2022 Governor’s Conference on Volunteerism

The Power of Collaboration

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2021 Conference Session Recordings

About the Governor’s Conference on Volunteerism

FREE for everyone to attend in 2022, thanks to our generous presenters & sponsors.

Volunteer NH hosts the annual Governor’s Conference on Volunteerism as a professional development opportunity with the goal of supporting and strengthening New Hampshire’s volunteer programs and organizations. Please consider making a donation to support our mission of engaging NH communities to solve local challenges through volunteerism.

Welcome & Keynote Address

The conference began with a welcome message from Gretchen Stallings, Executive Director of Volunteer NH.

The keynote address, “Can Beloved Community Exist in the ‘Live Free or Die’ State?” was delivered by James McKim of Organizational Ignition, LLC & Manchester NAACP.

Keynote Description:

Everyone wants to feel included – like they belong to a group; a state of being that is referred to as “Beloved Community.” But in some ways, our society seems to be moving toward an individualistic attitude of, “just let me do what I want to do,” which can be seen as a growing interpretation of our New Hampshire state motto, “Live Free or Die.” In this engaging keynote, James will share how volunteering in a collaborative way keeps us free, as individuals, and alive, binding us together in ways that make us feel that we belong as part of a Beloved Community.

2022 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Manager of the Year

During the Welcome & Keynote session (full recording above), Governor Sununu presented the 2022 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Manager of the Year Award to Ann Vennard of Cornerstone VNA.

Ann Vennard is the Assistant Director of Advancement at Cornerstone VNA (Rochester, NH). Ann excels at everything from volunteer placement to problem-solving to recognition for a job well done. Her warm, cheerful, and creative nature never fails to make volunteers feel appreciated. Ann also goes the extra mile in seeking opportunities to improve the volunteer program, such as securing funds to formalize materials and advertise opportunities to get involved.

The Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Manager of the Year Award was created by former Governor John Sununu to honor a volunteer administrator for their excellence in leadership and management of volunteers in New Hampshire.

Session Details & Recordings

Sessions were recorded and will be shared on this page when the edits are ready. Click here to view last year’s conference session recordings.

Day 1: Tuesday, May 10

Session Block 1 (8:30 AM - 9:45 AM) Welcome & Keynote

Welcome & Keynote

James McKim, Managing Partner, Organizational Ignition, LLC & President, Manchester NAACP;
Governor Chris Sununu;
Gretchen Stallings, Executive Director, Volunteer NH

2022 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Manager of the Year

The Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Manager of the Year Award was created by former Governor John Sununu to honor a volunteer administrator for their excellence in leadership and management of volunteers in New Hampshire.

The 2022 award recipient, Ann Vennard, is the Assistant Director of Advancement at Cornerstone VNA (Rochester, NH). Ann excels at everything from volunteer placement to problem-solving to recognition for a job well done. Her warm, cheerful, and creative nature never fails to make volunteers feel appreciated. Ann also goes the extra mile in seeking opportunities to improve the volunteer program, such as securing funds to formalize materials and advertise opportunities to get involved.

Governor Sununu made a special guest appearance to announce the 2022 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Manager of the Year. View the full Welcome & Keynote session recording, below, to see the award presentation & acceptance.

The keynote address, “Can Beloved Community Exist in the ‘Live Free or Die’ State?” will be delivered by James McKim.

Keynote: “Can Beloved Community Exist in the ‘Live Free or Die’ State?” – James McKim

Everyone wants to feel included – like they belong to a group; a state of being that is referred to as “Beloved Community.” But in some ways, our society seems to be moving toward an individualistic attitude of, “just let me do what I want to do,” which can be seen as a growing interpretation of our New Hampshire state motto, “Live Free or Die.” In this engaging keynote, James will share how volunteering in a collaborative way keeps us free, as individuals, and alive, binding us together in ways that make us feel that we belong as part of a Beloved Community.

Keynote Goals:

By the end of this keynote session, participants will have learned how to:

  • Understand the power of Beloved Community;
  • Understand your role as a volunteer in creating Beloved Community here in NH.

Resources:

 

Keynote Speaker Biography:

James McKim is Managing Partner of Organizational Ignition, a Management Consulting practice. He is a sought-after organizational performance speaker, coach, change manager, and author of the best-selling book The Diversity Factor: Igniting Superior Organizational Performance. Over his 35+ year career, he has helped small and large organizations, for-profit and non-profit, spark efficiency and growth through the aligning of people, process, and technology. Mr. McKim is known nationally for his current focus on organizational and individual performance through diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). He is recognized by industry watchers such as ATD, Brandon Hall, Bersin Associates, Axelos, and PMI for his dedication to creating win-win situations between organizations and their employees.

Session Block 2 (10:30 AM - 11:45 AM) Networking

Networking

Session Description:

Embrace The Power of Collaboration by meeting others in the field and discussing topics that are important to you. Attendees will cycle through a variety of small groups. We will provide suggested questions/topics to get the conversations started!

