Articles by CharityChannel Members
CharityChannel members who have years of experience in their field may apply to join a Contributor's Panel. Once accepted to a panel by the panel's editor, the member will work with the editor to determine article topics and to prepare an article that is ready for publication. With tens of thousands of colleagues in the CharityChannel professional community, this is a key opportunity to give back to your profession by sharing your hard-won expertise and wisdom.
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Ten Reasons to Come to Dallas! Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, August 22, 2007 (5 years 266 days ago)
The Association of Volunteer Resources Management (AVRM) will be holding its first national conference in Dallas October 3-5, 2007. The conference theme,
Building Bridges to Our Future, brings together volunteer resources managers from across the United States for training and networking sessions. Below are some of the reasons why you should consider attending this conference.
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The Considerations When Engaging Short Term Volunteers Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, July 25, 2007 (5 years 294 days ago)
Many situations require nonprofits to place volunteers quickly or in short duration positions. Examples include during a disaster response and special events. There are many considerations when designing these types of positions so that everyone remains safe. As a volunteer resources manager, you have the responsibility to ensure the safety of the client, the other volunteers and the organization’s reputation. There are several ways to accomplish this goal.
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A Growth Model for Volunteer Retention Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, July 11, 2007 (5 years 308 days ago)
Volunteer retention is a common topic of discussion among volunteer resources managers (VRMs). VRMs continually strive to create avenues that enhance each volunteer’s experience and ensure that they will continue their volunteer service over time. There are many suggestions for achieving this goal. This article will discuss one model for a volunteer program structure that allows volunteers to grow and gain more responsibility.
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The Many Hats We Wear Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, May 23, 2007 (5 years 357 days ago)
Last night, I spent a rejuvenating evening reading a book while on a patio overlooking Lake Michigan. The cool breeze and the breathtaking sunset slowly began to clear my mind and all tensions. I mentally noted that I needed to add similar quiet times to an already packed schedule. This was the perfect conclusion to my training tour of Michigan. However, it reminded me that while I may be an industrious person, we all sometimes just need to take a break, listen quietly and admire the world around us.
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The Passionate Leader Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, April 25, 2007 (6 years 20 days ago)
There are many talented and highly skilled business people in the nonprofit sector. They provide a solid foundation for a sector that seeks sustainable business activities to fulfill charitable goals. Within this group, there are leaders who exemplify the of the “passionate leader.” These professionals not only possess tremendous business acumen and creative problem solving skills but the most important ingredient of all: passion.
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When Volunteer Programs are Lacking Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, April 11, 2007 (6 years 34 days ago)
Why do volunteers leave an organization? There are a myriad of reasons but several stand out, outlined below.
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Bridging the Gap: Public Private Partnership for Change Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, February 28, 2007 (6 years 76 days ago)
As volunteer resources managers (VRMs) we can learn a great deal from the recent advances in the field of disaster response. This field recognizes that addressing the needs of any community prior to and during disaster can be difficult for a single organization. Often, shortages of resources and expertise create gaps in service delivery as issues are being resolved. In the past, municipalities worked to address the needs of their citizens during a crisis. They are often well equipped and trained to do so. However, developments in recent years have created a movement to include many nonprofit organizations as partners and utilize their expertise in social and animal care service delivery. For instance, since the Katrina hurricane, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has become an integral partner in disaster relief. Another movement is bringing private sector corporations to planning tables across the country to develop joint planning sessions that garner input from the public, nonprofit and private sectors. This openness and focus on relationship building are developing more robust response operations that have a greater capacity to adequately serve the immediate and long-term needs of citizens.
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The Business of Volunteer Resources Management: A Conversation Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksSaturday, February 17, 2007 (6 years 87 days ago)
Recently,
Volunteer Management Review talked with Martin Cowling, the CEO of People First-Total Solutions in Melbourne, Australia, about his views on the application of business techniques and entrepreneurialism in the field of volunteer resources management. His responses to our questions follow.
