News / Articles - Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration

MAVA’s New Board Chair Niila Hebert

Published on: 2/4/2021

I am Niila Hebert, the new Board Chair, and longtime MAVA enthusiast (as many of us are)!

Volunteering Throughout the Pandemic

Jenna Egan

Published on: 2/4/2021

Learn What Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners Is Doing

Welcome MAVA’s Greater MN Program Manager, Eleanor Burkett

Eleanor Burkett

Published on: 2/4/2021

Eleanor (Ellie) Burkett is MAVA's Greater Minnesota Program Manager serving volunteer engagement networks and sectors in central and northern Minnesota.

Feed My Starving Children

Elizabeth Schneider

Published on: 2/4/2021

Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) believes hope starts with food. As a Christian nonprofit, FMSC is dedicated to seeing every child whole in body and spirit. FMSC offers volunteers a one-of-a-kind experience where volunteers hand-pack rice, soy, dried vegetables and a nutritionally complete blend of vitamins and minerals into bags which are then sealed, boxed, placed on pallets and shipped to our incredible partners working hard to reach the neediest children around the world.

Continuing a Gradual Re-Engagement of Volunteers

Travis Salibury

Published on: 2/4/2021

The ability for volunteers in faith communities came to an abrupt halt 11 months ago. For Christians, it was a week ahead of Holy Week and Easter—what a time to lose not only in person congregational worship, but also the volunteers that support that act of praise. The journey toward re-engagement has been a cautious one. Leadership Teams and Councils and Clergy receive and review directives from the CDC and the State, examine emerging data and trends, consult with medical professionals, and discern how a community still gathers … when they cannot physically gather.

Yesterday Was A Hard Day

Karmit Bulman

Published on: 1/7/2021

Dear MAVA Community:
Regardless of your own political outlook, yesterday was a hard day. While we at MAVA believe that political and social movements and even protests are an essential form of volunteerism, the violence and obstruction that took place yesterday challenges our democracy. These actions are an affront to our ability to co-exist and to respect those with different viewpoints.

Conference Wrap-Up: What's Next?

Lisa Joyslin

Published on: 12/2/2020

After MAVA’s 2020 Virtual Conference on "Redefining Volunteerism: Dismantling Inequities" we asked participants to share practices, ideas or resources they hope to implement in the future as a result of the conference. People had such amazing ideas and action items that we wanted to share a sampling of responses (see below). We hope these ideas give you a snapshot of conference takeaways, and also provide ideas for actions you can take for yourself and your organization.

Volunteerism Best Practices: Not Best for Everyone

Lisa Joyslin

Published on: 10/28/2020

The idea of “best practices” is a key part of nonprofit lingo and a concept touted by volunteer engagement leaders as we work to build our profession.

It can be a helpful term, and a helpful concept. But it can also be harmful.

What We're Reading

Check out what MAVA staff have been reading this month!

Welcome, new members!

Meet MAVA's members who joined or renewed their membership in the past month.

Recognizing Racism in Volunteer Engagement

Lisa Joyslin

Published on: 6/19/2020

Today, June Nineteenth, we commemorate the end of official slavery in the U.S. On this day, we recognize how racial injustices are still deeply rooted into the fabric of our society. In the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, followed by protests and riots across the nation calling for racial justice, many people are experiencing discomfort. Discomfort at the unfairness and injustice experienced in the Black community. Discomfort in our own actions, or lack thereof. Discomfort regarding how to move forward.

COVID-19 Resources for Volunteer Engagement Leaders

Published on: 5/20/2020

MAVA staff and board wish to provide support to each of you as we address challenges we face as a result of COVID-19. We are balancing health concerns with the importance of providing our members with support, connection, and resources.

MAVA in the News: Responding to COVID-19

Jenna Egan

Published on: 3/23/2020

MAVA in the news to discuss volunteerism and volunteer leadership during COVID-19.

MAVA COVID-19 Support and Updates

Published on: 3/16/2020

Dear MAVA Community:

These are hard times. The uncertainty can produce anxiety and it is difficult to know how to do our jobs and how to navigate the constantly changing environment. MAVA staff are working remotely and will continue to provide services and support to each of you virtually where possible.

MAVA’s Response and Resources for COVID-19

Published on: 3/12/2020

Dear MAVA Community,

MAVA staff and board wish to provide support to each of you as we address challenges we face as a result of COVID-19. We are balancing health concerns with the importance of providing our members with support, connection, and resources.

Preparing Your Volunteer Program for COVID-19

Published on: 3/11/2020

As COVID-19 spreads through the US, there are many unknowns as to the level and depth of response needed from nonprofit organizations. Managing volunteers through this pandemic will be an important part of continuing essential service delivery in our communities. While we acknowledge this is uncharted territory, we want to offer some tips for nonprofits and volunteer engagement leaders as you prepare your organization’s volunteers for COVID-19.

Member Spotlight: Courtney Flug and Ree Ford

Published on: 1/9/2020

Meet this month's featured members, Courtney Flug a Volunteer Manager and Ree Ford a Community Outreach & Engagement Coordinator VISTA for VEAP (Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People)

New Website Connects Immigrants with Volunteer Opportunities

Published on: 1/9/2020

Learn about Abdurrahman Mahmud who made a website focused on connecting immigrants to jobs and volunteer opportunities

Plan for Your DEI Professional Development in 2020

Published on: 1/9/2020

There are many opportunities to advance your own professional development through events focused
on diversity, equity and inclusion. Take a look at some of the organizations providing DEI training and
what they’re offering in 2020.

MAVA Announces New Inclusive Volunteerism Resources and Opportunities!

Published on: 1/9/2020

MAVA is excited to announce the release of several new inclusive volunteerism resources for volunteer engagement leaders, along with a first-time cohort learning opportunity around racial equity in volunteerism in 2020.

Member Benefit: Background Check Discounts with McDowell Agency

Learn about MAVA member discounts on background checks through the McDowell agency.