Session Block 3a (12:30 PM - 1:45 PM) In This Together: Lessons Learned from UNH Extension's Pilot DEIJA Training for Volunteers

In This Together: Lessons Learned from UNH Extension’s Pilot DEIJA Training for Volunteers

Julia Peterson, NH Sea Grant Extension Program Leader and UNH Cooperative Extension Specialist; 

Ruth Smith, Master Gardener Program Manager, UNH Extension

  • Categories: Organizational Management & Culture; Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI); Personal/Professional Development
  • Target Audiences: Volunteer managers; Leadership of nonprofits/public agencies
  • Session Level: Intermediate: For individuals who are familiar with the topic & and want a deeper understanding with actionable takeaway
  • Session Features: Q&A; Case studies; Interactive activities; Digital Content (PowerPoint, video, etc.)

Session Description:

Volunteers are critical parts of the fabric of our organizations. Is your organization interested in becoming a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, just, and accessible (DEIJA) organization? Is it including volunteers in those efforts? This session will introduce a UNH Extension pilot program designed to draw volunteers into its efforts to become a more welcoming and culturally competent organization.

This session will review elements of the Extension volunteer training program and share how volunteers have responded and lessons learned by the program team. Participants will be invited to consider and apply these lessons to their own programs.

Session Goals:

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

  • Key concepts to include in DEIJA trainings for volunteers; 
  • Methods that are suitable for volunteer-oriented trainings on DEIJA topics; 
  • Important elements to consider when setting up DEIJA training for volunteers.

Resources:

    Biographies:

    Julia Peterson has worked with New Hampshire Sea Grant and the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension for over 25 years. Her work currently focuses on helping coastal community leaders protect water resources and build resilience to the effects of a changing climate. Peterson has a special interest in project design and evaluation, cross-disciplinary approaches, and integrating greater diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility into her work.

    Ruth Smith manages the UNH Extension Master Gardener volunteer program, providing training and support to adults who then share the science and joy of gardening through educational and community service gardens.  Prior to coming to Extension in 2018, Ruth trained and managed volunteer educators at several environmental organizations and historical museums in central New Hampshire.

    Session Block 4a (2:30 PM - 3:45 PM) Utilizing Storytelling to Build Community

    Utilizing Storytelling to Build Community

    Cady G. Hickman, Social Media and Community Outreach Coordinator, Boys & Girls Club of Central New Hampshire

    • Categories: Community & Partnership; Civic Engagement; COVID-19 Resiliency
    • Target Audiences: Volunteers; Business owners/employees; AmeriCorps members and/or AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers; AmeriCorps program staff
    • Session Level: Beginner: For individuals who have never experienced this content before & want to know how to get started
    • Session Features: Lecture; Small group discussion; Digital Content (PowerPoint, video, etc.)


    Session Description:

    Telling a story is the next step beyond simply sharing information. Storytelling is a powerful tool that can uplift others, share powerful information, or simply let others know what you or an organization may be doing. With so many in-person and virtual ways to share a story, this session will help participants rethink stories and deep-dive into who their communities are. Common interests are everywhere! By effectively storytelling, we can connect our communities and build shared interests to help more folks as we impact New Hampshire.

    Session Goals:

    By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

    • What it means to be a “storyteller”; 
    • Effective ways to tell a story in-person and online; 
    • To start thinking about their community, what communities they belong to, and how to encourage participation between them.

    Please Note: The presenter has asked that participants have a pen/pencil and a piece of paper handy for a session activity, if possible.

    Resources:

    Biography:

    Cady G. Hickman is a New Hampshire-based performer and educator. She is a member of the Union Leader’s 40 Under Forty Class of 2021 and spent much of the pandemic turning her in-person teaching into online content for children. She is the founder of Queen City Improv, Manchester’s improvisational theater troupe. She currently runs the New Hampshire Local List, which is an effort to highlight local businesses and makers across the state to encourage local support.

    Session Block 3b (12:30 PM - 1:45 PM) Senior Volunteers: The Hidden Workforce

    Senior Volunteers: The Hidden Workforce

    Marc A. Boyd, Volunteer State President, AARP NH; 

    Ashley Davis, Associate State Director of Outreach and Advocacy, AARP NH; 

    Iris Altilio, Volunteer, AARP NH; 

    Mary Roberge, Volunteer, AARP NH

     

    • Categories: Volunteer Recruitment/Management; Organizational Management & Culture; Personal/Professional Development
    • Target Audiences: Volunteer managers; Leadership of nonprofits/public agencies; Other employees of nonprofits/public agencies; AmeriCorps members and/or AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers
    • Session Level: Intermediate: For individuals who are familiar with the topic & and want a deeper understanding with actionable takeaways
    • Session Features: Lecture; Q&A; Interactive activities; Digital Content (PowerPoint, video, etc.)

