NAVPLG is an affiliate of the National Association of Counties (NACo)

Read about current NACo News and Resources that might be of interest:

• Volunteering Cures Malaise and Backlog
• Effective Public & Private Sector Partnerships
• Hot Topics: Juvenile Justice
• Spotlight on a NACo Resource: County Explorer, Interactive Map Tool

NAVPLG’s affiliate representative to NACo is Greg Castano with Arlington County (VA)

Learn more about NACo at www.naco.org 

It's official and winter is finally here! Brrrr... I know everyone has been braving the cold and freezing temperatures around the country. That's why I can't wait to talk to you about spring already. I can't wait for spring to get here!

While we are dealing with the inclement weather, floodings, ice storms - volunteer management professionals have to think creatively about how to recruit, train, sustain and motivate their amazing and dedicated volunteers to help support our government run programs, services and operations. This is what we do every day and do it with such grace.

In order to promote opportunities for professional development of volunteer administrators in governmental settings, NAVPLG has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA). CCVA focuses on advancing excellence in volunteer administration by delivering professional certification and advocating ethical practice. NAVPLG members are now eligible for a discount if they choose to certify.

Why Certify? Professional certification signals a commitment to excellence. It confirms that individuals have the knowledge needed to competently attract, onboard, and support volunteers. In addition, it promotes personal confidence, and helps employers hire, verify and reward relevant expertise.

Corina Sadler, Volunteer Resources Coordinator from the City of Plano, TX, shares her thoughts on the certification and process:

Reimagining Service was established in 2009 as a time-bound campaign to increase social impact through effective volunteer engagement practices across all sectors. The operation has provided a great deal of discussion and effort in regards to the field of volunteerism. In January, they not only released their research regarding the Public Sector (scroll down for more information), but also shared they were shutting down operations.

"After careful consideration, we have concluded that the original purpose of Reimagining Service has been achieved and therefore, we will sunset the current operations of Reimagining Service later this month." Bobbi Silten, Reimagining Service Council Chair

Local government agencies look for professionals in the field of volunteer administration and now NAVPLG can help with some of these recruitment efforts. A new Job Center has been launched. Check out this new and exciting resource, the NAVPLG Job Center!

Featured Job Posting:

Title: Volunteer Services Supervisor
Organization: Huron-Clinton Metroparks
Location: Brighton, Michigan
Salary: $80,083 to $88,444 annually

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks, located in Southeastern Michigan, is a five county regional parks system that hosts nearly 9 million visitors each year at 13 Metro parks covering 25,000 acres. The Metroparks offer ten golf courses, two marinas, scenic nature trails, beaches, pools, educational activities and winter sports.

The Metroparks is seeking an experienced professional to serve as its Volunteer Services Supervisor. This position performs a variety of professional, technical and managerial duties related to volunteer services and operation of nature centers, farms, museums and anywhere volunteers are utilized within the Metroparks.

Download the full position description to learn more: Volunteer Services Supervisor