Advocating for the Volunteer Manager Role

Volunteer managers are essential parts of organizations' efforts to make a difference. How can people in this role advocate for themselves and their profession? This post explores some options for volunteer managers, including taking leadership roles with local AVAs/DOVIAs, achieving their CVA, and advancing their careers. These will be illustrated by quotes from volunteer managers striving to advocate for the profession.

Advocating for the Profession

Being a leader of volunteers means wearing many hats. In many organizations, the volunteer manager oversees a larger headcount than anyone else. Yet, time after time, their portfolios may grow without budgets or additional human resources to match. That’s why advocating for the profession and the role of volunteer leaders is crucial. Along with speaking up in your own organization, there are other great ways to advocate.

Taking Leadership Roles with Local Associations

Your local AVA (Association of Volunteer Administrators) or DOVIA (Directors of Volunteers in Agencies) is a fantastic place to connect, learn, and collaborate. Did you know it’s also an amazing place to advocate? Taking on a leadership role in your local association can help unite the voices of volunteer managers toward common goals. This could include providing training on political advocacy or establishing a unified message for nonprofits in your community.

Joining the board, leadership team, or executive of your AVA or DOVIA is also an excellent way to understand the pressing needs of other volunteer leaders in your community. Understanding these issues will help you identify what’s needed to drive solutions forward.

Achieve Your CVA

The Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA) certification can help you validate your knowledge and skills professionally. Completing the exam and joining thousands of other CVAs worldwide can connect you with fellow volunteer managers and align resources, calls-to-action, and advocacy opportunities.

Here’s what Nadeesha, a recent CVA, had to say: “Becoming a CVA has been one of the best Professional Development decisions I've made. Having been in Social Services for close to 15 years the CVA certification allowed me to gain new insights and tools. I feel so proud each time I sign off my name with the earned designation CVA. I have been able to apply so much new thinking, strategic lenses and new knowledge to the work I'm always leading in my organization to benefit volunteers and the communities I work for.”

Marie Howell also added “It had been a personal and professional goal of mine to earn my CVA. When I did, that certification represented a validation of my work, my dedication to best practice, and my place shoulder to shoulder with some amazing other CVAs. It carries with it the responsibility and honor of supporting my fellow CVAs.”

Both examples illustrate how the CVA certification can advance the professionalization and support of volunteer managers.

Advancing Your Career

In some organizations, you might think that “Volunteer Manager” is as far as you can go. However, advancing your career within your organization or elsewhere is another way to advocate for the importance of skills, knowledge, and professional practices in effective volunteer management. This could mean an expanded role title and responsibilities or a new direction in volunteer engagement.

Emily, a volunteer manager, reviewed her work and realized the extensive efforts required for volunteer success: “Breaking down my job into over 70 components helped demonstrate to management the depth of leadership required for volunteers. It also helped me connect with a community of dedicated volunteer leaders.” DL, another volunteer manager, transitioned from her role to become a consultant, speaker, and writer, showcasing the opportunities for growth and change within the field.

What’s Next?

If you’re unsure how to begin advocating, start by defining your goals:

• What do you want to achieve?
• Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
• How can you contribute to getting there?

Build your advocacy strategy around these aspirations for your role and profession. Working and connecting with other volunteers will only strengthen your ability to advocate effectively.

Interested in learning more about earning your CVA designation? Join one of our upcoming info sessions!