    Session Description:

    Engaging the 50+ year-old-volunteer is a mutually beneficial relationship for your organization and the individual. Senior volunteers have a wealth of experience, skills, and extensive “real world” experience to share. They also tend to have more time to give and are eager to explore their passions. While what you know about general volunteer engagement can apply to the senior volunteer, there are some critical differences. In this presentation, we will discuss what is unique in engaging the senior volunteer. We will take a brief look at intergenerational volunteering and share the experiences of several volunteers – and volunteer managers – in our community.

    Session Goals:

    By the end of this session, participants will have learned how to: 

    • Identify what is unique about recruiting, training or retraining, motivating, engaging, and retaining your senior volunteer; 
    • Reveal volunteering barriers to overcome for both the senior volunteer and your organization; 
    • Look at the benefits of volunteering for the senior volunteer and for your organization.

    Resources:

    Biographies:

    Marc A. Boyd is a retired New Hampshire educator with over forty years of Administrating and Teaching at the Elementary, Middle, High School, and College levels. He is a nationally and state recognized Elementary School Principal, New Hampshire 2004 Elementary School Principal of the Year, AARP-NH volunteer since 2013 and State President of AARP-NH, April 2016 – Present.

    Mary Roberge is the Team Lead Volunteer for the AARP NH Greater Manchester Planning Team and on the Leadership Team for the AARP NH Tri Community. She is involved in the legislative work for AARP NH, the Speakers Bureau, fraud prevention, and various projects. She is a 2016 Senior Leadership Alumnus and recipient of the AARP NH 2019 Advocacy Volunteer of the Year and the AARP NH 2020 Andrus Award. Mary has always been involved in community volunteering and is currently a SHIP counselor with ServiceLink and an usher for The Palace Theatre.

    Iris Altilio is a transplant to NH, semi-retiring here in 2014 from Staten Island, NY. After a career of over forty-five years in banking and technology, Iris uses her knowledge and experience as a volunteer with several NH nonprofits including the Friends Program, where a six-year stint with the Concord Coalition to End Homelessness became a part-time job in 2021. When not working at CCEH, Iris volunteers with AARP NH, OLLI at Granite State College and Granite State Ambassadors. Sleep is overrated so Iris is also the Chair of the Supervisors of the Checklist in Pembroke, NH.

    Ashley Davis is the Associate State Director of Outreach and Advocacy at AARP NH. Ashley has had a career spanning over ten years in non-profit engagement, public health and senior management. Ashley currently works to support engagement across the state.

    Session Block 4b (2:30 PM - 3:45 PM) Volunteer Journeys: Increase Engagement and Retention

    Volunteer Journeys: Increase Engagement and Retention

    Beth Saunders, Consultant

    • Category: Volunteer Recruitment/Management
    • Target Audiences: Volunteer managers; Leadership of nonprofits/public agencies
    • Session Level: Intermediate: For individuals who are familiar with the topic & and want a deeper understanding with actionable takeaways
    • Session Features: Lecture; Q&A; Small group discussion; Digital Content (PowerPoint, video, etc.)

    Session Description:

    You offer your volunteers interesting one-off activities and possibly onboarding and training. Even with all this effort, do your volunteers feel part of a larger team with new and different opportunities to look forward to?

    Come design journeys that enable your volunteers to contribute at different levels – giving time, knowledge, skills, and leadership. Together, we will start the process by creating your Volunteer Engagement Pyramid, a framework that lines up what is being asked of a volunteer (your need) with the mindset (the volunteer’s motivation) and ultimately helps increase retention and engagement.

    Session Goals:

    By the end of this session, participants will have learned how to: 

    • Be data-driven without losing the personal touch; 
    • Incorporate volunteer mindset into their volunteer programming; 
    • Create a Volunteer Engagement Pyramid using their existing volunteer data.

    Resources:

    Biography:

    Beth is passionate about making missions happen. Throughout her 12-year consulting career, Beth has helped nonprofits lift their expertise to a more strategic level. She believes an engagement strategy framework supported by well-designed technology is the key nonprofits need to unlock more meaningful relationships that help them achieve their goals. She has shared her approach along with her customers’ successes at convenings ranging from local user group meet-ups to regional nonprofit conferences.

    Day 2: Wednesday, May 11

    Session Block 1a (8:30 AM - 9:45 AM) Boundary-Setting: Identifying and Establishing Realistic Volunteer Expectations and Reinforcing Role Division

    Boundary-Setting: Identifying and Establishing Realistic Volunteer Expectations and Reinforcing Role Division

    Taylor Donaldson; Intern & Volunteer Program Manager, International Institute of New England

    • Categories: Volunteer Recruitment/Management; Organizational Management & Culture; Community & Partnership
    • Target Audiences: Volunteer managers; Leadership of nonprofits/public agencies; Other employees of nonprofits/public agencies; AmeriCorps members and/or AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers; Other volunteers; AmeriCorps program staff
    • Session Level: Intermediate: For individuals who are familiar with the topic & and want a deeper understanding with actionable takeaways
    • Session Features: Lecture; Q&A; Case studies; Small group discussion; Interactive activities; Digital Content (PowerPoint, video, etc.)


