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Dear Colleague,
GRAVA is a membership organization devoted to providing education
opportunities for, promoting the professionalism of, and strengthening
the leadership of volunteer organizations and programs in the Richmond
area. We hope that this newsletter and the many activities described in
it will bring value to your membership and encourage your active
participation during the 2009/2010 year. Remember that your feedback is
always welcome!
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October Lunch Bunch Highlights
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Thanks to Kathy Perun, CVA, for hosting the October Lunch Bunch
and providing an excellent and informative presentation on the CVA
credentialing process. Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA) is
the only international
professional certification in the field of volunteer resources
management. Seven GRAVA members were in attendance, and many of them
plan to apply as candidates for the 2010 cycle. Registration is now open! If you would like more information on how to become CVA certified, just click here! |
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2009/2010 GRAVA Schedule of Events
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Don't forget to get the professional development events below on your calendar! 2009/2010 SCHEDULE:December: No meetings due to holidays January 7, 2010 Workshop: Success Stories: Projects That Work February 4, 2010 Lunch Bunch: Performance Evaluations for Volunteers March 4, 2010 Professional Seminar: Effective Leadership: Developing Skills for You and Your Volunteers April 1, 2010 Lunch Bunch: Working With Volunteer Board of Directors May 6, 2010 Workshop: Media & Marketing June 3, 2010 Lunch Bunch: Volunteer Training Programs Hope to see you there!
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The Benefits of Membership
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How does GRAVA benefit individual members?
"I have met wonderful, committed people who manage volunteer programs in a wide variety of agencies and organizations through membership in GRAVA. There are meaty and timely programs, fine workshops, and many opportunities to share and learn with one another. GRAVA people are the best!"
- Ormonde Wilkinson, Volunteer Specialist, Westminster Canterbury
How does GRAVA benefit organizations?
"The first Thursday of each month I can count on GRAVA to provide me with an education, networking or
training opportunity to continue my commitment of managing volunteers. I
can come to the meetings with a question or problem that I am having and get
answers from professionals - I don't have to 'recreate the wheel'.
GRAVA provides an amazing resource of information that I can take back to my
organization."
- Kathy Perun, CVA, Volunteer Coordinator, Chesterfield - Colonial Hts DSS
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Forward To A Friend!
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Since its inception, GRAVA's membership roster has increased from a handful to more than seventy members. One of the organization's primary goals within the next two years is to surpass 100 members. An increased membership would benefit ALL members by connecting more colleagues to each other and by providing more opportunities for sharing best practices. The GRAVA board is requesting that each member take the opportunity to forward the newsletter to one friend or colleague not currently involved and encourage them to consider joining. If you value your experience as a GRAVA member, why not share it? GRAVA's too good to keep secret!
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WANTED: Workshop Speakers & Locations
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Professional development is one of the most important benefits GRAVA has to offer its members, and we are always seeking out new resources to enhance your knowledge base. Do you have a skill in a particular area that you can share with your colleagues? Do you know of a great speaker who could contribute to one of our workshop presentations? Can you recommend someone who has expertise in one of the workshop topics listed in the schedule above? PLEASE send your recommendations to GRAVA's program chair, Kathy Morton! Kathy also welcomes suggestions for meeting venues. If your workplace can accommodate meetings of 10 - 50 participants, then we want to hear from you!
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| GRAVA Problem-Solving Corner
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A GRAVA member writes: "I'm always so busy during the holidays, and yet I feel that the holidays are an important time to check in with my volunteers and express my appreciation for all the work they have done throughout the year. I'd love to get some ideas for easy ways to reach out that don't take too much time or (any) money!"
How do YOU reach out to your volunteers during the holidays? Send your tips and suggestions in for inclusion in the November issue of the GRAVA newsletter!
Have a problem or challenge at work that your GRAVA colleagues might be able to help you out with? Send it in and find out how useful your GRAVA network can be!
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| New Research From Connect Richmond
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According to a new article featured at Connect Richmond entitled Youth Volunteering on the Rise, almost three in four American teens have volunteered at some
point, and community-service requirements may be a driver behind the increase. Youth volunteering can be a rich and rewarding source of support if you know how to appeal to this age group, how to offer appropriate opportunities, and how to approach supervision and management issues. To view the article, just click here! |
Sign Up For The Refreshments Committee!
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The breakfast workshops are networking occasions that every GRAVA member enjoys and appreciates. But the breakfasts don't prepare themselves! Volunteers are needed to help purchase food & beverage items and assist with set-up on November 5, January 7, March 4, and May 6. Please reply to this e-mail if you can lend a hand!
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Hope to see you on November 5!
Alison Jones-Nassar
GRAVA (Greater Richmond Association for Volunteer Administration)
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RSVP Now For The November Workshop!
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It's a fact. Cash-strapped organizations seldom give priority to volunteer programs when it comes to funding. GRAVA's upcoming workshop, Budgeting & Fundraising For Volunteer Involvement,
will address this reality and provide some creative strategies to
volunteer managers on how to mobilize available resources in support of
volunteer programs. Be sure to RSVP now! DATE: Thursday, November 5 TIME: 8:30 - 10:30 LOCATION: To Be Announced November 5th is also International Volunteer Managers Day! Come celebrate with GRAVA and receive a gift of appreciation! |
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Share Your Suggestions With GRAVA!
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