Michigan Council of Directors of Volunteer Services

Michigan Council of Directors of Volunteer Services Newsletter
In This Issue
Message from the President
Fall Conference Information
Your Resources Connection
Upcoming Events
 
Regional Meetings
Wednesday, August 20
1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Mary Free Bed Hospital
Grand Rapids, MI
Call  616-242-0454 to RSVP
 
Upcoming Volunteer Software Meeting
 
Tuesday, August 26
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
or
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
M.H.A. Headquarters
Lansing, MI
 E-mail [email protected] to RSVP or for more info.
 
Fall Conference
 
October 14 - 16
Ann Arbor, MI
See article for details!
 
National Healthcare Volunteer Week
April 19 - 25, 2009
April 18 - 24, 2010
 
Quick Links
Issue: # 1 August 2008
Welcome to the first electronic version of our MCDVS Newsletter!   We hope that you find it a valuable resource.  Our goal is to provide you with timely information on a monthly basis or every other month.  We look forward to your feedback.   Should you have any questions or comments, please feel free to let me know ([email protected] or (269) 686-4239).
 
Penny Brown's PhotoSincerely,
Penny Brown, CAVS
Newsletter Chair
Message from the President
 
The MCDVS Board got down to business right after the Spring Conference.  On June 9th and 10th, we met in South Haven for our Board Planning Retreat.  The retreat blended the ideas of seasoned board members, along with our very welcome new members.  I firmly believe that adding new faces to the board and committees is the best way to keep our organization vital. 

We reviewed the many accomplishments completed last year, and looked over unfinished business, deciding what projects to take forward for 08/09.  Forms of communication top the list with updates in store for the newsletter and the website.  We looked at your suggestions from the last conference and networking always surfaces as something you'd like more of. The Board is planning a session to gain your feedback and encourage interaction on the first evening of the Fall Conference. 

MHA Board Retreat
Strengthening relationships with MHA and MAHA were on the list from last year and on that note, Karol Pokley and I just returned from the MHA Government Retreat at the Grand Traverse Resort.  I shared our hours report with MHA and Karol and I took advantage of networking opportunities with all the attendees, we both felt it was a very productive trip.  Feel free to contact me any time with your thoughts or ideas.

 Sincerely,
President
MCDVS Fall Conference
 
Coming Soon! 
Watch your mailbox for the MCDVS Fall Conference brochure.  This year the fall conference will be held on October 14-16 at Weber's Inn in Ann Arbor.  The room rate is $109 for a Single or Double and $119 for a Triple .
 
Our speaker for the conference will be Mary McCormick, CAVS.   Mary will be speaking on the topics of "Find Them, Keep Them: Volunteer Recruitment, Recognition & Retention" and "Angels or Ax Murderers? Risk Management Strategies for Volunteer Programs."  Check out Mary's website at www.keyspeaker.com.
Your Resource Connection
 
I hope all of you have had a chance to enjoy this summer and RELAX.  Do "we" know the meaning of that word???   
 
I would like each of you to help your poor Resource Chair.  Please send me an e-mail with any truly, well read books/websites that have assisted you in your job with staff/volunteers.  I know many books are great to read - but I am really looking for books that have been useful in performing your job tasks.   I will post them in the next newsletter.
 
Below are books  Carol Bridges, our talented President, recently shared with me and I love them. I've used them with volunteers and they have had loads of fun with them.  I am currently utilizing them to motivate my information desk staff at department meetings.  I was "shocked" as to how much they enjoyed these icebreakers.
 
201 Icebreakers Pb - Edie West.  Amazon.com @ $26.37 or used @ $19.00

The Big Book of Motivational Games -  by Robert Epstein.  Amazon.com @ $14.93
 
Please note:  We are currently having some difficulties with the MCDVS website "members only" section.   Be assured our website chair, Tamera Varkas, is working very hard to correct it, as well as update the site itself.   Try to log in at www.mcdvs.com - it is an informational website and is an education in itself.
 
Sue Methner's PhotoSigning off!
Resource Chair