    Session Description:

    Volunteers provide an incredible amount of support to organizations through their time, talents, and dedication to those being served. However, what happens when good intentions and wanting to do right by the organization do not align with expectations and responsibilities set out by the organization and the volunteer?

    This session will identify and explore boundary establishment as well as the realities faced by both volunteers and organization staff. We will analyze the benefits of working with a volunteer network as well as the sometimes-challenging conversations that come with re-establishing expectations and boundaries. Additionally, we will brainstorm ways in which we can reinforce role division while maintaining a positive, productive image and relationship with volunteer stakeholders.

    Session Goals:

    By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

    • The importance of identifying boundaries and role division, as well as when and how to seek out more information as a volunteer; 
    • What disclosure agreements, manuals, and trainings may best support an organization in setting boundaries with volunteer stakeholders;
    • Best practices and procedures that support the mission, image, and volunteer network of an organization, sourced by fellow attendees.

    Resources:

    Biography:

    Taylor Donaldson currently oversees over 1,000 volunteers across three organizational sites in a variety of program support roles. She is passionate about creating a welcoming space for all volunteers to bring their whole selves into their work, while also supporting the mission and values of the organization. From Des Moines, Iowa, Taylor has experience fostering community and volunteer engagement on local political campaigns and fulfilled a Fulbright grant in Morocco. In her free time, she enjoys drinking coffee, petting puppies, and trying new recipes.

    Session Block 1b (8:30 AM - 9:45 AM) Master the 7 Types of Listening

    Master the 7 Types of Listening

    Jennifer Elder, CEO, The Sustainable CFO

    • Categories: Organizational Management & Culture; Personal/Professional Development
    • Target Audiences: Volunteer managers; Leadership of nonprofits/public agencies; Other employees of nonprofits/public agencies
    • Session Level: Intermediate: For individuals who are familiar with the topic & and want a deeper understanding with actionable takeaways
    • Session Features: Lecture; Q&A; Interactive activities; Digital Content (PowerPoint, video, etc.); Pre-session engagement (“homework”)


    Session Description:

    Listening is so easy to do and yet so hard to do well. We have two ears and one mouth because listening is twice as hard as talking. Yet, only 2% of the population has received formal training in listening. Have you ever said (or heard), “I told you that already” or “that’s not what I said” or “aren’t you listening?” Poor listening skills are to blame. If we engage in active listening we can reduce mistakes, identify problems, resolve conflict, increase trust, strengthen relationships, and build knowledge.

    This session will dive into four styles and seven methods of listening. Discover when and how to use each style for maximum effectiveness. This session is for you if you want specific tips and techniques to take your listening skills to an advanced level. Listen actively. Understand deeply. Connect strongly.

    Session Goals:

    By the end of this session, participants will have learned how to: 

    • Describe four listening styles and seven different listening methods;
    • Identify which listening style to use for maximum effectiveness based on the situation;
    • Build their listening muscles with specific techniques.

    Resources:

      Biography:

      Jennifer Elder, CSP, CPA is an executive coach who helps smart professionals transform from technically talented to strategically savvy. If you want more influence and impact, and to be seen as a valued business partner, Jennifer will help you take deliberate actions to accelerate, expand and achieve your potential. Be seen, be heard, be valued! As a keynote speaker, Jennifer understands the difference between information and influence. She has presented to over 15,000 people in all 50 states and 9 countries.

      Session Block 2: Highlighted Session (10:30 AM - 11:45 AM) Lessons from the Pandemic: Effective Advocacy and Engagement with Your Communities

      Lessons from the Pandemic: Effective Advocacy and Engagement with Your Communities

      Stephen Pimpare, Coordinator, Public Service & Nonprofit Leadership Program, UNH

      • Category: Civic Engagement
      • Target Audiences: Volunteers; AmeriCorps members and/or AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers; AmeriCorps program staff
      • Session Level: Intermediate: For individuals who are familiar with the topic & and want a deeper understanding with actionable takeaways
      • Session Features: Q&A; Interactive activities; Digital Content (PowerPoint, video, etc.)


      Session Description:

      This session will offer an overview of the local, state, and nation-level policymaking and service delivery systems in the wake of COVID-19 and the responses to it. Through small group workshops and interactive discussions, participants will have an opportunity to identify the issues, communities, and/or populations groups that matter most to them and then to think strategically about how to effect changes that will improve well-being.

      Session Goals:

      By the end of this session, participants will have learned how to:

      • Identify the issues/populations/communities of greatest concern to you;
      • Think strategically about where opportunities for change reside;
      • Create your own Action Plan/Next Steps Agenda.

