True: Volunteers are the lifeblood of associations!
Also true: Even the most passionate volunteers need more than their passions to be successful: they need HQ staff who are prepared to support them in meaningful and impactful ways. In other words, they need be partners with association staff to truly succeed.
Yet to be the partners that their volunteers need, association staff must have the right mindset, tools, and community to back them up. This is even more true today as volunteer expectations continue to shift, bringing new motivations, time constraints, and learning preferences into the equation. Thus, to engage them effectively, associations must rethink how staff and volunteers work together.
A Learning Journey Designed for Real‑World Association Work
Training for staff is often an overlooked and underinvested segment of association strategy. We’ve learned from the ASAE Foundation Report, A Holistic Approach to Volunteer Management, when staff and volunteers collaborate on the goals of the association (a passion that they all share), the outcomes improve so why is staff training on volunteer management an afterthought at best?
The 2-part program Mastering Your Volunteer Liaison Role can fill that void. The program was created to bridge the gap between organizational goals and volunteer aspirations through strong relationship‑building, shared understanding, and practical skills.
The program starts with a quick volunteer management basics virtual session followed by a full-day hands-on workshop where attendees will work through scenarios and cases to enhance skill development (a virtual only option is available).
Led by Practitioners Who’ve Walked in Your Shoes
At the helm are component superstars Peggy Hoffman, FASAE, CAE, Mariner Management and Kristine Metter, CAE, Crystal Lake Partners. Both come from the association trenches themselves and as seasoned leaders will bring not just theory but lived experience supporting volunteers and components.
Together, they built the program based on their belief that staff commitment to a volunteer program is stronger when they understand the value volunteers bring to the organization (check out Decoding the Volunteer-Staff Relationship for more).
Strengthening Associations Through Stronger Partnerships
Associations succeed when volunteers are empowered and staff are equipped to guide them. When those relationships flourish, chapters grow, programs improve, members engage more deeply, and the whole community becomes stronger.
That’s the heart of our Volunteer Liaison Training: helping staff become confident partners who unlock volunteer potential and build the associations our members deserve.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Our spring/summer session is open for registration! Choose the option that fits your need…
✨Mastering Your Volunteer Liaison Role: The full program combines a 75‑minute virtual session (your choice of May 12 or June 9) with an in‑person workshop on July 8. It’s meant for those who want the basics and the chance to dig into scenarios and hands‑on skill‑building.
🧭 Navigating Your Volunteer Liaison Role: Prefer just the essentials? Sign-up for a 75‑minute virtual course offered on May 12 or June 9. It’s a practical overview of the role and the tools that support strong staff‑volunteer relationships.