Why Leaders of Volunteers Should Join Local Associations

If you’ve ever been part of a professional association, you know how valuable they can be. Local Volunteer Associations (AVAs) are the heartbeat of the volunteer engagement profession. They unite passionate individuals who dedicate their time to strengthening communities, supporting causes, and building resilient networks of care. These associations offer connection, professional development, and shared purpose, but they also face real challenges, especially around sustaining leadership and engagement.

The Joys of Local AVAs

From my perspective, local AVAs are all about connection. I’ve worked in volunteer engagement for over 25 years and have been a member of professional associations at the local, regional, and national levels for nearly all that time. These memberships have been invaluable in supporting me as a leader of volunteers. They have provided me with:

• Peer Support: Many leaders of volunteers work in isolation, often as a department of one. AVAs offer a space to share experiences, brainstorm solutions, and celebrate successes with others who truly understand the work. Many times, over the years, I have been a lone member in the Volunteer Engagement department of my organization, and the ability to pick up the phone or reach out to colleagues for support has been so helpful.
• Professional Development: Workshops, guest speakers, and training sessions help members stay current with best practices in volunteer engagement, risk management, diversity and inclusion, and more. Whether it’s learning from subject matter experts from within our AVA membership, or guest speakers from the broader Volunteer Engagement profession, I have been able to engage in top-notch professional development at a local level.
• Networking Opportunities: Whether you're seeking a mentor or someone to bounce ideas off, AVAs are great for building meaningful professional relationships. I personally work well when I can talk ideas through with others and since I often work alone my AVA colleagues are always willing to listen. Networking also provides the opportunity for resource sharing. There is no sense reinventing the wheel when someone else has something they are willing to share.
• Community Impact: By strengthening the skills and confidence of volunteer leaders, AVAs amplify the impact of volunteers across sectors. Getting to know other leaders of volunteers in my community has helped me direct applicants to the organization where their time and talents can have the most impact. Sometimes that is my organization and other times it’s another community organization.

The Challenges: Leadership and Sustainability

Despite their value, many AVAs struggle with sustainability, especially when it comes to recruiting and retaining leaders.

Leadership in volunteer associations is often a labor of love. It demands time, energy, and a willingness to navigate group dynamics, event planning, and strategy, often with little to no budget and off the side of your desk.

Potential leaders may hesitate due to burnout, time constraints, or uncertainty about the role. Let’s be honest, how often have you been recruited with “it’s just one hour a week,” only to discover it’s much more?

Other common challenges include:

• Limited Resources: Without dedicated funding or staff, AVAs rely heavily on volunteers, which can lead to fatigue and turnover.
• Membership Engagement: Keeping members active, especially in virtual or hybrid environments, requires creativity and consistent effort. A clear value proposition is key.
• Succession Planning: Without a pipeline of future leaders, AVAs risk losing momentum when current leaders step down.

What If There’s No Local AVA?

Not everyone has access to a local AVA, but that doesn’t mean you’re without support. There are still many ways to connect and grow professionally:

• National and Regional Associations: Many countries have national volunteer management associations that offer virtual events, online communities, and resources accessible from anywhere. Here in Canada, the Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada (VMPC) provides opportunities for professional development, advocacy, and engagement through its regional support structure.
• International Networks: Organizations like the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA) provide global perspectives and resources, along with opportunities for connection and professional development.
• Online Communities: LinkedIn groups, webinars, and forums dedicated to volunteer engagement are excellent places to share ideas and find support.
• Better Impact’s community: If you use their software, explore their user groups. I’ve found the Canadian Hospital User Group to be a wealth of information and support.

Why You Should Get Involved

If you're a leader of volunteers, joining your local AVA is a strategic move for your career and your organization. Here’s why:

• Expand Your Network: Connect with professionals who understand your challenges and can offer fresh perspectives.
• Grow Your Skills: Leadership roles within AVAs provide hands-on experience in governance, facilitation, and strategic planning, skills transferable to any professional setting.
• Boost Your Resume: Active participation can count toward your Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) credential, an internationally recognized certification.
• Find Your Community: AVAs remind you that you’re not alone. They’re places to recharge, learn, and be inspired by others who share your passion.

Conclusion

Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned professional, seek out your local AVA or network of leaders of volunteers. Attend a meeting, volunteer for a committee, or simply reach out. Your involvement can strengthen not only your own professional journey but the entire volunteer engagement profession.

And if you’ve ever considered stepping into a leadership role, now is the time. Your experience, ideas, and energy have never been needed more. Leadership doesn’t mean doing everything yourself; it can mean guiding, mentoring, and helping others shine.

In my experience, belonging to my local AVA has given me the confidence to take on leadership roles at the local level, which eventually led to me participating in Provincial and National opportunities. Currently I am serving as the Vice-President of the Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada (VMPC), a role I never would have thought possible when I joined my local AVA nearly 25 years ago. The connections I have made have helped me to build relationships, pursue my CVA certification, and take incremental steps outside my comfort zone in order to grow and thrive as a leader of volunteers.

Local volunteer associations are more than professional groups; they’re communities of practice and support systems. Yes, they face challenges, but with the right people stepping forward, they can thrive.

So, what are you waiting for? Get involved, lead, learn, and help build the future of volunteer engagement, one local connection at a time.