      Resources:

      Biography:

      Stephen Pimpare is the founder and director of the Public Service & Nonprofit Leadership Program at the University of New Hampshire. A former leader of NYC nonprofit direct service and advocacy organizations and long-time consultant for AmeriCorps VISTA, he is the author of four books about poverty and US social welfare policy.

      Session Block 3a (12:30 PM - 1:45 PM) Amplify Volunteerism Through Marketing & Communication: A Collaborative Space

      Amplify Volunteerism Through Marketing & Communication: A Collaborative Space

      Elaine Lunsford, Development Associate, City Year NH

      • Category: Marketing & Technology
      • Target Audiences: Employees of nonprofits/public agencies; Volunteers; AmeriCorps members or AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers; AmeriCorps program staff
      • Session Level: Intermediate: For individuals who are familiar with the topic & and want a deeper understanding with actionable takeaways
      • Session Features: Case studies; Small group discussion; Interactive activities; Digital content (PowerPoint, video, etc.); Pre-session engagement (“homework”)


      Session Description:

      This highly interactive session will primarily be focused around discussion between participants working/interested in nonprofit marketing & communication. Come share/learn best practices, problem-solve through shared challenges, and collaborate on ways to amplify volunteerism and service in NH and beyond. This is also a great opportunity to get to know your fellow social media/communication admins.

      This collaborative space will be shaped by participants’ interests, so please use the “Questions & Comments” field during registration to share what you’re hoping to get from this session!

      Session Goals:

      By the end of this session, participants will have learned:

      • Strategies around using marketing & technology to boost volunteerism and service;
      • Tools for creating a communications strategy;
      • Best practices, learnings, and resources from colleagues working in similar roles;
      • Who their peers in similar roles are, with the possibility of ongoing collaboration!

      Resources:

      Biography:

      Elaine is passionate about using creativity, design and multimedia storytelling to inspire people to mission-driven action that builds stronger communities. After serving as an AmeriCorps member and AmeriCorps VISTA, Elaine is now a Development Associate at City Year New Hampshire, where she designs communications, events, and other engagement initiatives to connect people to City Year’s work. A self-taught marketing and communications professional, Elaine loves learning from other people and exploring win-win ideas that could be possible from working together.

      Session Block 4a (2:30 PM - 3:45 PM) Effectively Measuring and Communicating Impact to Funding Sources

      Effectively Measuring and Communicating Impact to Funding Sources

      Richard Peck, VP for Development and Philanthropy Services, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation;

      Annie Rhodes, Chief Strategy Officer, UpMetrics;

      Briana Roberge, Client Manager, UpMetrics

      • Categories: Marketing & Technology; Fundraising; Community & Partnership; COVID-19 Resiliency
      • Target Audiences: Leadership of nonprofits/public agencies; Other employees of nonprofits/public agencies; Members of a nonprofit Board of Directors
      • Session Level: Intermediate: For individuals who are familiar with the topic & and want a deeper understanding with actionable takeaways
      • Session Features: Lecture; Q&A; Interactive activities; Digital Content (PowerPoint, video, etc.)


      Session Description:

      Effectively communicating the impact of financial contributions to your organization can help ensure your success with donors and prospective donors, but many fundraising recipients find this challenging. Donors are not ATMs; they don’t dispense money upon request, and often have many choices to consider when deciding to give. This session will show you how to communicate the difference donors make by giving to your organization.

      Session Goals:

      By the end of this session, participants will have learned:

      • What type of information resonates with many donors (e.g., left-brain statistics and right-brain stories);
      • How to convey that information in the briefest and most effective way to create an allegiance with the funding sources (donors, prospective donors, and even professional advisors);
      • How to ensure you receive proper feedback from the funding sources/referral sources to continue to build long-term trust in the relationship and meet the needs of these donors/prospective donors/professional advisors. In so doing they will continue to provide opportunities for your institution to receive meaningful gifts to help make the kind of impact they desire.

      Resources:

      Biographies:

      Rick Peck leads the Foundation’s philanthropy and donor services team, overseeing all aspects of development, donor engagement, and donor services. Before joining the Foundation, Rick served Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health and the Geisel School of Medicine as director of individual giving and gift planning, where he worked with grateful patients and families, as well as medical school alumni, to achieve their philanthropic goals. He also served Dartmouth College as an associate director of gift planning, working with alumni of the undergraduate college. He is a Certified Financial Planner®, a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®, and a Chartered Financial Consultant®.

      Annie Rhodes works across all of the UpMetrics teams to inspire organizations on their data journeys, empowering them and their grant partners to embrace their data and capture critical stories in order to better understand, accelerate and communicate their impact. Throughout her career, Annie has worked at the unique intersection of technology and social good. From her work in grants management at the Ford foundation to her product management and strategy roles more recently in technology, Annie has a background as an advocate for social good sector transformation and growth.

