a heroic effort was made in 2022 to complete this task onetime. Nominations may be made from the floor at that time, or by submitting interest to SAVMA email. A simple majority of members present may vote on the slate. Members may submit a proxy no less than 24 hours before the election. Officers Jennifer Lohse (President): Jennifer has served in the nonprofit sector for more than 25 years in a variety of leadership and executive roles. She holds a Certified Nonprofit Professional credential from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (formerly American Humanics). As the Vice President and External Relations of the "Tucson Foundations," she works [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|February 4th, 2023|Categories: SAVMA Programs|Comments Off

Join Us for The Annual AL!VE Conference October 18th 9:30am-5:00pm

This years focus on equipping leaders of volunteers with skills to determine what data is useful and how to tell impactful stories using different tools and technologies. Not only is this great information for those that work with volunteers but this can be applied across organizations. SAVMA members receive a discounted rate and all attendees will receive snacks and lunch! Click Here To Register

By SAVMA Leaders|September 1st, 2022|Categories: SAVMA Events, VEP Ecosystem Offerings|Comments Off

What’s the Deal with Volunteer Engagement Surveys?

Volunteer engagement surveys are conducted to solicit key information from volunteers on a variety of topics, including values, engagement, diversity and inclusion, leadership and management, colleagues, communication, work environment and culture. What’s the purpose of volunteer engagement surveys? Volunteer engagement surveys allow organizations to use input from volunteers to review and improve their programs. Insights from volunteers are incredibly useful in determining areas that are working well or need improvement. Additionally, a survey can help organizations understand how to grow their volunteer base and increase volunteer satisfaction. In short, a strategic volunteer engagement survey provides organizations with an insider perspective on how they are meeting their organizational goals—and can help guide decision making for a stronger future. What are the benefits? Volunteer engagement surveys provide data with relevance to several key areas, including: Volunteer recruitment and retention: Understand levels of volunteer engagement and the key factors that drive this. Volunteer [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|June 13th, 2022|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off

Volunteer Appreciation Ideas

Volunteer Appreciation Ideas How To: Appreciate Your Volunteers It’s National Volunteer Appreciation Week, and in honor of the occasion, we have volunteer appreciation ideas and tips to share showing your volunteers they matter -- this week, and always. While showing appreciation for volunteers is a nice thing to do, it also benefits the recipient and the organization. Intentionally building recognition into your organization’s culture motivates volunteers and can help you retain them—and even attract new ones. How does volunteer appreciation benefit you, your volunteers, and your organization? Volunteer appreciation increases morale. Even a simple "thank you" or "good job" from a supervisor can go a long way in making a person feel confident and proud in their job, as can more significant rewards. That confidence and pride can help make an even better volunteer. Volunteer appreciation enables you to keep good help and attract more. Recognition encourages the best people [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|April 18th, 2022|Categories: Learning and Development, Resources and Samples|Comments Off

May 17th-Working with Wildcats and What to Expect

Join Us on May 17th at Habitat for Humanity Overview: Alexei Marquez, Coordinate at the University of Arizona (ASUA) will present will review what VolunteerUA tells our students about engaging with community partners and what community partners can anticipate will occur when they have UA students working with them. Who: Alexei Marquez is a native Tucsonan and full-time Coordinator of Service for the Student Governance and Programs department at the University of Arizona. She has a BA in Secondary English Education with a minor in Spanish and a MA in Language, Reading, and Culture from the UA. Currently, she is a Doctoral Student in the Educational Leadership and Policy program at the UA College of Education. A soon to be mother of three, Alexei also serves on the UA Hispanic Alumni Board, as a faculty advisor for Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority Inc. and is part of the SAVMA Board.

By SAVMA Leaders|April 16th, 2018|Categories: Learning and Development, Uncategorized|Comments Off

February 16th- Grow Your Volunteer Funding: Securing Grants to Help Your Cause

Join us for our engaging February program on growing your volunteer funding with grants. In today’s ever-competitive funding environment, nonprofits often seek grants to grow their revenue. Grants are just one of many ways to grow the funding you seek to support your mission. In this special workshop, tailored to volunteer program needs, we’ll talk about the way grant funding fits into your overall revenue plan, explore savvy ways to prospect for new funders, and discuss ways to position your volunteer activities to best justify your grant requests. We’ll break into small groups and have plenty of time for Q&A.

By SAVMA Leaders|February 10th, 2017|Categories: Learning and Development, SAVMA Events, SAVMA Programs|Comments Off

Monthly SAVMA Meeting for January 2016

Invest in Your Professional Growth! MONTHLY SAVMA MEETING 2016 The next SAVMA meeting is on Wednesday, January 13th from 11:30 am-1:00 pm at Habitat for Humanity (3501 N. Mountain Ave (85719). Join us as our own, Diane Haeger, brings us into the New Year with her wise and knowing ways! New Year, New Ideas: Creating a Vision for Your Program and Yourself. Come start the New Year with your SAVMA colleagues looking at old problems in a new way. We will spend a little time looking at different approaches to problem solving, brainstorming and idea generation—then we will spend most of our time practicing with each other using our own real-life issues. Come share your obstacles and opportunities with others who really get what it’s like to work with volunteers, docents, interns and administrators. Leave energized with new ideas to make 2016 the year you envision!

By SAVMA Leaders|December 30th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off

SAVMA Holiday Luncheon

Whether Your Naughty or Nice Its time for SAVMA's Annual Holiday Luncheon Wednesday, December 16, 2016 from 11:30am-1:00pm All Members and Non-Members invited!! Habitat For Humanity: 3501 N Mountain Ave 85719 Please RSVP to Gina by Friday, December 11, 2016 by phone: 321-3704 x153 by email: ghansen@hssaz.org $15 fee if you are not a paid member Catered by Little Mexico (vegetarian options) Raffle Great conversation

By SAVMA Leaders|November 19th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off