Education and Training
Structured opportunities to learn to work with volunteers effectively

AVA Educational Registration

About AVA

The mission of the Association for Volunteer Administration (AVA) is to enhance the competence of its members and strengthen the profession of volunteer resources management. Founded in 1960, AVA now has over 2000 members in 16 countries.  Members are paid and unpaid leaders of volunteer efforts and programs in a variety of nonprofit, government and for-profit organizations.  Members include directors of volunteers, volunteer coordinators, agency executives, program staff, consultants, educators, volunteer center staff, and corporate volunteer program managers.

AVA Credentialing Program

In order to promote professionalism AVA sponsors a comprehensive credentialing program for those wishing to become Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA).  The CVA credential is offered for practitioners in volunteer resources management.  Unlike many �certificate� or certification programs being offered at colleges and universities, the AVA professional credentialing program is performance-based . It is not intended to teach individuals how to manage volunteers effectively. Rather it is designed to measure an individual�s �knowledge-in-use� � the application of knowledge and skills by those with real life experience in these roles. This includes the measurement of a candidate�s ability to structure tasks, produce ideas, and solve problems. CVA involves two equally weighted parts: a written portfolio with a philosophy statement and management narrative, and a proctored multiple-choice exam.

The AVA Professional Credentialing Program:

  • Is voluntary
  • Is performance-based
  • Is grounded in core competencies and standards developed by peers
  • Defines volunteer administration as a profession
  • Provides a vehicle for periodic updating of best practices
  • Is open to individuals from any type of organization, either salaried or non-salaried

    • Core Competencies

    Five core competencies have been identified that serve as a foundation for the profession of volunteer administration. They are:

    • Professional Principles (ethics, pluralism, professional development, advocacy)
    • Leadership (types and models)
    • Management (models, tools, accountability)
    • Planning (strategic, operational)
    • Human Resources Management (volunteers, staff)

    AVA Educational Registration

    Another component of AVA's professional development program is Educational Registration. Through this program AVA seeks to promote and support educational programs that will increase the knowledge, skills and competence of professionals in volunteer resources management. AVA accepts the responsibility of assessing for registration workshops and courses focusing on volunteerism and the management of volunteer programs.

    AVA Educational Registration is a stand-alone program. It is based on the same core competencies as the CVA credential but attending AVA Educational Registered courses in no way serves as a substitute for completion of the entire CVA process.

    Benefits of AVA Educational Registration

  • Sponsors: The sponsoring organization, its course or workshop, and its instructor(s) receive recognition from an international professional organization for offering a well-planned and meaningful educational opportunity consistent with the established core competencies in volunteer administration.  The AVA Educational Registration Statement may be used on all publicity as documentation of AVA�s support.  AVA will promote Educational Registered courses to its members through the use of its web site, local affiliates and bimonthly newsletter.
  • Participants: Participants in the course or workshop have assurance that the registered event can contribute to their professional development.  Individuals seeking to be Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA) or receive PDU�s (Professional Development Units) for re-certification can look to registered courses when seeking educational events that will assist in their professional growth. AVA Educational Registration assures a direct link between the content of the courses, workshops and the AVA Core Competencies.
  • AVA: By supporting quality education and assisting its members in selecting worthwhile programs that will enhance their professional development, AVA fulfills its commitment to the development of competent professionals. AVA also gains local visibility through the promotional efforts of the sponsoring organization.

    • Types of AVA Educational Registration

    The following types of events are eligible for AVA Registration:

  • College or university courses or seminars
  • AVA Affiliated Network sponsored courses, seminars, and workshops
  • Non-AVA affiliated organization courses
  • Individual AVA member sponsored courses
  • Conference sessions or workshops
  • AVA sponsored courses or workshops.
    •

    Cost of Educational Registration

    The fee for registering each course is $25.00 (US), payable to AVA at the time of application. Courses taught annually will be renewed for the same fee without the need to re-submit the registration packet unless substantial changes have occurred.

    Criteria for Educational Registration

  • Content: The content of the course or workshop must be directly related to volunteerism and volunteer administration. The event must be linked to the core competencies identified by AVA (see attached content outline for more details).
  • Instructor: The instructor, trainer, or speaker must have documented credentials attesting to experience in volunteer administration or appropriate expertise in the particular subject area. Letters of recommendation written by professional colleagues who can attest to the instructor�s ability as a teacher/trainer and a resume may be required.  With the initial Application only a resume for each instructor is required.
    •

    Although the credentials of the instructor(s) are one of the criteria for registration, AVA Educational Registration does not constitute endorsement of an individual as an instructor, but rather is a registration of the workshop or course as it is presented through the materials submitted.

    Educational Registration Application Process

    Your Application must contain the following items.  Please send to AVA in this order:

    1. Completed Sponsor Form 
    2. Completed Education Event Form for each course, workshop or seminar
    3. Resume of instructor (s)
    4. A check for $25.00 for each course, workshop or seminar
    5. Copy of course outline

    Please submit 4 copies of the application materials to AVA at the following address:
    Association for Volunteer Administration
    PO Box 32092
    Richmond, VA 23294   VA

    Or submit entire package of application materials via e-mail to [email protected].

    Please allow 6 weeks for processing. You will receive a response as soon as possible.

    Questions?  Contact AVA

     

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