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Customer Service and Volunteer Resources Management Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, January 31, 2007 (6 years 104 days ago)
Good customer service is fundamental for volunteer programs. Engaged volunteers, after all, are the product of a successful volunteer program. Two approaches can be taken in any venture. In business, companies can create opportunities where patrons are made to feel fortunate to even have the opportunity to purchase their products or engage their services.
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VRM Professional Development: A Conversation About Conferences Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, January 24, 2007 (6 years 111 days ago)
Recently,
Volunteer Management Review had a conversation with Claudia Dalton, Conference Team Leader with the Association of Volunteer Resources Management (AVRM) about the importance of attending conferences as part of a volunteer resource manager’s (VRMs) professional development plan. Text of her comments to our questions follow.
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Tips for Planning A Regional Conference Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, January 17, 2007 (6 years 118 days ago)
There are many barriers to professional development for volunteer resources managers (VRMs). Barriers such as cost, time away from the office and lack of an availability of appropriate coursework, can drive professionals to delay or even refrain from engaging in activities that will further develop their skills and enhance their career. While these barriers can present challenges at times, there are a number of options for VRMs to develop their skills. One option is regional volunteer management conferences.
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VRM Professional Development: CVA Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, January 10, 2007 (6 years 125 days ago)
During annual work planning sessions, focus is directed to the development or expansion of programming and volunteer support. Unfortunately, volunteer resources managers (VRMs) often do no include their own career development in the plans. Professional development plans are essential to keeping skills honed and develop the VRM’s overall ability to support their programs and grow them in meaningful ways. One step that both paid and unpaid VRMs can take as part of their professional development plan is to pursue the Certification in Volunteer Administration (CVA) from the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA).
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It's Your Turn! Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, January 03, 2007 (6 years 132 days ago)
A new year always gives us a chance to examine what we have accomplished during the previous year and look forward to the coming year. During the past year, the writers of the
Volunteer Management Review brought you a diverse array of articles. Some of the subjects covered include: training, diversity, participative volunteerism, disaster response, confidentiality, baby boomers, government relations, workplace volunteering and e-tools for volunteer resources management (VRM) programs, to name a few.
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Tips for Working with Medical Volunteers Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, November 01, 2006 (6 years 195 days ago)
Medical volunteers offer their skills in a number of ways. Social service agencies engage them for their professional expertise and knowledge of the medical community. During disaster planning, response and recovery, the Medical Reserve Corps volunteers provide valuable assistance to their communities by supporting public health initiatives and supporting medical operations during a disaster.
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IVMA Day: Thankfulness in Action Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, October 25, 2006 (6 years 202 days ago)
Every day, we have the opportunity to quietly accept the world around us or reach out and show our true appreciation for the tremendous work that is being done. Thankfulness springs from an awareness and genuine appreciation for a person and their contributions. Thankfulness is embodied in our societies when we are not only grateful for the contributions made by others but also when we pause and reflect on the nature of the contributions made by those around us. The dual nature of both awareness and appreciation increases the significance of heartfelt thankfulness. I am thankful for the work of professional volunteer resources managers (VRMs).
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The Changing World of Volunteer Resources Management Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, October 18, 2006 (6 years 209 days ago)
Every day, the field of volunteer resources management (VRM) is changing. New communication methods, new ways of integrating volunteers and the changing demographic of the volunteer population mean that VRMs must continually adapt. This article will briefly outline some of the ways that the field is changing.
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Herding Cats Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, October 11, 2006 (6 years 216 days ago)
You may remember a commercial a few years ago that depicted cat herding. While the commercial humorously depicted modern management in general, it reminded volunteer resources managers (VRMs) about their work. VRMs bring together information, ideas, and people and direct them where they need to go even when it seems that everyone is going in a different direction.
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Public Safety and Large Volunteer Projects Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, October 04, 2006 (6 years 223 days ago)
Large volunteer projects have many inherent hazards. Often these projects involve large numbers of volunteers with limited or general knowledge in construction, home repair and landscaping. It is important that every Volunteer Resources Manager (VRM) address these safety considerations with volunteers to ensure that everyone has a safe and productive time at the agency.
