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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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-Laws Amendments to be put before the Association After months of discussion and review the Board of Directors has made several substantive amendments to the by-laws. Each of these amendments have been made to improve the sustainability of the leadership, increase transparency and accessibility to leadership roles, streamline the processes and to remove sections in conflict with state law. It is with these efforts in mind that the Board of Directors shall submit a motion to the membership at the Annual Meeting “To accept the Amended and Restated By-laws as presented.” The redlined version of the document may be reviewed in its entirety here (2020 SAVMA Redlined By-laws for General Membership). Sustained Leadership Efforts Changing from a Vice President to a President Elect. The role of a President Elect will be to spend a year preparing for the role of Presidency. This additional leadership preparation time with the known expectation [...]
The SAVMA Board of Directors is pleased to present your 2021 Leadership Team. Please be sure to register to attend the December 10th Annual Meeting and Mixer to vote on the following slate of officers and directors. Officers: President: Gina Hansen to remain unchanged President-Elect: Alexei Marquez to fill a vacancy Secretary: Heidi Urbina, to replace Jennifer Lohse Treasurer: Victoria Carlson, to replace Alexei Marquez Members at Large: Ken Briggs Meredith Bode Jessica Dennes Mary Leyva Angie McBride Alex Swain Read about Our Upcoming 2021 Proposed Leadership! Officers Gina Hansen (President): Gina Hansen is the Volunteer Resource Manager at Habitat for Humanity Tucson. She has over 10 years’ experience in all aspects of volunteer engagement overseeing various volunteer programs, implementing new programs, outreach, event planning, public speaking, and training. Gina is a Service Enterprise Trainer, active on two nonprofit boards, has a small crafting business aka side hustle, and when [...]
Resilience: a Vital Tool for LoVs Nicole R. Smith, CVA, knows resilience is a vital tool for LoVs. What is it exactly? Why is it so important? How do you build it? In this candid talk we will examine how to navigate the hurdles that you may encounter during your volunteer manager (leader of volunteers) journey to build the resilience needed for both you and your volunteer program grow and flourish. Join SAVMA and Nicole for the September 17, 2020 program, Resilience: a vital Tool for LoVs. Learning Objectives for the Program Setting small attainable goals Finding Your Voice Obtaining Institutional Buy In Building a Strong Support System Overcoming the urge to give up Presenter Biography Nicole Smith is a Panamanian-American, single mother, workforce development specialist, dancer, motivational speaker and published author of many inspirational journals including 101 Affirmations for Volunteer Administrators, Non-Profit Professionals and Professional Women (available for sale [...]
Be Your Own Best Advocate: Top Ten Ways You Can Advocate for yourself, volunteers and programs Although we know how important our role, volunteers and an engaging program are, we will always need to advocate why that is important to staff, the community, and prospective volunteers. Often the volunteer department is 'taken for granted' or mistakenly assumed from that person's last volunteer experience. Can simple and everyday advocacy elevate the stature of your volunteer department and agency's impact? How can you practically and consistently craft messages and tactics that help promote a dynamic and engaging program that everyone should be a part of? Are you able to speak up and out for your professional development and value at your agency? We will examine answers to these questions. Learning objectives: Learn the importance of advocacy and ways to make it second nature Craft a story or message that is compelling [...]
Join us Thursday, August 20th from 3:30-5PM for our next SAVMA Program! Register Now. Meet the entrepreneur who built an accessible list of locally Black Owned Businesses for the Tucson community. Find out how and why Ashley La Russa with a team of Black Business Owners and Creatives developed the #BlaxFriday Project with a website, app, and virtual event to spotlight Black Businesses. It’s a success story you won’t want to miss at this pivotal time in history! The #BlaxFriday Project provides Tucson with a positive step forward towards recognizing the true value of our local Black Businesses and how, against all odds, they seek equity through economic empowerment. Find Black Owned Businesses in Tucson at www.BlaxFriday.com or Download Blax Friday from the App Store. Find out how the project was created and grew so quickly Examine the goals and how they are being accomplished Discover the value of dialogues through volunteers, virtual events and community outreach Ashley La [...]
Note: March 19th Meeting has been cancelled and the April Volunteer Fair has been postponed date TBD. The following information was sent out via email to SAVMA Members. Preparing Your Volunteer Program for COVID-19 From the Southern Arizona Volunteer Management Association While there are still many unknowns about COVID-19 and how it will affect our communities in Southern Arizona it is certain it already has. It is important to note that our volunteer communities are already being impacted and we want to be sure you know where to get resources. Find out if your organization has a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and if it currently aligns with the guidance being issued from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Become familiar with the plan and how volunteers are engaged throughout this plan. If volunteers are not included, find and why and advocate for their inclusion where appropriate. Following [...]
