A Community of Practice is a group of volunteer engagement professionals that meets virtually to share issues, strategies and best practices, get and receive colleagues' support, make connections, and provide an opportunity to share information, experiences, and resources specific to the industry/structure or community they serve.
Meetings are held at least quarterly (check our calendar or newsletter for dates) and will last no more than one hour. Discussion topics will vary depending on issues affecting COP members in their programs.
Each COP has a Facilitator who works with AL!VE to determine the needs of the COP, and AL!VE members can suggest meeting topics for future COPs through their facilitator.
Communities of Practice are an AL!VE member benefit; however, anyone is welcome to attend their first meeting with out being a member. After your first meeting, we request you join as a member to attend subsequent meetings.
Animal Welfare
The COP - Animal Welfare is designed to include a broad range of animal welfare organizations such as animal shelters, rescue groups, foster-based programs, sanctuaries, direct care for animals, and humane education programs. The objective of this COP is to connect volunteer engagement professionals within these organizations to share resources and best practices. This informal venue encourages open discussions for anyone seeking or offering advice in tackling the unique challenges facing volunteer leaders in the animal welfare field.
Meetings are held bimonthly (every 2 months)
2023 dates: Feb 22, April 26, June 28, Aug 23, Oct 25, Dec 27
Book club:
New Book Coming Spring 2023 'Transforming Disruption to Impact'!
Watch this space and the member newsletter for more details soon.
Food Banks
This is involved in managing volunteers at food banks, food pantries, hunger relief, nutrition or food-focused community organizations. These organizations use volunteers in unique and creative ways, especially during times of crisis like the pandemic. Join your hunger relief colleagues virtually to discuss your challenges, successes, and to share ideas.
2023 dates *New dates added* : Feb 7, Mar 7, Apr 4, May 2, June 6, July 11, Aug 1, Sep 5, Oct 3, Nov 7, Dec 5
New! Volunteer Programs in Local Government
Let's talk about Government volunteer programs. This community of practice discusses the challenge and successes of operating a volunteer program within a government structure.
2023 dates: Feb 10, May 12, Aug 11
Health Care
The past few months have especially created some challenging situations. Let’s support each other! Health care (hospitals, blood banks, health care facilities, long-term health care, and other related organizations) has some unique situations, requirements, and environments for volunteers! Join your colleagues in discussion about your questions, situations, needs, and share your experiences with others as well.
2023 dates: Jan 12, Mar 9, May 11, Jul 13, Sept 14, Nov 9
New! Literacy
Literacy Community of Practice is a group of professionals with the interest of improving literacy levels for youth and adults. We convene bimonthly to offer support, share best practices, provide a safe space for discussion, and networking.
For more information contact Brandy Tolbert, Facilitator.
2023: Feb 21, Apr 18, June 20, Aug 15, Oct 10, Dec 19
Local Associations of Volunteer Engagement Professionals
Quarterly COP Meetings are held virtually on a variety of topics pertaining to administration of a local association of volunteer engagement professionals (Dovias, AVA, etc). Past topics have included Board Recruitment and DEAI, Financial Management, Membership and Marketing, Social Media, and Revitalizing your Organization. Check our calendar for future discussion topics. Meeting notes, resources, and handouts are posted in the 'file archive' section of our website. All involved in leadership with a local association in the US are welcome!
March 29 topic: Financial Frameworks for Local Associations
2023 Dates: March 29, June 28, Sept 27, November 2 (Summit)
New! AmeriCorps Seniors
This COP is for those managing an AmeriCorps Seniors program(s) as a grantee or sponsor. This includes Foster Grandparent Program (FGP), RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), and SCP (Senior Companion Program. Join us as we are a sounding board for sharing best practices and resources that are unique to federal grants and the older volunteers we work alongside.
All times 3 PM Eastern for 1 hour.
2023 dates: Feb 27, Mar 27, Apr 24, May 22, Jun 26, Jul 24, Aug 28, Sep 25, Oct 23, Nov 27
Rural Communities
This virtual Community of Practice supports volunteer engagement professionals managing programs in and across rural communities. These monthly peer-to-peer sessions address some of the challenges that come with operating in geographic areas with lower population numbers and that are located outside of more suburban and urban areas. Members use these sessions to troubleshoot issues, to give and receive support, and to share strategies, best practices, and resources for effective volunteer program management.
2023 dates: January 17, February 21, March 21, April 18, May 16, June 20, July 19, August 15, September 19, October 17, November 21, December 19
To attend a Community of Practice (COP),