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How inclusive is your volunteer program? In this session we will discuss ways to create and engage volunteers with disabilities that work for the needs of a diverse range of individuals and organizations. Areas discussed will include:

• Creating a copacetic relationship between volunteers with disabilities and your organization
• Thinking outside the box to match volunteers’ talents to the tasks at hand
• Changing perceptions of volunteers with disabilities within organizations and administrations
• Increasing your knowledge of relevant laws and where to find needed resources

The session will include opportunities for questions with the presenters and panelists.

Presenters: David Rummel and Kasey Jean Tunell, and a panel of 3-4 people with disabilities

Presenter Information

David Rummel is the Audience Services Manager and Volunteer Director at the History Theatre.  He has worked in ticketing/customer service for over 25 years and on accessibility issues in nonprofit theatres for 10 years, including a presentation at the 2015 national LEAD (Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability) Conference.

Kasey Jean Tunell is the Guest Services Staff and Volunteer Manager for The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. She has worked in customer service and volunteer engagement since 2002.  She is the Chair of MAVA’s Professional Development Committee, and originally presented this workshop at the 2019 Points of Light Conference.

Many people experience changes in their physical and cognitive abilities as they get older. While the demands of some volunteer roles may absolutely require certain physical and cognitive skills not everyone possesses, it may serve organizations well to create pathways for their aging volunteers to remain engaged. Failing to anticipate these changes may lead to risk for the organization and damaged relationships with long-time supporters. This workshop will equip volunteer leaders to:

• Recognize the value of older volunteers
• Understand how individuals’ abilities may change with age
• Examine flexibility within volunteer roles
• Consider implementing programs to help volunteers transition from one role to the next

The session will include examples from presenters’ experience with developing and piloting new programs within their organizations.

Presenters: Shelli Beck, Jay Haapala, Janene Riedeman, and Margie Solomon

Presenter Information

Shelli Beck is the Director of Volunteer Services at Lyngblomsten.  In 10 years at Lyngblomsten, she has been engaged in all aspects of Volunteer Management, from recruitment to retirement; helping others work with volunteers utilizing best practices in Volunteer Management is a passion for Shelli.

Jay Haapala is Associate State Director – Community Engagement with AARP Minnesota, where he leads volunteers in consumer education and advocacy programs. He is an AmeriCorps alumnus and has managed volunteer programs in disaster relief, issue campaigns, sustainability initiatives, special events, early childhood programs, athletics and more.

Janene Riedeman is the Director, Volunteer Services, for St. Cloud Hospital where she oversees the volunteer program, Medical Alert Service, Home Delivered Meals, the Gorecki Guest House, and six Gift Gallery retail locations. She has served in this role since 1998, growing the program from approximately 200 volunteers to more than 1200 per year. 

Margie Solomon serves as Volunteer Engagement Specialist at Jewish Family Service of St. Paul; in this role, she works with JFS staff to identify client and agency-wide needs, and to recruit and train caring individuals to serve clients in the community. Margie’s involvement with this issue began when she connected with JFS as a volunteer herself, facilitating discussions about dementia with caregivers and community organizations.