Communities of Practice
Communities of Practice (CoPs) connect volunteer engagement professionals for peer learning, shared problem-solving, and meaningful connection.
Overview
- Meeting frequency: Held at least quarterly
- Meeting length: No more than one hour
- Format: Facilitated, peer-driven discussions
- Topics: Shaped by current challenges, trends, and member interests
- Facilitation: Each CoP is led by at least one volunteer Facilitator who gathers topic suggestions from participants
- Participation: Members are encouraged to propose discussion topics and questions throughout the year
- Scheduling: Meeting dates and details are shared via the AL!VE calendar and newsletter
Membership Note:
- Communities of Practice are an AL!VE member benefit
- Non-members may attend one introductory meeting to explore a CoP
- Continued participation after your first meeting requires AL!VE membership
Benefits
- Build meaningful relationships and networks with fellow volunteer engagement professionals
- Engage in peer-driven conversations on emerging trends, best practices, and real-world challenges
- Strengthen your leadership skills through shared learning and collective problem-solving
- Gain easy access to contact information for other members within your Community of Practice
- Contribute to and learn from a trusted professional community advancing the field of volunteer engagement
Interested in joining? Learn more about becoming a member here.
Questions? Email programs@volunteeralive.org.
Audience & Cost
Open to AL!VE members only. AL!VE Academies are included in an AL!VE Membership.
Registration
Communities of Practice events are added to the calendar annually. Members must register each year to receive reminder emails about the year's events and important information from your COP facilitators.
Register on the calendarAcknowledgments
Thanks to the Professional Development Committee Communities of Practice Leads and Facilitators for leading our CoPs and for their ongoing commitment to providing engaging learning and networking opportunities for our members.
Active Communities
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.
Click here to join this Community of Practice (COP) and receive access to join the meetings!
Not an AL!VE Member? Join Now
Want to try before you buy? Email info@volunteeralive.org to try your first session free.
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.
Click here to register for the next meeting.
Not an AL!VE Member? Join Now
Want to try before you buy? Email info@volunteeralive.org to try your first session free.
AL!VE’s Book Club Community of Practice brings volunteer engagement professionals together to explore insightful books, share perspectives, and connect through meaningful discussions that inspire growth and innovation.
Click here to register for the next meeting.
Not an AL!VE Member? Join Now
Want to try before you buy? Email info@volunteeralive.org to try your first session free.
AL!VE’s Job Transition Community of Practice is a supportive space for volunteer engagement professionals in career transition, offering encouragement, networking, and connections to help you find new opportunities through our community.
Click here to register for the next meeting.
Not an AL!VE Member? Join Now
Want to try before you buy? Email info@volunteeralive.org to try your first session free.
Education & Reading Programs Community of Practice is a group of professionals with the interest of improving reading levels for youth and adults. We convene bimonthly to offer support, share best practices, provide a safe space for discussion, and networking.
Click here to register for the next meeting.
Not an AL!VE Member? Join Now
Want to try before you buy? Email info@volunteeralive.org to try your first session free.
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.
Click here to register for the next meeting.
Not an AL!VE Member? Join Now
Want to try before you buy? Email info@volunteeralive.org to try your first session free.
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.
Click here to register for the next meeting.
Not an AL!VE Member? Join Now
Want to try before you buy? Email info@volunteeralive.org to try your first session free.
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!
Click here to register for the next meeting.
Not an AL!VE Member? Join Now
Want to try before you buy? Email info@volunteeralive.org to try your first session free.
Let's talk about County Government volunteer programs. This community of practice discusses the challenge and successes of operating a volunteer program within a government structure. NAVPLG members welcome!
Click here to register for the next meeting.
Not an AL!VE Member? Join Now
Want to try before you buy? Email info@volunteeralive.org to try your first session free.
This is for those managing volunteers in museums, galleries, cultural and arts centers. Join us as we discuss and share insights and experiences that we are all having in the arts education/enrichment communities. COVID has posed certain challenges and changes for us all so let’s rely on each other for ideas and inspiration! This is a time for networking, sharing ideas, asking questions, and brainstorming with your peers. AAMV members welcome!
Click here to register for the next meeting.
Not an AL!VE Member? Join Now
Want to try before you buy? Email info@volunteeralive.org to try your first session free.
Those working at a national level face different issues than those operating on a local or regional level. Often national level leaders are engaged in big picture, strategic or policy decision-making. Sometimes those operating at a national level don’t work directly with volunteers, but rather help empower others in their organizations who do. Join the discussion to connect and learn from others working nationally. We invite anyone looking to brainstorm around the unique issues facing volunteer leaders on a national level.
Click here to register for the next meeting.
Not an AL!VE Member? Join Now
Want to try before you buy? Email info@volunteeralive.org to try your first session free.
This COP is designed to include a broad range of topics regarding urban and rural parks, botanical gardens, parks, and nature preserves. 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 engagement professionals in the Parks & Rec field.
Click here to register for the next meeting.
Not an AL!VE Member? Join Now
Want to try before you buy? Email info@volunteeralive.org to try your first session free.
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.
Click here to register for the next meeting.
Not an AL!VE Member? Join Now
Want to try before you buy? Email info@volunteeralive.org to try your first session free.
The Transportation COP is comprised of volunteer engagement professionals who manage programs with transportation as a volunteer role. Transport may include people, product or animals. Join us as we discuss best practices, share resources, and brainstorm solutions to your volunteer driver challenges. Recruiting, Onboarding, Training, Recognition and Risk Management are just some of the topics we have and are continuing to discuss.
Click here to register for the next meeting.
Not an AL!VE Member? Join Now
Want to try before you buy? Email info@volunteeralive.org to try your first session free.