      Briana Roberge focuses on building strong client relationships and empowering clients to achieve their goals through data and by using UpMetrics’ impact analytics platform. Prior to joining the team, Briana spent 6 years in community-based behavioral health research. She studied Peace & Justice Studies at Wellesley College and later received a master’s degree in Public Health from the Boston University School of Public Health. Briana is passionate about building and promoting healthy communities in which individuals, families, organizations, and businesses can truly thrive.

      Session Block 3b (12:30 PM - 1:45 PM) Fostering and Maintaining our Emotional Health

      Fostering and Maintaining our Emotional Health

      Maura McGowan, Program Director, NH Teen Institute;

      Marissa Carlson, Executive Director, NH Teen Institute

      • Categories: Personal/Professional Development; COVID-19 Resiliency
      • Target Audiences: All
      • Session Level: Intermediate: For individuals who are familiar with the topic & and want a deeper understanding with actionable takeaways
      • Session Features: Lecture; Q&A; Small group discussion; Interactive activities; Digital Content (PowerPoint, video, etc.)


      Session Description:

      After experiencing greater than normal stressors living through a pandemic, our ability to monitor and manage our emotional health has become more important than ever to our own well-being and the relationships we have with those at home and in the workplace. In addition to being able to help their own emotional health, this workshop will offer participants tools that can be brought to all of those they support through their jobs and in their lives.

      Session Goals:

      By the end of this session, participants will have learned how to:

      • Define aspects of emotional health;
      • Recognize their emotional health “Danger Zones” & how to adjust their coping to keep or move back into their “Healthy Zones”;
      • Have tools they can use to support their peers, clients, and others in their life to manage their emotional health and cultivate resiliency.

      Resources:

      Biographies:

      Maura McGowan, CPS, is the Program Director of the NH Teen Institute, a non-profit agency whose mission is to empower youth through personal leadership development and community engagement. Maura has worked in the field of prevention since 2002, became a volunteer with the NH Teen Institute in 2008, and has been a Program Director in charge of youth programming and volunteer engagement since 2017. She is a graduate of the New England ATTC Leadership Development Program and has served as a mentor in the New England PTTC Prevention Mentorship Program. In 2021, Maura was appointed as an advisor to the NH Governor’s Youth Council, and she is on the advisory committee for the NH Prevention Community of Practice.

      Marissa is the Executive Director of the NH Teen Institute, where she oversees and facilitates training for both the youth participants and TI’s youth & adult volunteer program staff. In addition, she is the President of the Prevention Certification Board of NH, the NH Prevention delegate to the IC&RC, and serves as the lead advisor of the Prevention Specialist credentialing committee. She serves as co-chair of the NH Governor’s Commission Prevention Task Force and sits on the advisory council of the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC). Marissa holds an MS in Nonprofit Management from Bay Path University and is a Certified Prevention Specialist.

      Session Block 4b (2:30 PM - 3:45 PM) Neurodiversity: What It Is and Why It’s Your Volunteer Team’s Superpower

      Neurodiversity: What It Is and Why It’s Your Volunteer Team’s Superpower

      Susan Fitzell, Founder and President of Susan Fitzell & Associates; Author, Consultant, and Presenter

      • Categories: Volunteer Recruitment/Management; Organizational Management & Culture; Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (JEDI)
      • Target Audiences: All
      • Session Level: Beginner: For individuals who have never experienced this content before & want to know how to get started
      • Session Features: Lecture; Q&A; Small group discussion; Interactive activities; Digital Content (PowerPoint, video, etc.)


      Session Description:

      In this engaging, interactive, presentation, Susan Fitzell reveals how volunteer teams may, more effectively, champion neurodiversity, equity, and inclusion to increase problem solving, productivity, and creativity. Neurodiversity reaps significant benefits for volunteer organizations; however, neurodiversity handled poorly may backfire and cause conflict in volunteer organizations.

      Session Goals:

      By the end of this session, participants will have learned:

      • What neurodiversity is, how to recognize neurodivergence, and why it benefits their volunteer teams;
      • Tools and strategies for working with neurodivergent volunteers to increase innovation, problem solving, and efficiency;
      • How accommodations that benefit neurodivergent volunteers benefit all volunteers.

      Resources:

      Biography:

      International speaker and author, Susan Fitzell, M.Ed., CSP has decades of experience working with education and business communities to maximize human potential in the learning & growth space. Susan’s own neurodivergence was diagnosed the same day as one of her children. The doctor said, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Understanding the struggles of someone whose brain is wired differently, she is passionate about creating a world that empowers and values neurodivergent talent. She is a recognized authority in the learning and collaboration space. She can problem-solve work-related matters involving various types of neurodiverse scenarios to bring out the best in people and teams. Susan moves audiences to action with her practical, productive, and positive approach. She works to establish cultures of learning that keep organizations competitive and increase the ROI of their employee investments.

