I believe investing in training for volunteer engagement professionals is critical to an organization’s success, and Spark the Change Colorado is the best source in the state. Five of my colleagues at The Phoenix became certified through Spark’s Volunteer Engagement Training Program . Today, these individuals are champions of volunteerism in the organization, demonstrating knowledge and expertise that positions them as leaders amongst their peers, and yields extra-ordinary volunteer impact. Thank you, Spark the Change Colorado!" |
Volunteer Engagement Training Program (VETP)
VETP, developed by Points of Light, is a series of six modules that provide a comprehensive understanding of the components of a volunteer program. Volunteer administrators and anyone who has responsibility for recruiting, coordinating, or managing volunteers will benefit from this interactive curriculum, which is based on the latest research and best practices in the industry.
This in-person training will include information and tools related to an element of volunteer program management (see topics below), practical guidance to incorporate the learnings and tools into your program, and dedicated time for peer-to-peer engagement that will allow you to troubleshoot a program issue and receive support, resources, and suggestions from your professional peers.
VETP, developed by Points of Light, is a series of six modules that provide a comprehensive understanding of the components of a volunteer program. Volunteer administrators and anyone who has responsibility for recruiting, coordinating, or managing volunteers will benefit from this interactive curriculum, which is based on the latest research and best practices in the industry.
This in-person training will include information and tools related to an element of volunteer program management (see topics below), practical guidance to incorporate the learnings and tools into your program, and dedicated time for peer-to-peer engagement that will allow you to troubleshoot a program issue and receive support, resources, and suggestions from your professional peers.
2024 training dates have concluded. 2025 training dates are TBD and will be announced in The Spark Plug, our monthly volunteer newsletter, soon!
What Does VETP Cover?
Module #1: Establishing the Framework
Describe volunteerism and its role in civic life today. Identify elements of, explore barriers to, and motivators for volunteer engagement. |
Module #2: Planning for Volunteer Engagement
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. |
Module #3: Opportunities & Outreach
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. |
Module #4: Intake & Onboarding
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. |
Module #5: Supervision & Support
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. |
Module #6: Evaluation
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. |