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Volunteer Safety During Disaster Response Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, September 20, 2006 (6 years 237 days ago)
For a disaster volunteer resources manager (VRMs), the most important aspect of any response operation is the safety of volunteers and staff. The hazards surrounding disaster response vary with the nature of the response operation. This article outlines a few of the issues that disaster response VRMs should consider to protect the volunteers they manage.
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What's in a Name? VRM Roundtable Association Name Poll Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksFriday, July 28, 2006 (6 years 291 days ago)
Please vote on your preferred association name or feel free to suggest another one. The poll will be open for the next weeks and will close on Friday, August 11, 2006. To vote....
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Opening the Door to the 21st Century of Volunteer Resources Management Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, July 26, 2006 (6 years 293 days ago)
Business strategies, communications, and even the manner in which humans interact have changed significantly through the years. The volunteer resources management (VRM) field has changed also with professionals needing new and different resources to manage new and different volunteers. These changes also present new barriers for professionals in the field.
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Are you Ready to R.O.C.K.? Working and Playing Well with Others Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, July 19, 2006 (6 years 300 days ago)
| Reason for Being – |
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Clear Purpose and Goals |
| Opening up your skill set - |
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Developing your bench strength |
| Creating Team Power - |
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Developing Team Strength |
| Keep the Accent on the Positive - |
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Reward and Recognition |
As operations have become more complex, teams have become more important than ever. Systemically building highly responsive teams is a very specific skill that volunteer resources managers (VRMs) should master to operate more effectively in their agencies and communities. It’s as easy as learning to R.O.C.K.
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Are You Ready to Go? Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, June 28, 2006 (6 years 321 days ago)
Preparing your volunteer program for an emergency requires a very thoughtful approach that should be scaled to the needs of your program. What happens if the electricity goes out in your building or staff and volunteers are trapped in your building for a period of time? What would you need? What you do to make the time pass? How can you keep everyone safe?
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How to Save the World in a Weekend Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, April 26, 2006 (7 years 19 days ago)
I confess. I’m an episodic volunteer…and I work in the volunteer management industry. I know that organizational volunteer needs are great but I just can’t commit to a regular schedule with just one agency. First, I’m interested in supporting several different causes. Secondly, with my work schedule, I’m a little hesitant to commit to something that I ultimately cannot fulfill. Sound familiar?
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Demystifying Relationships with Government Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, April 12, 2006 (7 years 33 days ago)
Recently, the following question was posed on CyberVPM, "How do you interface with government officials responsible for disaster response if you are volunteer professional?" The following answer is deceptively simple: "How do you interface with other nonprofit or business professionals?"
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Planning for Pandemic Avian Flu Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, March 22, 2006 (7 years 54 days ago)
As we read the newspapers each day, stories describe avian flu cases in countries such as China and Turkey. While these cases seem to be located far away from American shores, American professionals have watched it coming closer and begun to pose the question, "When will it reach America and how will we respond?" The next question should be how will the US nonprofit community respond?
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Building a New Association for Volunteer Resources Managers Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, March 08, 2006 (7 years 68 days ago)
Take a minute and dream with me. Dream about a day when you are recognized by your coworkers for the professional you are. Dream about a day when colleagues actually understand what it is that you do and support you in your work. Dream of a day when others cherish the value you bring to each project.
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Spontaneous Volunteer Management in a Disaster Contributed by:
Celeste Sauls-MarksWednesday, February 01, 2006 (7 years 103 days ago)
During a crisis situation, individuals naturally want to help each other by volunteering to assist. Learn some strategies to prepare your agency to integrate these spontaneous volunteers into your program from Celeste Sauls-Marks, Agency Relations Director for the Volunteer Center of North Texas, the responding agency for volunteer resources during the Katrina and Rita shelter operations in North Texas.