      Day 3: Thursday, May 12

      Session Block 1a (8:30 AM - 9:45 AM) Aligning Volunteer Goals with Programmatic Outcomes

      Aligning Volunteer Goals with Programmatic Outcomes

      Toniann DeSousa, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Granite State College

      • Categories: Volunteer Recruitment/Management
      • Target Audiences: Volunteer managers; Leadership of nonprofits/public agencies
      • Session Level: Intermediate: For individuals who are familiar with the topic & and want a deeper understanding with actionable takeaways
      • Session Features: Lecture; Q&A; Digital Content (PowerPoint, video, etc.)

      Session Description:

      Volunteers are often the backbone of an organization through sharing our mission and values, being involved on boards and committees, and bringing our work to local communities. To effectively accomplish our goals and provide the greatest service to these communities, volunteer efforts must align with programming outcomes and overall organizational objectives.

      This presentation, aimed at volunteer managers and nonprofit leaders, will encompass successes, best practices, and lessons learned in the pursuit of enhancing the volunteer experience while gaining organizational efficiencies. We will discuss how the process of building a framework to align volunteer passion with needs and deliverables, as well as increasing accountability, can motivate volunteers to expand their contributions and feel valued.

      Session Goals:

      By the end of this session, participants will have learned:

      • How defining outcomes for your organization can assist with streamlining volunteer roles;
      • The importance of defining and utilizing volunteer accountability;
      • How incorporating volunteer appreciation allows them to enhance their organizational goals.

      Resources:

      Biography:

      Toniann DeSousa is the Director for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Granite State College (OLLI at GSC), a learning community for retired and semi-retired adults to continue their education for personal enjoyment. DeSousa has an MBA in Health Care Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She came to OLLI at GSC with experience in volunteer management, member relations, operational assessment, and organizational development.

      Session Block 1b (8:30 AM - 9:45 AM) Inclusive Leadership: Igniting Staff and Volunteers for Optimal Performance

      Inclusive Leadership: Igniting Staff and Volunteers for Optimal Performance

      James McKim, Managing Partner, Organizational Ignition, LLC; President, Manchester NAACP

      • Categories: Volunteer Recruitment/Management; Organizational Management & Culture; Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI); Personal/Professional Development
      • Target Audiences: Volunteer managers; Leadership of nonprofits/public agencies; Members of a nonprofit Board of Directors; Business owners/employees
      • Session Level: Intermediate: For individuals who are familiar with the topic & and want a deeper understanding with actionable takeaways
      • Session Features: Lecture; Q&A; Small group discussion; Interactive activities; Digital Content (PowerPoint, video, etc.); Pre-session engagement (“homework”)


      Session Description:

      Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) is a proven way to elicit superior performance from teams and individuals. But that performance does not just happen by itself. Even if there is a DEI Plan, that plan needs to be carried out day-to-day by the people in your group. How do you engage everyone equitably so that they perform at their best and your team performs at its highest level? This workshop explores how to ignite your staff to optimal performance using our formula of equitable inclusion of diverse people.

      Pre-Session Engagement

      Before attending the session, please view the 3.5-minute video, “An Introduction to Unconscious Bias.”

      Session Goals:

      By the end of this session, participants will have learned how to:

      • Provide an equitable, inclusive environment for their team in meetings and interactions, increasing employee/volunteer satisfaction;
      • Facilitate innovative thinking and decision making, increasing the number of ideas and the quality of ideas generated;
      • Create win-win situations with each employee/volunteer, increasing employee/volunteer satisfaction.

      Resources:

      Biography:

      James McKim is Managing Partner of Organizational Ignition, a Management Consulting practice. He is a sought-after organizational performance speaker, coach, change manager, and author of the best-selling book The Diversity Factor: Igniting Superior Organizational Performance. Over his 35+ year career, he has helped small and large organizations, for-profit and non-profit, spark efficiency and growth through the aligning of people, process, and technology. Mr. McKim is known nationally for his current focus on organizational and individual performance through diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). He is recognized by industry watchers such as ATD, Brandon Hall, Bersin Associates, Axelos, and PMI for his dedication to creating win-win situations between organizations and their employees.

      Session Block 2: Highlighted Session (10:30 AM - 11:45 AM) The Transformative Power of Engaging Volunteers with Lived Experience

      The Transformative Power of Engaging Volunteers with Lived Experience

      Amber Johnston, Director of Volunteer Services, Upper Valley Haven;

      Prudence Pease, Trainer, Bridges out Of Poverty; Director of Work United, Granite United Way

      • Category: Volunteer Recruitment/Management
      • Target Audiences: Volunteer managers; Leadership of nonprofits/public agencies; Other employees of nonprofits/public agencies; AmeriCorps members and/or AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers; AmeriCorps program staff
      • Session Level: Intermediate: For individuals who are familiar with the topic & and want a deeper understanding with actionable takeaways
      • Session Features: Lecture; Q&A; Case studies; Small group discussion


      Session Description:

      This session will be a joint presentation between Amber Johnston, Director of Volunteer Services at the Upper Valley Haven, and Prudence “Pru” Pease, trainer for Bridges out Of Poverty and Director of Work United at Granite United Way. They will discuss the role volunteering played in breaking Pru’s cycle of poverty and the steps the Upper Valley Haven has taken to diversify their volunteer base.

