that's G.W.A.V.A., not guava
Greater Williamsburg Association for Volunteer Administration (G.W.A.V.A.) members recently met at the outreach offices of Avalon Center. Rachel Widenhouse, Avalon’s volunteer coordinator, hosted the meeting.
Angie Sims noted that the JCC Santa calling program will begin in December and she soon will be recruiting for volunteers to help with the program. Diane Schwarz shared that the recent Hospice House Candlelight Memorial Service was well attended and meaningful.
Charvalla asked about volunteer opportunities for teens. JCC offers opportunities throughout the county, with an emphasis on Parks and Rec. Avalon Center trains youth volunteers to help educate and be a resource among their peers. The library annually has younger volunteers support the summer reading program and focuses on them with the Teen Advisor Group and as puppeteers. Only JCC extends volunteer opportunities to court ordered community service (for limited positions). Rachel offered to share a list of agencies that do handle community service volunteers.
Following agency announcements, Director of Development Priscilla Caldwell provided an overview of services and programs offered by Avalon Center. Attendees also toured the outreach office buildings and shared information about their own agencies.
The next G.W.A.V.A. membership meeting will be the December holiday luncheon. Details will be forthcoming.
G.W.A.V.A. members recently were hosted by the Virginia Living Museum (VLM). Executive director of VLM, Rebecca Kleinhample, welcomed attendees and praised everyone for the work being done with volunteers. Next, Charvalla asked attendees to introduce themselves. She also emphasized the need for members to serve on the G.W.A.V.A. Executive committee.
Before VLM made presentations, members shared announcements.
Charvalla asked G.W.A.V.A. members about their efforts to recognize volunteers during April's National Volunteer Week. At VLM each department sponsors a different day to recognize the VLM volunteers. Next year Lackey Free Clinic plans to theme the clinic as a cruise ship and convert each department into a different port. Avalon gave Thyme plant ot thank volunteers for their time. The United Way Community Resource Center and the library both offered their volunteers a reception with food, camaraderie, and organization updates.
Larissa next brought out a male American kestrel, native to Virginia. She shared information about the kestrel and answered questions about VLM programs.
Shandran offered an informative powerpoint about integrating volunteers and the Service Enterprise Initiative. She shareda powerpoint presentation about VLM’s efforts to better integrate volunteers into their organization, specifically through the Service Enterprise Initiative. As a certified Service Enterprise, the museum operates more efficiently and can offer better programs and services to their visitors.
Following the presentation
, Shandran gave a brief overview of the museum and encouraged G.W.A.V.A. members to tour the exhibits.
The next G.W.A.V.A. membership meeting will be in September, 2018. Details will be forthcoming.
G.W.A.V.A. members recently were hosted by the Olde Towne Medical and Dental Center (OTMDC). At the start of the meeting members shared plans to recognize volunteers during April. Members' plans ranged from appreciation events (breakfasts, lunches, etc.), to mementos, to thank you cards. Several organizations are in the midst of planning fundraisers and have postponed volunteer recognition for a month.
Charvalla emphasized the need for members to serve on the G.W.A.V.A. Executive committee and reviewed upcoming meetings.
She noted that the Executive committee meets 3-4 times annually to share the responsibilities of managing G.W.A.V.A. memberships and dues, maintaining the G.W.A.V.A. email list, recruiting new agency partners, and coordinating with member agencies to offer relevant and insightful networking opportunities for the group.
Open Positions:
The next G.W.A.V.A. membership meeting is scheduled as a lunch meeting in May, 2018. Details will be forthcoming.
G.W.A.V.A. members recently were hosted by the Williamsburg Regional Library, at Stryker Center in the heart of the City of Williamsburg. At the start of the meeting members shared personal and professional updates.
Charvalla emphasized the need for members to serve on the G.W.A.V.A. Executive committee and reviewed planned 2018 meetings.
She noted that the Executive committee meets 3-4 times annually to share the responsibilities of managing G.W.A.V.A. memberships and dues, maintaining the G.W.A.V.A. email list, recruiting new agency partners, and coordinating with member agencies to offer relevant and insightful networking opportunities for the group.
Open Positions:
Charvalla also shared that one of the things that makes G.W.A.V.A. so beneficial is the behind-the-scenes experiences of our host sites. Below are the available months to host. If you are interested and available to host a meeting this year, please email us at GWAVA.email@gmail.com.
Members then enjoyed a robust discussion focused on best practices for the training and screening of volunteers. Topics included how member organizations handle confidentiality issues, behavioral issues, and related challenges. Following the conversation members shared announcements.
Announcement:
The next G.W.A.V.A. membership meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on March 23 at Olde Towne Medical and Dental Center. Details will be forthcoming.
G.W.A.V.A. members recently met at "The Lounge" in the James City County Recreation Center.
G.W.A.V.A. President Charvalla West welcomed members and announced again there is an Executive Committee vacancy. Members who are interested in serving should contact her, Elizabeth Miller, or Benjamin Goldberg.
