Twelve years ago, I never imagined I would be writing a blog post about my professional journey in Volunteer Administration, but here we are! Hi - I'm Jennifer DeWolff, and what began as a personal interest in volunteering grew into a lifelong passion and career in community engagement.
My journey into volunteer administration started at the age of twelve when, along with my local community centre, I helped create and facilitate a volunteer youth group powered by the idea that we could make a difference. From there, I never stopped donating my time.
Over the years, I have:
Each role exposed me to a different volunteer program with its own culture and values. Some showed me how successful programs should run, as they made volunteers feel valued and passionate. Others gave valuable lessons in what to avoid.
Fifteen years later, I began my volunteer administrator journey. I found myself working as the Centre Coordinator for a local non-profit Seniors Society, where I was given a volunteer program to manage with no existing protocols, no orientation or training, no recognition or retention plan, and very little leadership – nothing structured that could be used as a jumping off point. We had a small group of dedicated volunteers and many tasks that needed doing. I jumped in with both feet, using my gathered volunteer experience to create structured plans and protocols to help the program run smoothly and greatly enhance the volunteers' experience.
At the time, I was so new to the professional side of the sector that I was unaware of the resources available to me as a volunteer administrator. I didn't even know I could earn my certification and become a Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA). I made many mistakes during my first attempts to create a successful volunteer program, but I also found a love of learning about the sector and a community of Volunteer Administrators that became my mentors and supporters. I was floored by the generosity of the professionals around me who were so willing to share their knowledge.
Together, we repaired the Seniors Centre's volunteer program, implementing more robust policies and procedures, expanding our volunteer force, and even adding new services... until Covid-19 hit. We entered lockdown, and the centre was closed to the public for over a year. The organization even had to change locations - no easy feat during a pandemic.
Reopening was a complex challenge. Funding had run out, revenue was minimal, and volunteers were hesitant to return to their roles. In order to keep their doors open, the Society had to make some hard decisions, resulting in layoffs of paid positions, including mine.
I had been with the Seniors Centre for seven years when I left. I was, however, proud of what we had built, and knew that they now had strong protocols and procedures in place, built on a solid foundation of community and collaboration.
A few weeks before my last day at the Seniors Centre, a family member forwarded a newsletter from Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG), who were hiring a Program Coordinator for their Information & Volunteer Centre. I had taken Volunteer Management Training through the organization back in 2018 and loved it! Needless to say, taking the position with RCRG three years ago proved to be one of the most impactful professional decisions I've made.
I strive to continue to grow in my role and understanding of this dynamic field. During my time at RCRG, I have been introduced to even more sector resources and supporting organizations than I could have imagined. Now that I teach and mentor newcomers to the field, I get to pay forward the gratitude I have for those who mentored me. I have the privilege of teaching the same Volunteer Management course that gave me the fundamental skills I used at the Seniors Centre.
In 2024, I achieved one of my proudest professional moments when I obtained my certification in volunteer administration and became a CVA.
Before earning my CVA, I didn't fully see myself as a professional in the field. I was so impressed by the leaders I met and learned from that I overlooked how far I had come. Obtaining my CVA validated my skill set and formally recognized my expertise in Volunteer Administration. More importantly, it shifted how I see myself. I am no longer an inexperienced preteen with an idea but a confident professional, ready to put myself forward when new opportunities arise.
Never stop seeking opportunities to grow. The sector is constantly changing, evolving, and developing, so never stop learning!
Staying current in the profession is the key to success, and I attend as many workshops and conferences as I can. The knowledge-sharing and connections that emerge from these events are a gift. I have never met a more social and supportive group than a table of Volunteer Administrators. In fact, I have routinely witnessed someone mention a challenge they are facing and instantly everyone around them is eager to brainstorm solutions and share their experiences.
Mentoring others excites me. I love recounting my experiences and providing resources to fellow non-profit professionals who find themselves running a volunteer program without knowing where to turn for support. I do not have all the answers, but I've certainly benefitted from the wisdom of others, discovering resources and learning opportunities along the way. Repaying those gifts is how the volunteer sector continues to grow and thrive. I do the same through ongoing professional development and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Building one another up is at the heart of what makes volunteerism such a powerful force for good. That mindset continues to shape my personal and professional growth, reminding me that strong communities are built through a shared sense of purpose, mutual support, and a spirit of collaboration.
About the author - Jennifer DeWolff, CVA is the Program Coordinator, Volunteer Centre and Information Referral Services at Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives. She recently joined the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA) Board of Directors. Connect with her on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-dewolff
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