Thursday, October 10, 2002, 1:30 – 5:00 p.m. MISSION-BASED VOLUNTEER TRAINING:  A Key to Volunteer Retention and Quality of Service Carol Kleinmaier, Shanti National Training Institute, California: David Maurice Jones, Shanti National Training Institute, California Session Description: When we provide excellent training for volunteers, many benefits result: enhanced quality of service, increased retention of volunteers and decreased liability risks for organizations.  Learn to bring your own values to creation of a volunteer training program that truly meets the needs of both the volunteer and the organization. Learning Objectives: 1. Identify the connections between volunteer training and retention 2. Identify the benefits of their current volunteer training in terms of its match with organizational mission and its effects on volunteer retention, quality of service and overall program success 3. Assess their own training on five key goals of participant focused volunteer training.  The five are: create an atmosphere that values volunteers; create community and build personal connections; create opportunities for personal exploration and growth; create opportunities to explore the nature and rewards of volunteer service; provide information/skills and the opportunity to practice skills 4. Action planning: identify one or more steps to take to enhance their current volunteer training Level:  Intermediate-Advanced Conference Theme(s): Opportunity, Reflection