NAVPLG encourages education, professional development, and credentials because they are crucial for leaders in volunteer engagement who support public agencies. These elements ensure that leaders remain equipped with up-to-date knowledge and best practices, enabling them to effectively coordinate volunteer programs that align with public service goals. Professional development sharpens leadership capabilities, fostering skills such as strategic planning, resource management, and community collaboration—all of which are essential for enhancing volunteer contributions and maximizing program impact. Credentials further validate a leader’s dedication and expertise, boosting their credibility and fostering trust with stakeholders, volunteers, and the public. By promoting these areas, NAVPLG supports leaders in cultivating high-quality, equitable, and sustainable volunteer programs that strengthen public service initiatives. Below are opportunities to learn and grow while leading government volunteer programs.

Virtual Education Series

The Virtual Education Series offers high-quality educational opportunities designed to support those responsible for managing, overseeing, or collaborating with governmental volunteer programs while remaining beneficial for all attendees. The series emphasizes the development of inclusive volunteer programs, enhancement of leadership capabilities, and engagement with subject matter experts connected to government organizations. Throughout the year, NAVPLG presents a range of topics led by world-class trainers and experienced professionals in the field. New webinars are added to the NAVPLG calendar as they are scheduled, and recordings are available to members in the exclusive 'members-only' section of the site.

NAVPLG is also committed to promoting training that advances public sector initiatives and supports the professional growth of its members. To explore additional training and conference opportunities or submit events within your jurisdiction, visit the NAVPLG Calendar of Events.

Webinars in the NAVPLG Virtual Education Series are offered free of charge to active NAVPLG members, with extended invitations to AL!VE members. The general public is welcome to participate for $15 per webinar.

Register on the NAVPLG Calendar

2024 Virtual Education Series Topics

2025 Virtual Education Series Topics

NAVPLG Local Conference (May 2025, San Diego, CA)

In collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU) and the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA), and hosted by the National Association of Volunteer Program Leaders in Government (NAVPLG) alongside the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation, NAVPLG is proud to present a one-day, in-person conference in San Diego, California. This event will focus on the Assessing Diversity and Equity in Volunteer Inclusion (ADEVI) research project, funded by AmeriCorps, a U.S. federal agency. Currently in the planning stages, the conference is slated for May 2025, with detailed information to be announced by January 2025. Learn more about the research project at cvacert.org/adevi.

NAVPLG Hybrid Conference (Planning for 2026)

Inspired by our partners at AL!VE, NAVPLG is excited to develop a hybrid conference tailored to support leaders of government volunteer programs, public administrators, and elected officials across the nation.

What is a Hybrid Conference? A hybrid conference combines the benefits of virtual and in-person experiences. Dynamic and engaging presenters deliver live-streamed sessions that can be accessed by participating groups throughout the U.S., including all 50 states, Washington D.C., U.S. territories, military bases, embassies, and consulates worldwide. This format allows local groups to host gatherings that are connected to a nationwide virtual event, fostering both local and national dialogue.

How It Works: The conference will take place on two separate days to accommodate time zones across North America. Groups register to participate and host the live-streamed conference at a local venue. Each location needs a high-speed internet connection, a screen, a local facilitator, handouts, and refreshments for participants. The local facilitator will lead discussions in coordination with the live presentations, encouraging collaboration and interaction within the group and with national participants.

NAVPLG representatives will guide individual attendees through the day and facilitate small group discussions among similar cohorts. This approach promotes meaningful conversations, shared learning, and a sense of community among volunteer leaders, public administrators, and officials.

Join us in our initial planning for this innovative hybrid experience and connect with peers across the country while engaging in professional development and shared dialogue.

Certifications and Credentials

Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA) is an international professional certification in the field of volunteer resources management. Sponsored by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA), this credential recognizes practitioners who meet specified standards as measured through an examination developed by their peers. Successful candidates who earn the credential may use the designation “CVA.” An international CVA registry is maintained and publicly available on the CCVA website: https://cvacert.org/cva-registry/

Individuals pursuing the CVA credential are expected to demonstrate successfully the knowledge needed to lead and manage volunteer engagement effectively. Seven core competencies serve as a foundation for this profession, regardless of the setting or type of organization where volunteers are engaged.

Register for an upcoming information session

Certified Administrator of Volunteer Services (CAVS) is intended for healthcare professionals or individuals interested in volunteer leadership. The purpose of CAVS certification is to promote healthcare volunteer services management through the certification of qualified individuals by:

• Recognizing formally those individuals who meet the CAVS eligibility requirements and pass the examination.
• Encouraging continued personal and professional growth in the practice of healthcare volunteer services management.
• Providing a global standard of requisite knowledge required for certification, thereby assisting employers, the public, and members of health professions in the assessment of a healthcare volunteer services manager.
• The CAVS exam is offered in January and July each year. 

CAVS Exam Overview

Certification for Directors of Volunteer Services (CDVS) is open to Society for Healthcare Volunteer Leaders (SHVL) members interested in reaching and maintaining greater educational competence and higher professional standards.

Eligibility: Be a member of SHVL for at least two years, have attended one SHVL in-person conference before applying, and have three years of experience as a leader of volunteer services in a healthcare facility.

CDVS Overview

2025 Points of Light Conference

Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE): Community of Practice