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Spark the Change’s updated Volunteer Engagement Training Program (VETP), formerly the Volunteer Management Training Series (VMTS), consists of six modules created by the Points of Light Institute and updated in 2020. Classes are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the major components of nonprofit volunteer engagement. Earn a Volunteer Engagement Certificate and start developing volunteer recruitment, retention, and recognition strategies and methods of offering projects for diverse audiences.
Who is it for?:
For many nonprofit organizations, volunteer help is vital. Discover how your nonprofit can run a volunteer program, cultivate leaders and benefit from volunteer expertise. Looking to learn ways to recruit, train, and recognize volunteers in your organization? VETP is perfect for you! This valuable program will enhance your knowledge whether you are a new or seasoned volunteer manager.
Premium Spark Members are eligible to receive a 10% discount for up to 2 employees. To receive the Promo Code for this discount, contact Nira Duvan at nduvan@sparkthechangecolorado.org. (Discounts are 10% off each registration, not 20% off the total of 2 registrations.)
Session Schedule Meet the Trainers
VETP MODULES:
March 29th, 2022
Session 1: Establishing the Framework
9am-12pm Session
12:00 - 12:30 Networking Chat
Facilitated by Natalie Gorak
Describe volunteerism and its role in civic life today. Identify elements of, explore barriers to, and motivators for volunteer engagement.
April 12th, 2022
Session 3: Opportunities & Outreach
9am-11:30am Session
11:30 - 12:00 Networking Chat
Facilitated by Mark Smith & Gabby Ewell
Acquire tools with a Volunteer Experience Lens to get the volunteers you need in the door. Examine trends in volunteerism, develop position descriptions, explore targeted recruitment, and develop an outreach strategy.
April 26th, 2022
Session 5: Supervision & Support
9am-11:30am Session
11:30 - 12:00 Networking Chat
Facilitated by Tracy Vlnicka & Kelly Streck
Provide tools and strategies to ensure volunteers feel supported, effective and appreciated. Explore causes of and options for addressing volunteer performance problems and identify effective ways to reward and recognize volunteers.
April 5th, 2022
Session 2: Planning for Volunteer Engagement
9am-11:30am Session
11:30 - 12:00 Networking Chat
Facilitated by Kelly Streck & Angela Bomgaars
Start planning for how and where volunteers fit in our organizations. Learn how to conduct a Volunteer Engagement Assessment, consider risk, and identify the many steps, resources and support needed to effectively engage volunteers.
April 19th, 2022
Session 4: Intake & Onboarding
9am-11:30am Session
11:30 - 12:00 Networking Chat
Facilitated by Emily Dobish & Natalie Gorak
Recognize the difference between orienting and training volunteers and staff by creating systems to effectively screen, interview, match, place, orient and train volunteers. Assess training needs and design training to equip volunteers and staff.
May 3rd, 2022
Session 6: Evaluation
9am-11:30am Session
11:30 - 12:00 Networking Chat
Facilitated by Kelly Streck & Nicole StanekScott
Examine strategies for figuring out what is and isn’t working by building a foundation for evaluating volunteer engagement. Recognize the difference between Program and Stakeholder Evaluation, explore Impact Statements, Mutual Feedback and Stakeholder Satisfaction Surveys, and learn how to improve outcomes for volunteers, staff and the organization as a whole.
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR OUR SPRING 2022 SERIES.
For Premium Member discount, questions, upcoming trainings, or to join the waitlist for the next series, contact Kelly Streck at KStreck@sparkthechangecolorado.org.
Download the Participant Photo/Video Release Form
Meet the Trainers!
