12-month Volunteer Management Workshop Series

United Way British Columbia’s Volunteer Strategy Team is launching our 12-month Volunteer Management Workshop Series. These 60–90-minute introductory live training sessions help you to build foundational volunteer management knowledge and skills and are designed specifically for non-profit professionals managing volunteers as part of their role. Sessions will be held monthly on select Tuesdays between 10:00-11:30AM.

We are excited to share with you our line-up of speakers and topics for the next six months below.

Please note:

1. Register as soon as you can in any - and as many - of the topics that interest you.
2. These sessions will be offered live and will not be recorded.

JANUARY 24, 2023 (Tuesday at 10:00am – 11:30am)

Speaker: Mary Catherine Williams               Topic: Having Difficult Conversations with Volunteers               

When difficulties arise with a volunteer or in a volunteer program, it is important to address these in a proactive and timely way. Sometimes, with support and coaching, the problem can be minimized or solved, but other times more action will be needed. This workshop will explore why problems may develop and effective steps to take to solve the issues.

Register here to learn about having difficult conversations with volunteers. Registration will be closed 48 hours before the event.

FEBRUARY 21, 2023 (Tuesday at 10:00am – 11:30am)

Speaker: Nancy Shelford                                Topic: Volunteer Recognition and Stewardship

Recognition is key to providing an engaging experience and retaining volunteers. But what will make the most difference for your volunteers? We'll talk about how to make recognition meaningful, types of recognition and why they matter, and some ideas on how to get started. Your recognition program can make sure volunteers know that they are welcomed and appreciated, and that they're making a difference.

Register here to learn more about the basics of volunteer recognition and stewardship. Registration will be closed 48 hours before the event.

MARCH 21, 2023 (Tuesday at 10:00am – 11:30am)

Speaker: Holly Jones, CVA                            Topic: To be announced in February’s invite.

Holly is a seasoned volunteer management professional with extensive experience in volunteer programming in supporting new commers to Canada. The focus of her workshop will be around volunteer programming in the settlement sector.

Register here to attend this workshop session with Holly. Registration will be closed 48 hours before the event.

APRIL 18, 2023 (Tuesday at 10:00am – 11:30am)

Speaker: Beth Cougler Blom                          Topic: To be announced in March’s invite.

Beth is a learning designer and expert facilitator with extensive experience in volunteer management. The focus of her workshop will be around building and facilitating engaging volunteer sessions.

Register here to attend this workshop session with Beth. Registration will be closed 48 hours before the event.

APRIL 25, 2023 (Tuesday at 10:00am – 11:30am)

Speaker: Erin Spink                                       National Volunteer Week Special: Finding the RRRRRIght Fit

Finding the Rrright Fit: Learn about the overlooked critical ‘fits’ you’re missing when determining if a volunteer is the right fit or not.

Register here to learn ways to find a great volunteer match. Registration will be closed 48 hours before the event.

MAY 23, 2023 (Tuesday at 10:00am – 11:30am)

Speaker: Karen Knight                                   Topic: 5 Steps to Building a Stellar Volunteer Team

1.      Are you a volunteer coordinator who is frustrated because volunteers cancel shifts with little (or no) notice, or work for a month or two, then disappear?

2.      Are you a leader of volunteers who is having trouble finding enough qualified volunteers to run your programs?

3.      As an executive director, are you spending too much of your time trying to recruit and manage volunteers?

This session is for you! Together, we will work through the five elements of an effective volunteer program: recruiting, training, managing, program review and appreciation.

What you'll learn:

1.      How to find and sign up enough of the right volunteers.

2.      How to onboard and train in such a way as to reduce or eliminate volunteer mistakes.

3.      How to have respectful and appreciative relations between staff and volunteers.

4.      How to keep volunteers happy & engaged for the long term.

With the right team of volunteers you can increase your impact without increasing resources.

Register here to learn about how to build a stellar volunteer team. Registration will be closed 48 hours before the event.

JUNE 20, 2023 (Tuesday at 10:00am – 11:30am)

Speakers: UWBC Emergency Response Team, Jeanne Legua, and Michelle Rodgers (Canadian Red Cross)          

Topic: Emergency Response Panel on Volunteer Management and Mobilization

Register here to learn more about volunteer management and mobilization during emergencies. Registration will be closed 48 hours before the event.

IMPORTANT

Please make sure to check your spam folder for registration confirmation and calendar invite. We highly recommend you add the event to your calendar, so you don’t miss it.

We have also linked the list of our speakers here from Jan – Dec 2023. Feel free to browse through it and get to know them better. We look forward to seeing you there!