We are sorry to say that due to unforeseen circumstances we are not holding our February program today on Golden, but will reschedule for a future date. We had so much good news to share, so we are sharing it here: Announcements for February 20, 2020 There is training news, and leadership news, new CCVA exam dates, upcoming events, more program announcement and you really going to want to see it all! We apologize for the inconvenience and will see you in March!
Please note the early time! Location is still Habitat for Humanity. A Brief Welcome from a Very Special Guest joining us all the way from Oregon: Gretchen Jordan, CVA Gretchen Jordan, CVA, is the AL!VE Association Manager. She will give a short presentation on what's happening on the national level on Volunteer Engagement issues and share her Top Ten Tips for Advocating for yourself, your professional development, and your program. As you all know SAVMA is a member of AL!VE which is the only national professional organization for those who manage or lead volunteers. This Super Special visit from AL!VE is not something you will want to miss. Stop Doing the Same Old Thing for Recognition! Recognition is the single greatest missed opportunity by most volunteer managers. If you're still doing the same event or giving a tchotchke as the way to recognize your volunteers, you're are missing the chance to [...]
You won't want to miss this topic! Tapping Into the Power of an Effective Volunteer The most important audience to engage with as a non-profit are your true believers – your volunteers. Build and sustain a volunteer communications plan that will bolster internal and external goals. What you will walk away with: Gain an understanding of and the skills to construct, monitor and measure results from a volunteer communications plan. This requires a unique combination of professional PR tactics and community building. Along with learning how to combine these elements, you’ll also learn how to determine the specific, measurable results you want and which will support your choice of strategic tools. SAVMA's Monthly Meeting will take place THIS Thursday on January 18th, 2018 At Habitat for Humanity 3501 North Mountain Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719. From 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm. You won't want to miss this topic! Tapping Into the [...]
Effectively capturing and sharing the stories of your volunteers, service recipients, organization history, etc., can make the difference between just plugging along and the ability to build strong, dynamic and passionate relationships to support your mission. Whether you are looking to build volunteer engagement, enhance your outreach to donors, build a creative stewardship program, or just make your case more effectively, this process marries evocative photography techniques with effective writing to create a compelling narrative to enhance your organization. Join Ann Eve Dingell as she shares her tips and tricks as a professional photographer and fundraiser to share your stories. She has more than 20+ years in fundraising strategy and organizational development, having built successful fundraising programs for Arizona Public Media, The National Institute for Civil Discourse, the American Red Cross, and other organizations around the country. She has worked across all development channels including major gifts, planned giving, annual fund, membership and [...]
Tell us how you plan to thank your volunteers! Come out to our March meeting to learn different ways to appreciate and recognize your volunteers, even on a shoestring budget! When: March 16, 2017 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm. Where: Habitat for Humanity 3501 North Mountain Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719. We will have a round table discussion to get those creative juices going! There will be a "best of display," so please bring an item to share, we may even have a prize for the audience favorite. Get your ideas in early and we will include it in the rolling slide show. Send us photos of your favorite recognition and appreciation items so we can show them off. Please send your pictures to savmatucson@gmail.com by March 13th. Things to include are: Appreciation gift Ideas (low or no cost) Grants for donations Restaurants or food stores that donate food items or drinks Party locations [...]
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.
AL!VE: Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement ***Reimagining the Future of Volunteer Engagement*** Webinar on Sept 13, sign up at SAVMA.org SAVMA has been selected to participate, you don't want to miss this excellent presentation, click here for more information and to see who else is participating from all over the USA http://www.volunteeralive.org/alve_better_impact_hybrid_c.php
Reach out to individuals, students, and families from ages 5-95 about your volunteer and internship needs on Thursday, Sept 29, 2016 from 5-8pm. Applications submitted by Thursday, September 1st will have organization name featured on the event flyer. Consider this your SAVE THE DATE: Event Date: Thursday, September 29, 2016 Time: 5pm-8pm Location: Trail Dust Town 6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd 85715 This year’s event will feature games, Trail Dust Town attractions, restaurants, local entertainment provided by the “Jovert” Steel Drum Band and DJ Dre with Haymore Productions and of course local nonprofits and community partners. For more information or to receive the application: Contact: Gina Hansen 520.904.401 or savmatucson@gmail.com Juliet Yardy 520.808.4023 or jyardy@bgctucson.org
Exciting professional development opportunities for volunteer managers right here in Tucson! SAVMA has been chosen to become a host for a 1 day online conference for the Association for Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE) the only national membership organization for those who manage volunteers. Register HERE There will be Four 90 minute presentations from dynamic, knowledgeable, and engaging trainers that will be live streamed to our group. Our Presenters: Rob Jackson – Rob Jackson Consulting Limited – www.robjacksonconsulting.com How to Develop as a Volunteer Manager What do you want from a career in working with volunteers? Do you even see volunteer management as a career or just a step towards something else? How can you take control of your professional development? Drawing on his own personal career journey, Rob will help you focus on how you can develop as a volunteer manager and what options are available to you to [...]