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Natalie Gorak Natalie earned a Bachelors in Sociology from University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Masters in Education and Human Development from University of Colorado-Denver. She's especially proud of her thesis from the Masters program, where she conducted her own research exploring the concept of fictive kin among young adults experiencing homelessness! Most of Natalie's past work experience involved working with folks experiencing homelessness, both adults and young adults. Through that work, she saw the important role volunteers play in making a nonprofit successful. This left her ready to shift focus from direct service to volunteer recruitment and engagement. |
Natalie Gorak RSVP Park County Manager Spark the Change Colorado - RSVP Program |
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Kelly Streck After teaching English abroad for 2 years in Poland and Japan, Kelly Streck started her career in non-profit program development and volunteer management at Young Americans Center for Financial Education teaching K-12 students and parents about personal financial literacy for 5 years. From there she joined the Young Philanthropists Foundation working with kids in the Penny Harvest, then directed summer camps at Wapiyapi for kids with cancer and their siblings. Before joining Metro Volunteers, now Spark the Change Colorado, she taught modules of the Volunteer Management Training Series having no idea at the time that was foreshadowing her next nonprofit home! At Spark the Change Colorado, Kelly is the Director of Community Engagement. As a mom with a 4 year old and a 16 month old, Kelly believes in the importance of living with a positive impact as a professional and as a family. |
Kelly Streck Director of Community Engagement Spark the Change Colorado |
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Gabby Ewell Gabby Ewell joined Spark the Change Colorado staff in 2021 as the Programs Administrative Assistant. Her roll lends support to the Community Engagement Department, the Mental Wellness Program, and the Empowering Aging Department! Gabby has received a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Outdoor Education, and is pursuing a Masters of Science in Outdoor Recreation Economy. Gabby is passionate about volunteering to make outdoor recreation more accessible to all, and currently volunteers as a Board Sports Mentor to underserved youth. In her free time, Gabby enjoys rock climbing, snowboarding, and plant keeping. |
Gabby Ewell Programs Administrative Assistant Spark the Change Colorado |
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Angela Bomgaars Angela began as a member of Extreme Community Makeover’s founding team, helping to develop what was then an idea into a solid program model. Angela transitioned ECM into an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, while developing strategic partnerships, initiating relationships with residents and organizations in target communities, and providing leadership to thousands of volunteers. She manages all of ECM’s administrative functions, fundraising, and operations. Angela holds a master's degree in Leadership and a bachelor's degree in Social Work, and is actively involved in further nonprofit education and training. Most recently, Angela received a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. |
Angela Bomgaars Executive Director Extreme Community Makeover |
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Tracy Vlnicka Tracy Vlnicka is the Volunteer Services Manager at Denver Botanic Gardens. She has gained professional experience from connections with a variety of organizations to engage teen and adult volunteers, build partnerships, strengthen collaborations, and manage stellar teams. Tracy is passionate about connecting people to nature and has been privileged to work for some amazing organizations who do just that. She has experience with service learning program development, international travel with volunteers/students, and volunteer program planning. Tracy also loves to cook, bake, spend time with her kiddos and teach REFIT fitness classes. |
Tracy Vlnicka Volunteer Services Manager Denver Botanic Gardens |
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Emily Dobish
Emily Dobish is the Director of Volunteer Engagement for History Colorado where she provides leadership and oversight of the volunteer engagement strategy. Prior to moving to Colorado, she worked as a Faculty Assistant at the Harvard Business School. She has an M.A. in Museum Studies from Harvard University, and a B.A. in History from York College of Pennsylvania. |
Emily Dobish Director of Volunteer Engagement History Colorado |
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Nicole Stanekscott
Nicole is a seasoned Volunteer Professional who has been working in volunteer engagement with Habitat for Humanity for over 10 years. She started her time with Habitat as an AmeriCorps member in 2009. Nicole has been in her current role as the Director of Volunteer Engagement at Habitat Metro Denver since March 2018, where she lead the team through the Service Enterprise Certification. Nicole is Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA), holds a Masters in Nonprofit Management from Regis University, and a Bachelor’s from Syracuse University. |
Nicole Stanekscott Director of Volunteer Engagement Habitat for Humanity Metro Denver |
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Mark W. Smith Mark’s has over 20 years of volunteer management experience, having worked at Volunteers of America and the City of Lakewood prior to joining Project Angel Heart in February 2013. As the Director of Community Engagement at Project Angel Heart, Mark oversees a staff of five individuals who support the statewide delivery program for clients living with a severe illness. Mark served the last 4 years on the executive committee and as a Board Member for the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE), and as the keynote speaker and session presenter for the 2018 Colorado Conference on Volunteerism. Prior to that Mark served nine years on the Board of Directors for DOVIA Colorado (Directors of Volunteers in Agencies) serving two years as the President. Mark has been a Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) since 2016, and mentors non-profit agencies with volunteer-related issues. When Mark is away from work, he loves trips to the mountains, taking in all the glory and beauty that Colorado has to offer. Mark is also a Denver native and has a deep love for animals, and of course tacos. |
Mark W. Smith Director of Community Engagement Project Angel Heart |
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