Membership in NAVPLG

Joining NAVPLG means stepping into a dynamic community of leaders committed to transforming volunteer engagement within the public sector. By becoming a member, you gain access to invaluable professional development resources, interactive webinars, and expert-led forums that keep you at the forefront of best practices and innovation. Beyond the education and insights, NAVPLG offers a space where passionate professionals connect, share stories, and support one another. From leadership opportunities to exclusive networking and collaboration, NAVPLG empowers you to elevate your impact, inspire change, and be part of a nationwide movement that champions the importance of volunteerism. If you're ready to enrich your career, embrace new challenges, and have fun while making a difference, NAVPLG is your professional home.

Membership Eligibility

Membership is open to individuals and groups involved in managing or administering volunteer programs within the public sector. Eligible members include those working at various levels of government, such as:

Municipal Governments: Cities, towns, villages, and boroughs
County Governments: Including parishes and townships
State Governments
Tribal Nations (American Indians and Alaska Natives)
Federal Government: Including the District of Columbia, U.S. military, U.S. territories, and freely associated states
Special Purpose Districts: Such as those focused on environmental services, health and hospitals, transportation, utilities, and more
Public School Districts: Covering K-12 education and its variations (excluding charter schools)
Public Colleges and Universities: Excludes private or nonprofit higher education institutions
Contracted Non-Governmental Organizations: Companies or organizations officially contracted by a recognized government agency to administer or manage volunteer programs

This wide-ranging eligibility ensures that NAVPLG membership encompasses a broad spectrum of volunteer engagement leaders who serve the public good across diverse governmental structures.

Membership Categories

The National Association of Volunteer Program Leaders in Government (NAVPLG) offers flexible membership categories to meet the diverse needs of individuals and organizations involved in volunteer engagement within the public sector.

Individual Membership:
- For professionals who meet NAVPLG’s primary eligibility criteria, such as those directly involved in managing or coordinating government volunteer programs.
- Supporter memberships are available for individuals who may not meet the primary criteria but wish to support NAVPLG’s mission and benefit from its resources and networking opportunities.
Group Membership:
- Designed for agencies, departments, or organizations with multiple staff members engaged in volunteer management.
- Primary Group Membership is for teams whose members meet the eligibility criteria.
- Supporter Group Membership is available for organizations that do not fully align with the eligibility criteria but seek to support NAVPLG and access professional development opportunities.

These membership options ensure inclusivity and foster collaboration across various stakeholders in the volunteer management field while aligning with NAVPLG’s mission to advance professional volunteer administration in government.

Individual Memberships

Professional Membership ($50)
Designed for professionals actively employed by recognized U.S. government entities—including federal, state, and local governments, Tribal Nations (American Indians and Alaska Natives), U.S. districts and territories, public colleges and universities, public K-12 school districts, military institutions, and public special purpose districts—who are responsible for administering or leading volunteer programs. Additionally, individuals from contracted non-governmental organizations officially engaged by a government agency to manage or oversee volunteer programs are eligible to join under this category. Memberships are transferable if paid for by a recognized government entity.

Advocate Membership ($50)
Intended for individuals serving in roles on government boards, advisory councils, or holding elected or appointed civic positions (paid or unpaid) who are passionate about supporting civic and community volunteerism. Memberships are transferable if funded by a government agency.

Young Professional Membership ($35)
Tailored for professionals aged 35 and under who are employed at least part-time within a recognized U.S. government entity and have roles involving the support or leadership of volunteer programs.

Retired Professional Membership ($25)
For individuals who have retired from recognized U.S. government organizations or Tribal Nations, where their career included leadership in volunteer programs, and who wish to remain engaged in the field.

Supporting Individual Membership ($75, Non-Voting)

This membership is for individuals from non-governmental, nonprofit organizations, or for-profit companies who wish to support NAVPLG’s mission and connect with the volunteer leadership community. While not aligning with the primary eligibility criteria, Supporting Individual members enjoy access to NAVPLG’s resources, training sessions, and networking opportunities that foster collaboration and shared learning in volunteer engagement. This membership is non-voting and non-transferable.

Group Memberships

Government Group Membership ($200)
Designed for recognized government agencies or departments, this membership package includes six individual professional memberships for the price of four. It provides full access to NAVPLG resources, training, and networking opportunities. Additional individual memberships can be purchased at a discounted rate of $40 each. Memberships are transferable if paid for by a recognized government entity.

Association Training Membership ($200, Non-Voting)
This membership is tailored for associations whose mission supports volunteer engagement professionals. Members under this category are eligible to attend all NAVPLG training sessions at no additional cost using a unique discount code provided with the membership. This membership level is non-voting.

Supporting Organization Membership ($350, Non-Voting)
Ideal for nonprofit organizations or for-profit companies that focus on volunteer and civic engagement. This membership package includes six supporting individual memberships for less than the cost of five, providing access to NAVPLG’s resources and training. No additional memberships can be purchased under this plan. Memberships in this category are non-voting.