This exciting opportunity for all Southern Arizona Volunteer Engagement Professionals to participate in the national 2016 Volunteer Management Hybrid Conference. SAVMA has been chosen to participate in the 2016 Volunteer Management Hybrid Conference on behalf of ALIVE. This one-day seminar is annually sponsored by the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE) and Better Impact. Local associations are invited to host the streaming conference, and SAVMA received the invitation to participate. It will include industry experts. Please join us for this exciting opportunity to learn from industry leaders in volunteer management. Four great presenters!! RSVP by Sept 5, 2016 Registration has closed!
Note: NEW TIME & DAY of monthly meetings As of June 2016, the SAVMA monthly meetings will be on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 3:30-5:00 pm When: Thursday, June 16, 2016, from 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm Where: Habitat For Humanity, 3501 N. Mountain Ave., Tucson 85719
How do you determine your ‘true’ value in the marketplace? Join Don Zavis, National Sales Trainer, International Keynote Speaker and an Award-Winning Sales Coach as he shares with us the tips, skills and techniques on how to have your true value “come shining thru.” Remember this is your raise, establishing your value in the marketplace is in your best interest. Upcoming event information: Location: Encantada apartments--theater--11177 N. Oracle Road, Oro Valley, AZ 85737 Date: 04/15/2016 11:00 AM UTC-07:00 This is Your Raise, Establishing Your Value In the Marketplace Learning Objectives: Determine what is of value Create a matrix to compare your contribution to the determining value Bring a brown bag lunch. Vending machines and Savaya coffee bar on site.Don Zavis is an accomplished executive with a successful history of taking private and publicorganizations to new levels of sales and profitability. He has an outstanding record of hiring the highestlevel of [...]
Help Shape the Future of Volunteerism Early bird registration is officially open. The Points of Light 2016 Conference on Volunteering and Service will take place June 27 – 29 at the Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan. As the world’s largest service-related convening of nonprofit, government, business and civic leaders. This Conference is the greatest annual opportunity for thousands from around the world to help shape the future of volunteerism. Attendees can choose from more than 120 workshops. Led by highly-respected experts, with 11 learning tracks exploring innovative solutions and trending topics there is something for everyone. Help Shape the Future of Volunteerism with Education Tracks Tracks include: Business, Capacity Building, Educational Opportunity, Disaster Services, Government, Global, Next Generation Leaders, National Service, Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Sustainable Community Development, and Volunteer Engagement. Scholarships Available | Application Deadline - March 25 The scholarship offers registration and travel reimbursement (up to $1,500) for [...]
Save the Dates 2016 The calendar is packed, so save the dates 2016 for cannot miss programs, events, and activities. SAVMA is bringing its best. National Volunteer Appreciation Week April, 10th-April 16, 2016 Effective Communication Wednesday, April 20, 2016 How not to take your interactions with other personally Six Secrets of High Impact Presenting Wednesday, May 18, 2016 Learn how to create and deliver high impact presentations/training's Round Table Discussion Wednesday, June 15, 2016 Strengthening & Re-energizing your volunteer program. SAVMA Happy Hour Wednesday, July 20th TBD SAVMA Holiday Luncheon Wednesday, December 21, 2016 11:30am-1:00pm Registration is required on the Event Registration Page!
The Six Secrets of High Impact Presenting High Impact Presenting: Learn How to Transform your Workshops and Presentations The purpose of this workshop is to share Six Secrets high impact presenting to increase engagement during presentations and training activities. These are quick and easy ways to deliver information in more effective ways. When they are combined with tools designed to help people reflect and apply what they’ve learned, there is a dramatic increase in engagement and effectiveness. Program Details What: The Six Secrets of High Impact Presenting When: Wednesday, May 18 from 11:30 am-1:00 pm Where: Habitat for Humanity conf room (3501 N. Mountain Ave (85719) Who: Sara Griffiths, from Wholeonomy Consulting, Presented by Sarah Griffiths, Wholonomy Consulting Sarah Griffiths applies strengths based approaches to change processes, whether the change is at the individual, organization, collaboration, or system level. She helps create processes and the conditions for supporting change, and blends her knowledge of [...]