Following introductions around the table Angie Sims introduced Amy Fiedor, program manager for "The Lounge." The county has operated the Lounge since 2014, following the dissolution of the Historical Triangle Senior Center. Amy provided a comprehensive and interesting review of Lounge programs and activities available to those in the community who are age 55 and over. These include fitness classes, line dancing, bingo, bridge, mah jong, monthly trips, and more. Annual membership is $60 for residents and $70 for non-residents. Benefits include discounts on trips, access to classess, and invitations to events.
Longe programs are supported by staff, volunteer instructors, and local organizations (e.g. Peninsula Ageny on Aging and Williamsburg Regional Library). An advisory committee meets monthly to plan activites and consider any issues.
Following the presentation and a question and answer period, Charvalla distrubted G.W.A.V.A. membership forms and announced that the annual luncheon will be held at Le Yaca in December (cost is anticipated at $15 per attendee). More information about the luncheon will be emailed to members very soon. G.W.A.V.A. membership meetings at Olde Towne Medical and Dental Center and Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg are anticipated diring the winter and spring of 2018. Members who are interested in hosting a 2018 G.W.A.V.A. meeting can contact Charvalla, Elizabeth, or Benjamin.
Announcement:
The next G.W.A.V.A. membership meeting is the December luncheon at Le Yaca. Details will be finalized soon.
G.W.A.V.A. members recently met at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation volunteer coordinators and G.W.A.V.A. members Magdalene Staples and Sarah Sherman-Vandeventer hosted the meeting.
G.W.A.V.A. President Charvalla West welcomed members after the summer hiatus. Members went around the room and introduced themselves. Charvalla announced there is an Executive Committee vacancy. Members who are interested in serving should contact her, Elizabeth Miller, or Benjamin Goldberg. The October meeting will be announced in the coming weeks. Also, the fall G.W.A.V.A. meeting schedule will be determined soon.
Announcements:
Following brief business and announcements, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation staff provided a comprehensive behind-the-scenes and museum tour. The new museum offers a more comprehensive history of the American Revoluntionary War. The new galleries include information on battles, soldiers, civilians, and society, as well as extensive artificts.
The next G.W.A.V.A. membership meeting is scheduled for October. Details will be finalized soon.
Following discussion and announcements, the group toured the ReStore facilities. They learned about how the ReStore is supported by many volunteers and the meticulous process volunteers use to prepare donations for sale in the store. Members also learned about the rigorous application for approval for a recipient of a Habitat for Humanity home.
There next G.W.A.V.A. membership meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 1. Details will be finalized soon.
Greater Williamsburg Association for Volunteer Administration (G.W.A.V.A.) members recently met at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's Bruton Heights Education Center. CWF Volunteer Coordinator and G.W.A.V.A. member, Trish Barner, hosted the meeting. During the meeting newly appointed officers were announced. The new officers include; Charvalla West as president, Debra Podish as president-elect, Elizabeth Miller as immediate past-president, Benjamin Goldberg as Secretary, and Janet Gonzalez as treasurer.After introductions, attendees discussed working with volunteers in different areas of an organization and supervising volunteers. Some organizations put volunteers in supervisory positions, while other organizations do not. Participants also explored ways to work with a volunteer whose skill set and/or interests do not match the needs of the organization. On occasion, it is best practice to decline a volunteer applicant.Attendees also were able to tour the Wallace Collections and Conservation Building: a 70,000 square foot structure, with storage space for collections, ten laboratories for conservation, and curatorial offices.
Meeting attendees shared announcements:
There next G.W.A.V.A. membership meeting is tentatively scheduled for March 23. Details will be finalized soon.
Greater Williamsburg Association for Volunteer Administration (G.W.A.V.A.) members recently met at Waller Mill Park. Park Manager Michael VanAudenhove started the meeting with a tour of the park's dock area. He also provided information about park history, recent improvements to Waller Mill Park, and his insights about the resources visitors can enjoy at the park. Waller Mill offers hiking trails, disc golf, fishing, three shelters, a playground, boating, a dog park, and more.
The group made use of Shelter One to have a discussion on managing volunteer performance. Michael noted he had a fantastic volunteer experience during the recent Canine Carnival at Waller Mill Park. Attendance was very high and volunteers were able to help the day progress smoothly despite parking challenges.Conversation included issues related to directing and addressing younger volunteers and volunteers who come with or develop a sense of entitlement that can affect performance and expectations. It is a good practice to address issues in a group setting so all volunteers can understand if there are any problems and also have an opportunity to respond in an environment that is less threatening than a one-on-one conversation might have. Some volunteers can be overly assertive or complain about how they believe an organization can better operate.Meeting attendees shared announcements:United Way of Greater Williamsburg is gearing up for their end of the year holiday giving program. They also are working with DAV to provide Thanksgivng meals for veterans. A program with Henderson will split wood for residents whose only source of heating is a wood burning stove.
Jamestown Yorktown Foundation has an upcoming retreat for volunteers. Also Janet Gallagher is leaving her position at JYF.
The ReStore is plannig several annual events. The Volunteer coordinators support that task.
