History of NAVPLG


Origins and Early Efforts (1990–1996)

The National Association of Volunteer Program Leaders in Government (NAVPLG) has its roots in the early 1990s through the National Association of Counties (NACo) Volunteerism Project. In 1990, NACo’s president launched a year-long initiative to explore and promote volunteerism within local government, recognizing the vital role volunteers play in providing public services, particularly during times of shrinking budgets and increasing service demands.

To advance this effort, NACo established a Volunteerism Task Force, composed of elected and appointed officials, to study how volunteer programs operated within county governments across the country. The task force identified best practices and developed strategies for enhancing volunteer engagement. Model programs in Salt Lake County (UT), Arlington County (VA), Multnomah County (OR), and San Diego County (CA) served as early examples of effective volunteer management in local government.

By 1991, the NACo Volunteerism Task Force had:

  • Conducted an initial survey of county-level volunteer programs.
  • Published a guide on establishing volunteer programs in local government.
  • Secured funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to expand volunteerism initiatives.

With this funding, NACo was able to develop workshops, resource materials, and a clearinghouse of information at its Washington, D.C., headquarters to further support volunteer programs.


The Volunteer Toolbox: First Edition (1990)

As part of its early efforts, the NACo Volunteerism Project developed The Volunteer Toolbox in 1990. This resource provided counties with best practices, strategies, and tools for building and maintaining volunteer programs in local government. The first edition served as a foundational guide, helping leaders create structured, effective, and sustainable volunteer programs.


The 1996 Survey on Volunteerism in County Government

To gain deeper insight into the extent and impact of volunteerism in county governments, NACo conducted a national survey in February 1996. The survey was sent to 3,042 chief elected officials and 750 county-level volunteer coordinators, receiving 842 responses from 47 states.

Key findings revealed the growing significance of volunteerism in local government:

  • 98% of responding counties engaged volunteers in some capacity.
  • Since 1991, nearly one-fifth of counties had established a formal volunteer program or central coordinating office.
  • The financial impact of volunteer contributions ranged from $100,000 to over $5 million annually in many counties.
  • Counties with centralized volunteer coordination offices received nearly three times the dollar value of volunteer service compared to those without.

While the survey confirmed the growing role of volunteerism, it also identified challenges, particularly in program evaluation, volunteer screening, and tracking volunteer contributions. These findings reinforced the need for a structured and professional approach to volunteer management, as well as further advocacy for its importance in government operations.


The Volunteer Toolbox: Second Edition (1996)

Building on the success of the 1990 edition, NACo worked with its Volunteerism Task Force to develop a second edition of The Volunteer Toolbox in 1996. This expanded version included new insights from the 1996 survey, additional case studies, and enhanced strategies for integrating volunteers into county government operations.


Establishment of NAVPLG as a NACo Affiliate (1997)

Recognizing the need for a dedicated professional organization to support and advocate for volunteer managers in government, leaders from the NACo Volunteerism Project took steps to establish an official affiliate organization.

In May 1997, NACo’s Board of Directors approved the formation of the National Association of Volunteer Programs in Local Government (NAVPLG). The NACo membership formally granted NAVPLG affiliate status on July 15, 1997, at the NACo Annual Conference.


NAVPLG’s Journey to Independence and 501(c)(3) Status (2003)

Initially, NAVPLG operated under the nonprofit status of NACo and the Association for Administration (AVA), which provided essential organizational support. However, as NAVPLG grew, the need for financial and operational independence became clear.

On July 3, 2003, NAVPLG officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, allowing it to:

  • Manage its own finances (membership dues, grants, and donations).
  • Expand training and professional development opportunities.
  • Advocate more effectively for volunteerism in government.

The dissolution of AVA in 2006 further underscored the importance of NAVPLG’s independence, ensuring that it remained a stable and self-sufficient organization dedicated to government-based volunteer leadership.


    NAVPLG’s Growth and Impact (2003–2024)

    Since becoming an independent nonprofit, NAVPLG has continued to evolve, expanding its:

    • National Awards Program, recognizing excellence in government volunteer leadership.
    • Educational initiatives, including professional certification promotion.
    • Quarterly newsletters, providing best practices and industry updates.
    • Annual meetings, facilitating networking and knowledge-sharing.
    • Preconference sessions at the Points of Light Conference, formerly known as the National Conference on Service and Volunteerism.


    The Volunteer Toolbox: Third Edition (2012)

    By 2012, NAVPLG had solidified itself as the premier network for volunteer program leaders in government. In collaboration with NACo, NAVPLG released the third edition of The Volunteer Toolbox. This version reflected NAVPLG’s firsthand expertise in running government volunteer programs and included updated strategies to help local governments:

    • Enhance program structure and effectiveness.
    • Increase volunteer recruitment and retention.
    • Address challenges in volunteer management specific to public service settings.


    A New Era: NAVPLG’s Name Change and Brand Identity Refresh (2024–2025)

    In 2024, NAVPLG underwent a significant transformation to better reflect its mission and the professionals it serves. The organization officially changed its name to the National Association of Volunteer Program Leaders in Government.

    Alongside the name change, NAVPLG introduced a new logo and refreshed brand identity, symbolizing its evolution and dedication to advancing volunteerism in the public sector. This rebranding aligns with NAVPLG’s ongoing mission to provide leadership, advocacy, and resources for volunteer program leaders nationwide.


    The Volunteer Toolbox: Fourth Edition (2025)

    As part of this new era, NAVPLG is once again collaborating with NACo to release the fourth edition of The Volunteer Toolbox in 2025. This update will incorporate modern volunteer engagement strategies, emerging best practices, and resources to help local governments maximize their volunteer programs.

    This latest edition will:

    • Reflect changes in volunteerism trends, including virtual and skills-based volunteering.
    • Provide updated legal and policy guidance for government volunteer programs.
    • Offer new tools and templates for effective program management.


    Looking Ahead

    As NAVPLG moves forward, it remains committed to empowering volunteer program leaders in government through leadership, education, advocacy, networking, and information exchange. By providing resources, promoting best practices, and fostering strategic partnerships, NAVPLG ensures that volunteerism continues to strengthen communities and enhance government services. With a focus on professional development and the recognition of volunteer leadership roles, NAVPLG will continue to support and elevate those who make a lasting impact through volunteer engagement.

    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:

    Together, let’s strengthen the impact of volunteerism in government!