Leadership Exchange Forums
"A Collaborative Space for Government Volunteer Program Leaders"
Leadership Exchange Forums offer NAVPLG members a dedicated space to engage in open, dynamic discussions on topics critical to volunteer program leadership within the public sector. These quarterly virtual forums bring together government volunteer leaders from across the country to share insights, challenges, and best practices in a supportive and collaborative environment. Each session focuses on relevant themes, from enhancing volunteer engagement to navigating policy changes and fostering inclusivity. Led by experienced facilitators and enriched by diverse perspectives, the Leadership Exchange Forums empower members to learn from one another, gain fresh perspectives, and strengthen their approach to leading impactful volunteer programs. Join us to connect, collaborate, and advance your leadership with NAVPLG’s trusted community of professionals.
Format: Virtual (or in-person, if applicable)
Duration: 60–90 minutes
Frequency: Quarterly (special sessions may be added by NAVPLG)
Facilitator: NAVPLG Board Member or Guest Moderator
Pre-Forum Survey: Participants submit questions or challenges ahead of time to shape the discussion.
1. Welcome & Introductions (10-15 min)
- Welcome from NAVPLG leadership or moderator
- Brief overview of NAVPLG for new participants
- Participant introductions (name, role, location, agency)
2. Topic Presentation & Expert Insights (15-20 min)
- Each forum will focus on a key topic affecting government volunteer programs (e.g., recruitment strategies, DEIA, emergency management, funding, risk management).
- A guest speaker or experienced NAVPLG member may present best practices, research, or case studies related to the topic.
3. Peer Discussion & Knowledge Exchange (30-40 min)
- Guided discussion with key questions to explore challenges, strategies, and solutions.
- Breakout rooms may be used for small-group discussions (if virtual).
- Participants share real-world experiences, policies, and tools.
4. Resource Sharing & Takeaways (10-15 min)
- Sharing of templates, toolkits, or sample policies.
- Participants are encouraged to post resources in a shared online space (Google Drive, NAVPLG portal, etc.).
- Identification of key takeaways and actionable ideas.
5. Closing & Next Steps (5-10 min)
- Summary of major points discussed.
- Announcements about future NAVPLG events or advocacy efforts.
- Call for volunteers to lead or present at future forums.
- Post-event survey link for feedback.
Networking & Peer Connection: Encourage follow-up discussions via NAVPLG online community.
Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025)
ð Date: March 26, 2025; 12 pm-1 pm Pacific Standard Time
Theme: Advocacy for Volunteerism & Leadership Support
- Focus: Strengthening the role of volunteer programs in government through advocacy and leadership engagement.
- Potential Topics:
- Making the case for volunteerism at the executive and legislative levels
- Strategies to gain buy-in from government leadership
- Building a network of champions for volunteer engagement
- Guest Speaker: A government affairs expert or volunteerism advocate.
- Resource Sharing: Advocacy toolkits, messaging templates, and case studies on successful government volunteer advocacy.
ð Date: June 25, 2025; 12 pm-1 pm Pacific Standard Time
Theme: Technology & Innovation in Volunteer Engagement
- Focus: Leveraging technology to enhance recruitment, engagement, and program management.
- Potential Topics:
- Best volunteer management software for government agencies
- Using data and analytics to demonstrate impact
- Virtual and hybrid volunteering opportunities
- Guest Speaker: Tech expert specializing in volunteer management platforms.
- Resource Sharing: Software comparison charts, digital engagement best practices, and implementation guides.
Fiscal Year 2026 (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026)
ð Date: September 24, 2025, 12 pm-1 pm Pacific Standard Time
Theme: Disaster Response & Emergency Preparedness
- Focus: Mobilizing volunteers effectively in times of crisis and disaster response.
- Potential Topics:
- Building and managing a government-based volunteer emergency response team
- Coordination with emergency management agencies and nonprofits
- Legal and logistical considerations for disaster volunteers
- Guest Speaker: Emergency management professional or FEMA representative.
- Resource Sharing: Volunteer disaster response plans, training materials, and case studies from past emergencies.
ð Date: December 3, 2025; 12 pm - 1 pm Pacific Standard Time
Theme: Funding, Budgeting, & Advocacy for Volunteer Programs
- Focus: Securing financial and organizational support for volunteer programs.
- Potential Topics:
- Identifying government grants and alternative funding sources
- Developing compelling impact reports for funders and stakeholders
- Making the case for increased budget allocations
- Guest Speaker: Grant specialist or nonprofit funding expert.
- Resource Sharing: Grant templates, budget justification examples, and impact report samples.
ð Date: March 25, 2026; 12 pm - 1 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Theme: Interagency Collaboration & Partnerships
- Focus: Strengthening collaboration between government agencies, nonprofits, and private partners.
- Potential Topics:
- Establishing successful multi-agency volunteer initiatives
- Overcoming barriers in cross-sector collaboration
- Case studies of government and nonprofit partnership success
- Guest Speaker: Public-private partnership expert or government collaboration strategist.
- Resource Sharing: Partnership agreement templates, MOUs, and best practice guides.
ð Date: June 24, 2026; 12 pm-1 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Theme: Risk Management & Compliance
- Focus: Ensuring legal, ethical, and safety compliance in government volunteer programs.
- Potential Topics:
- Background checks and volunteer screening best practices
- Liability issues and risk mitigation strategies
- Government policies affecting volunteer engagement
- Guest Speaker: Legal expert or risk management professional.
- Resource Sharing: Sample liability waivers, background check policies, and risk assessment templates.
Join NAVPLG – Empowering Leaders in Volunteer Engagement
Are you ready to transform your volunteer program and advance your career? NAVPLG is your trusted network for the tools, resources, insights, and connections you need to excel.
When you join, you’ll become part of a vibrant community of professionals committed to driving meaningful change in public sector volunteerism. Together, we inspire innovation, foster collaboration, and amplify the impact of volunteer engagement.
Exclusive Member Benefits Include:
- Leadership Exchange Forums
- Professional Development Series (Live Sessions)
- Professional Development (On-Demand)
- AL!VE Academy and COP
- Conference Discounts and Exclusive Sessions
- S.P.A.R.K. Mentorship Program
- Social Spark Networking
- Achievement Awards
- Virtual Office Hours
- Member Directory
- Resource Library
- Newsletter Archives and Blog
- Scholarship Opportunities
Together, let’s strengthen the impact of volunteerism in government!