There is a tentative G.W.A.V.A. meeting in November at the Restore. Those details will be finalized soon. The annual G.W.A.V.A. membership luncheon is scheduled for Friday, December 9, at 11:30 a.m. at Kings Arms Tavern. Members pay $10 toward the cost of lunch. RSVPs and payment are required to attend this luncheon.
Greater Williamsburg Association for Volunteer Administration (G.W.A.V.A.) members recently met at the Stryker Center. Williamsburg Regional Library Development Officer and Volunteer Coordinator, Benjamin Goldberg, hosted the meeting. Elizabeth Miller welcomed G.W.A.V.A. members and asked that everyone introduce themselves, taking the opportunity to share one local place or event that everyone in the room might enjoy. Attendees shared information about The Occasion for the Arts, James City County Parks, Waller Miller Park, Colonial Williamsburg, the Virginia Beer Company, Jamestown Beach, Two Drummers, and Busch Gardens.
In small groups and then among all attendees, members discussed how to handle and grow from challenging experiences we sometimes face with volunteers. Several participants discussed volunteers that had developed an overly robust sense of entitlement after volunteering for several years. Other volunteers had stopped showing up with no explanation, attempted to circumvent the chain of command, were inconsistent in terms of keeping their schedule, or could not accomplish the tasks needed for their specific volunteer position. It was confirmed that volunteers can, and occasionally, must be "fired" from their positions.Some organizations have a six month review of new volunteers and annual reviews thereafter. It was suggested organizatons could offer comments and concerns sessions for volunteers to share their thoughts on their volunteer experience. Volunteers and Volunteer supervisors also could be surveyed about their experiences.After a helpful discussion, attendees shared announcements:
College of William and Mary: October 18, Community Partnership Breakfast
October 22, Make A Difference Day
Colonial Williamsburg: October 15, Dogs of DOG Street Celebration (in partnership with Heritage Humane Society)
October 28-31 Halloween Celebration
Waller Mill Park: October 22, Canine Carnival
James City Co. Parks & Rec: October 1, 3.6 in the Sticks
October 8, Capitol Color Ride
October 15, Kaboom Playground build
October 21, JCC Halloween Tale
November 1, 3, 15, 15, Master Plan Focus group meetings
Jamestown Settlement: October 21-22, Fright Nights
Elizabeth announced that the annual G.W.A.V.A. holiday luncheon at the Kings Arms Tavern is scheduled for December 9th. Attendees will pay $10 each to attend. RSVP and advance payment is required.
The next G.W.A.V.A. meeting with be at Waller Miller Park on October 27. Dress for cooler weather as the group will be outside. Details will be forthcoming.
Greater Williamsburg Association for Volunteer Administration (G.W.A.V.A.) members recently met at Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg. Hospice House Director of Patient & Family Volunteer Services Debra Maviglia Podish hosted the meeting. Elizabeth Miller welcomed G.W.A.V.A. members and asked that everyone introduce themselves, taking the opportunity to talk about a volunteer of particular note at each organization. The volunteers praised were all people who go above and beyond the call of duty to deliver the best service for the organization to clients and colleagues alike. During the course of the discuss it became clear that more than 2,000 volunteers supported the the seven organizations represented at the meeting. Selecting a single person to highlight was no easy task.
Attendees discussed how volunteers are recognized, both during National Volunteer Week (April) and all year round. Some organizations recognize years of service, others recognizes hours given, and still others recognize both years of service and hours given. Turnout for a volunteer recognition event often depends on the time of day of the event.
Attendees shared announcements:
The next G.W.A.V.A. meeting with be a lunch meeting on June 2. Details will be forthcoming.
Greater Williamsburg Association for Volunteer Administration (G.W.A.V.A.) members recently met at the Freedom Park Interpretive Center (5537 Centerville Rd). James City County Parks and Recreation Volunteer and Resource Coordinator, Angie Sims hosted the meeting.
Elizabeth Miller welcomed G.W.A.V.A. members and asked that everyone introduce themselves. Before the presentation attendees shared announcements.
Elizabeth noted that she attended a GRAVA meeting in Richmond in February. GRAVA members were pleased to welcome her to their meeting and discussed CVA requirements. GRAVA will hold a conference this summer. Details to be announced.
G.W.A.V.A. grants are available for professional development and volunteer programs. Elizabeth noted that the June meeting will be a lunch event. Attendees were asked to consider their restaurant preferences from several options suggested.Next Melody Porter, Director of the College of William and Mary’s Office of Community Engagement, made a presentation to attendees about reimagining the volunteer sector. Her talk focused on four principles; (1) creating a volunteer ecosystem in which nonprofits, businesses, and the faith based community are involved, (2) making volunteering core to an organization and measuring the impact of volunteers, (3) understanding and identifying community needs, and (4) institutional investment in volunteerism. Melody led the group in several discussion points to explore these principles and examine how they might be applied in practice. Melody also shared a resource to assess institutional capacity building. The next G.W.A.V.A. meeting with be at 9:00 a.m. on March 24. Details will be forthcoming.
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