MCDVS Newsletter Header
E-Communiqué
February 2010
In This Issue
Three Secrets of Success for Volunteer Managers
The Power of Regional Meetings
Upcoming Regional Meetings

 Three Secrets of Success for Volunteer Managers 

 President -- Karol Pokley, CAVS

   
Karol Pokley
It is no secret that our hospitals are watching their bottom lines ever so carefully in these less than optimistic economic times. 
 
The first secret of success as a volunteer manager is to continue promoting our volunteer services as a cost savings to our hospitals.  It is important to continue "beating this drum." 
 
The second secret for success is willingly accepting and seeking services that volunteers can do within our hospitals.  This increases the value and importance of our volunteers, while providing department security and job stability. 
 
Lastly, the best secret to success is customer service.  When our volunteers provide exemplary customer service to our patients, they may be the reason our patients return again and again to our facilities for their health care!
 The Power of Regional Meetings 
 Advisor -- Carol Bridges, CAVS
 
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to host an MCDVS Regional Meeting.  There were 14 of us in attendance, representing nine different hospitals and an Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) manager. 
 
The energy and conversation in the room never diminished for over three hours.  I am writing about our meeting to encourage you to attend one of the remaining regional meetings (see dates in article below) or to host your own meeting in the future. 
 
I don't care how many years or how few months you've been in this profession, there is something to be learned from everyone.  I am especially glad that we had many first time attendees.  New friendships were formed, a great number of ideas were shared, my own energy and commitment to my job were increased, and I have many more DVSs that I can now interact with. 
 
As travel dollars shrink or disappear, this is becoming the best way to keep up with MCDVS's best asset ... the expertise of each other!
 Upcoming Regional Meetings
 Professional Development -- Debi Schroeder, CAVS
 
I hope that you will make a point to try to attend one of the regional meetings listed below.  They have proven to be educational, and the networking is invaluable.  I will keep you posted on the TBD regional meeting in Mount Pleasant for late winter. 
 
Southwest Michigan
Friday, February 26
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (lunch provided)
VA Medical Center
5500 135 Armstrong Rd., Battle Creek
R.S.V.P. to Nancy Babcock
269-223-5497
Nancy.babcock@med.va.gov

Southeast Michigan
Monday, March 22
1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
National City Building (Big Beaver and Crooks)
R.S.V.P. to Beth Frydlewicz (Beaumont Hospital)
248-423-2415
bfrydlewicz@beaumonthospitals.com 
 
Central Michigan
Date: TBD
Central Michigan Community Hospital
Hosts:  Bonnie Vetter and Nancy Fenn
R.S.V.P. to Bonnie Vetter
989-772-6815
bvetter@cmch.org
Website Quick Links
Home
 
*Please note: user ID (mcdvs) and password (kjp09) are required to log into these sections of the website.
Save the Date!
Spring Conference
May 19 - 21, 2010
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
Acme, MI
 
Look for more information soon!
Your 2009 - 2010 MCDVS Board
 Karol Pokley,
President
 
President-Elect 
 
Ron Yonkoski,
Secretary
 
Treasurer
Advisor

 Kay Fricano,
Bylaws

Julie Elliott,
Education Chair
 
Jacquie Karr-Zlotnicki,
Education Co-Chair 

Kathy Daly,
Membership

Penny Brown,
Newsletter

Debi Schroeder,
Professional Development

Nancy Babcock,
PR/Resources

Rachel Rosas,  
Website