Founded in 1997 as the National Association of Volunteer Programs in Local Government, NAVPLG is the only professional association dedicated to empowering leaders of volunteer programs across the public sector. In 2024, we proudly adopted our new name—the National Association of Volunteer Program Leaders in Government—to reflect our commitment to supporting volunteer program leaders at all levels of government, including local, state, tribal, and federal agencies. Since our inception, NAVPLG has remained grounded in its original mission, vision, and core pillars of leadership, education, advocacy, networking, and information exchange. Today, NAVPLG provides essential resources, training, and a collaborative network that drives impactful volunteer engagement and strengthens communities across the nation.
Mission Statement
To strengthen and support volunteer program leaders in the public sector by fostering leadership, promoting continuous education, advocating for volunteer engagement, facilitating meaningful networking, and enabling the exchange of valuable information.
Why focus on government volunteer programs?
NAVPLG (National Association of Volunteer Program Leaders in Government) focuses on government because government agencies at all levels—local, state, and federal—play a critical role in addressing public needs and advancing community well-being. By focusing on government, NAVPLG ensures that volunteer program leaders in the public sector have the tools, resources, and support they need to make a meaningful difference in their communities and beyond. Here are the main reasons for its focus:
- Government agencies often serve as the backbone of community services, addressing issues like disaster response, social services, public safety, education, and environmental stewardship. Volunteers amplify the reach and impact of these services.
- NAVPLG recognizes that effective volunteer engagement can help government agencies achieve their missions and respond to public needs efficiently.
- Volunteer programs in government operate within the framework of public accountability, laws, and regulations that differ significantly from nonprofit and private sectors.
- NAVPLG provides specialized guidance, resources, and advocacy to help government volunteer program leaders navigate these complexities and implement best practices.
- By focusing on government, NAVPLG can advocate for policies and funding that support the strategic use of volunteers in public service.
- It emphasizes the economic and social value of volunteerism, ensuring that government leaders recognize its importance in addressing societal challenges.
- Volunteer programs in government create opportunities for citizens to participate in democracy, build trust in public institutions, and develop a deeper connection to their communities.
- NAVPLG supports these efforts, strengthening the relationship between government and the public.
- Volunteer programs in government can address disparities in service delivery and engage diverse communities. NAVPLG supports inclusive practices that ensure volunteer opportunities are accessible and equitable.
NAVPLG Organization Structure
NAVPLG is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan, not-for-profit dues-paying, multi-teared membership organization supporting public volunteerism. In alignment with updated bylaws, the following organizational structure outlines administration support for the successful operation of the association.
NAVPLG Regions
NAVPLG is committed to fostering strong connections among its members across the country. To ensure effective engagement and support, NAVPLG has established regions based on time zones, allowing volunteer program leaders to connect with peers in their geographic areas. This structure ensures that members have access to relevant networking opportunities, resources, and professional development that align with their local time and operational needs. By using time zones to divide regions, NAVPLG enhances accessibility and collaboration, making it easier for members to participate in meetings, training sessions, and discussions that support their vital work in government volunteer programs.
Mainland United States:
- Eastern Standard Time (EST) / Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) – UTC -5 / UTC -4 (Daylight Saving Time)
- Central Standard Time (CST) / Central Daylight Time (CDT) – UTC -6 / UTC -5 (Daylight Saving Time)
- Mountain Standard Time (MST) / Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) – UTC -7 / UTC -6 (Daylight Saving Time)
- Pacific Standard Time (PST) / Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) – UTC -8 / UTC -7 (Daylight Saving Time)
Alaska & Hawaii:
- Alaska Standard Time (AKST) / Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT) – UTC -9 / UTC -8 (Daylight Saving Time)
- Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HAST) / Hawaii-Aleutian Daylight Time (HADT) – UTC -10 / UTC -9 (Daylight Saving Time, only in Aleutian Islands)
U.S. Territories:
- Samoa Standard Time (SST) – UTC -11 (American Samoa – no Daylight Saving Time)
- Chamorro Standard Time (ChST) – UTC +10 (Guam, Northern Mariana Islands – no Daylight Saving Time)
- Atlantic Standard Time (AST) – UTC -4 (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands – no Daylight Saving Time)
Each of these time zones helps structure regional connections within NAVPLG, ensuring members can engage effectively within their respective areas.
OUR WORK
NAVPLG focuses exclusively on the unique needs of volunteer programs within government structures. Challenges and issues for volunteerism in municipalities, counties, states, federal, tribal, special districts, public schools and colleges, and other government-affiliated agencies can differ substantially from those in private nonprofit volunteer programs.
NAVPLG offers government officials resources and expertise. The association promotes how volunteerism strengthens our diverse programs by sharing and promoting the employment of highly trained volunteer leaders, best practices from the sector, educational and professional development, and networking opportunities.
NAVPLG is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN #91-2195083. Your donations are welcome.