1. What is NAVPLG?

NAVPLG is the National Association of Volunteer Program Leaders in Government, a professional organization dedicated to supporting volunteer program leaders in government settings. We provide resources, networking opportunities, professional development, and advocacy for volunteer engagement professionals.

2. Who can become a member of NAVPLG?

Membership is open to anyone who manages or supports volunteer programs in government or public-sector organizations. This includes local, state, tribal, and federal government agencies, as well as those involved in public-serving organizations that collaborate with government entities.

3. What are the benefits of joining NAVPLG?

Members enjoy several benefits, including:

Access to exclusive professional development webinars and training.
Networking opportunities with peers across the country.
Resources, templates, and tools tailored to public-sector volunteer program management.
A subscription to NAVPLG’s newsletter.
Discounted rates for NAVPLG conferences and events.
Discounts to resources.
Recognition opportunities such as awards for excellence in volunteer engagement.

4. How much does membership cost?

Membership fees are affordable and structured to accommodate individuals or groups.

5. How do I join NAVPLG?

You can join NAVPLG by completing the membership application available on the NAVPLG website. Payment options include online payment via credit card or by invoice for agency-sponsored memberships.

6. Can my organization purchase a group membership?

Yes! NAVPLG offers group memberships to make it easier for multiple team members within an organization to benefit from NAVPLG's resources and support. Contact us for more information about group membership pricing and benefits.

7. Are there opportunities for professional development?

Absolutely! NAVPLG provides a range of professional development opportunities, including:

Webinars and virtual workshops.
Annual conferences.
Mentorship Program
Best-practice sharing sessions.
Opportunities to present your own work or programs to a national audience.

8. How can I get involved in NAVPLG beyond being a member?

Members are encouraged to take an active role by:

Joining NAVPLG committees or working groups.
Contributing articles or resources to the newsletter.
Participating in networking events.
Nominating colleagues or yourself for NAVPLG awards.
Serving on the NAVPLG Board of Directors.

9. How does NAVPLG advocate for volunteer engagement?

NAVPLG works to elevate the importance of volunteerism within the public sector by:

Promoting policies that support volunteer program funding and resources.
Partnering with other national organizations to advance volunteer engagement initiatives.
Showcasing the impact of volunteer programs through data and storytelling.

10. What happens if I change jobs or move to a different agency?

Membership in NAVPLG is tied to the individual rather than the organization. If you change jobs or move, you can retain your membership and continue to benefit from NAVPLG's resources. Just update your contact information through your member portal.

11. How can I contact NAVPLG for additional questions?

For any questions or assistance, reach out to us through the contact form on our website. We’re here to help!

NAVPLG Member Benefits

Joining NAVPLG connects you with valuable resources and a community dedicated to advancing volunteer engagement in the public sector. Membership benefits include:

Complimentary Access to the Professional Development Series: Participate in monthly webinars focused on topics relevant to professionals managing government volunteer programs. Members also gain exclusive access to a comprehensive library of past presentations on the members-only section of the NAVPLG website.
Free Access to AL!VE Academy Webinars: Benefit from monthly sessions that delve into essential volunteer engagement practices. Content with a focus on Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) is offered quarterly and is open to all participants.
Participation in the Leadership Exchange Series: Engage in virtual discussions led by a panel of experienced leaders who share their expertise, best practices, and insights on topics chosen based on member input and current needs in the field.
Participation in the S.P.A.R.K. Mentoring Program: One of NAVPLG's initial programs, experienced leaders and emerging leaders are partnered for 30, 60, or 90-day mentorships.
Quarterly Member Newsletter: Stay informed with a newsletter designed to support volunteer engagement leaders. Each issue features industry-focused articles, partnership opportunities, discounts, professional development resources, upcoming events, recognition programs, and more.
Joint Access to the AL!VE Community of Practice: Volunteer Programs in Local Government: Participate in enriching discussions that explore the unique challenges and successes faced by government volunteer programs. This community of practice meets quarterly, fostering an environment for collaboration and shared learning.
- 2024 Dates: January 18, April 18, July 18, October 17
Discount on Engage (formerly e-Volunteerism) Subscription: Receive a 10% discount on Engage (formerly e-Volunteerism), a leading electronic publication for volunteer engagement leaders worldwide, featuring articles that challenge and inform on current trends and issues. Visit www.EngageJournal.org.
Leadership Development Opportunities: Expand your professional impact by serving on committees, the board, or volunteering to support national initiatives in professional development, advocacy, best practices, and networking.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with volunteer program leaders across local, state, federal, and Tribal government agencies. This includes the Social Spark and NAVPLG Happy Hours. NAVPLG offers valuable networking through its forums, awards programs, and a searchable member database.

Become a part of NAVPLG and elevate your professional journey through unparalleled support, shared expertise, and a strong, engaged community.