Register Now for the 2009 NOVAA conference! In our Own Backyard (Deadline October 16th)
When: November 4th
Time: 8:00 – 5:00pm
Where: Oregon Zoo

Topics include: Managing Difficult Behaviors of Volunteers, Coaching: Pursuit of Excellence in Performance, Is Your Organization Ready for Diversity?, Recruiting and Retaining Young Adults, Tools for Getting Unstuck, and
Making the Case for Volunteer Resource Management: Tips and Strategies for Effective Advocacy.

Advanced Volunteer Managers Networking Group
When: Tuesday, November 10th
Time: 9:00 - 10:30
Where: Oregon Zoo

Topic: Human Resources for Volunteer Services Manager - A conversation with Holly Denniston. Oregon Public Broadcasting's Volunteer and Human Resource Director.

Tune in to Volunteerism on TV Week!

From October 19th - October 25th, “ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, along with BET, the Disney Channel, Lifetime, MTV, Nickelodeon, and other cable networks will serve as a showpiece for "I Participate," the entertainment group's new multiyear campaign. The goal is to use the power of popular culture to persuade more people to volunteer to help solve the country's problems.”

Read the full story, including a list of what programs plan to participate here.

If you were unable to bring your auction items to the meeting today please contact Tanya to schedule a pick-up for your items by October 25th. In order to have a great auction we still need donations of admission passes, gift certificates, decorative items and gift type items. We are also in need of baskets in good condition. 

NOVAA is committed to supporting organizations that host AmeriCorps members, as well as assisting AmeriCorps members to attain their professional development goals; as such, NOVAA membership for AmeriCorps members for the 2009-2010 year is now $20.00 - half the cost of a regular membership!

To apply for an AmeriCorps member discount please contact NOVAA Membership Chair, Signe Bishop. We look forward to receiving more AmeriCorps member applications and supporting members in the great work they do!

REGISTRATION CLOSES TOMORROW!

The 2009 Professional Development Conference: In Your Own Background is taking place this year on Wednesday, November 4th at the Oregon Zoo from 8am-5pm. The deadline to register for what promises to be an amazing conference is October 16th. Please don't delay in reserving your seat, we would love to have you join us!

To view the full schedule of workshops and presentations, and to register online, please visit: NOVAA
 

Are you interested in participating in the upcoming NOVAA conference? How about registering for the Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA) certification process, or attending the Volunteer Management 101 or 201 workshop? Don’t let money keep you from participating! Please apply for a scholarship from NOVAA.

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Social media is a topic that is finding its way into the headlines and conversations everywhere these days. It has become a powerful tool for connecting with those we serve, with our colleagues and with volunteers.
With all the information and tools available, it can be hard to "sift through all the noise" in order to make smart decisions about how organizations might be able to utilize the power of social media. At the October program meeting, Ash Shepherd, Technology Consultant for TACS, facilitated an introductory workshop on social media and volunteer management. This session focused on defining social media, things to consider when implementing social media, and “how-to” application of social media and what it could mean for volunteer management programs.
Ash has provided us with electronic versions of his Social Media power point presentation, and his Social Media Resource Guide (which provides links to a variety of social media sites and toolkits). Materials from the Program meetings can be found in the "Members Only" section on

NOVAA's website

The Member Spotlight is a new feature of the NOVAA E-newsletter designed to get to know one another, share best practices and discover what motivates us as Volunteer Management Professionals.

Thank you to Sasha Moyle, Youth/Community Group Volunteer Coordinator at Oregon Humane Society, for agreeing to be profiled in this column.

How long have you been working with volunteers?
I began working with volunteers when I was a first grade teacher in 2004. I enjoyed working with and coordinating activities for nearly 20 parent and community volunteers in my classroom. When I left teaching in 2005, I was hired at the Oregon Humane Society as their Youth and Group Volunteer Coordinator. Since then, I have worked with volunteers ages 12 and up, with my main focus being youth ages 12-15. My youth program has about 140 kids and my group program accommodates approximately 70 different corporate, community, school and at-risk groups annually. So officially, I have worked with volunteers for about 5 years.

What is your favorite part of managing volunteers?
I especially enjoy working with very motivated youth. They give me hope that the next generation will work diligently to serve homeless pets, fight to end animal abuse and stop the pet over-population problem.

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