      The session will focus on recruitment methods, language usage, and addressing barriers that face people who want to volunteer. We will also talk about the importance of including volunteer input and feedback when conducting program evaluations and making changes.

      Session Goals:

      By the end of this session, participants will have learned:

      • Practical techniques for diversifying your volunteer base and networks;
      • Concrete benefits of including individuals with lived experience in your volunteer programs;
      • Methods for incorporating inclusive language in your volunteer recruitment.

      Resources:

      • Slides
      • Mentioned in the session: Basecamp discussion/resource-sharing platform for local volunteer managers

      Biographies:

      Amber Johnston joined the Upper Valley Haven in June 2014. A native Vermonter, Amber received her BS from Union College and graduated from the MALS program at Dartmouth College. Amber returned to the Upper Valley after spending five years working with refugees and displaced populations in East Africa and the Middle East. She has a background in mental health and social service program development and has overseen and developed programs in the United States, Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, and Egypt.

      Pru Pease has created a career dedicated to advancing the lives of others in her community and across the country. In her role as Director of Work United at Granite United Way, she and her team bring stability to the lives of workers and their families in the Upper Valley region of Vermont and New Hampshire. She is a highly sought-after speaker nationwide on the topic of economic instability. She lives in Tunbridge, Vermont.

      Session Block 3 (12:30 PM - 1:45 PM) Trivia & Reflection

      Trivia & Reflection

      Session Description:

      Join us for a fun, low-stakes, fast-paced game of Kahoot! to see how much you learned at the conference this year. This trivia game will have questions focused on key takeaways from each conference session as well as a few pieces of Volunteer NH and general New Hampshire trivia. The winner will receive a prize!

      Then, spend the remaining time in small breakout groups with your peers, reflecting on what you have learned over the course of the conference. Suggested questions and conversation topics will be provided.

      Congratulations to our winners!

      1. First Place: Lisa Adams
      2. Second Place: Ariel Kapteyn
      3. Third Place: Tara Pacht

      Pre-Recorded Content

      Several presenters will be sharing created shorter, pre-recorded videos available to view any time before, during, and after the conference. Check back as we continue to add more!

      You can also view all of the session recordings from 2020 and 2021.

      Building Community with AmeriCorps NCCC and Outside Volunteer Groups

      Building Community with AmeriCorps NCCC and Outside Volunteer Groups

      Alana Svensen Hults, Assistant Program Director, AmeriCorps NCCC

      Session Description:

      The session will talk about how partnering with outside volunteer groups for a range of a week to a few weeks can help you build community and address community needs by creating or expanding partnerships within your own community and building advocates for the social issue(s) you’re trying to address in addition to completing some projects of your own. It will use AmeriCorps NCCC as a model for how this is done.

      Session Goals:

      • By the end of this session, participants will have learned:
        How partnerships build community and build advocates;
      • How AmeriCorps NCCC or other outside volunteer groups may be able to jumpstart or expand your partnership building.

      Resources:

      Biography:

      Alana is an Assistant Program Director with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) North Central Region. NCCC is a national service program for 18-24 year-olds that strengthens communities and develops leaders through team-based national and community service. She has served with NCCC for 14 years. As an Assistant Program Director, she focuses on developing projects in IL, ME, NH, VT & WI. Alana enjoys traveling, being outdoors whether that’s in the woods or in her garden, and spending time with her family.

      Volunteer NH: An Introduction to Our Programs & Resources

      Volunteer NH: An Introduction to Our Programs & Resources

      Mikayla Collins, Volunteer Generation Fund Program Officer, Volunteer NH
      Emily Planchet, Program Officer, Volunteer NH

      Session Description:

      Volunteer NH is a nonprofit organization with a mission to engage NH communities to solve local challenges through volunteerism. Our services include the following activities, which you will learn about during this session:

      • Connecting volunteers with opportunities to tackle food insecurity, support survivors of domestic violence, mentor youth, and more.
      • Celebrating individuals for their volunteer service and organizations for their volunteer programs & initiatives.
      • Training volunteers, volunteer managers, and volunteer champions to partner in addressing community needs.
      • Stewarding AmeriCorps resources to tackle our nation’s most pressing challenges right here in New Hampshire.

      Note: This session is an edited version of a presentation to the New Hampshire Association of Volunteer Administrators (NHAVA) Taskforce. The taskforce is free to participate in, and currently meets quarterly to share news and learn from one another. Email Mikayla@VolunteerNH.org if you would like to be added to the contact list.

      Resources:

      General Volunteerism

      Events

      • View the 2020 & 2021 Governor’s Conference on Volunteerism pages & session recordings
      • View the 2020 & 2021 Spirit of NH Awards pages & awardee interviews

      Biographies:

      Mikayla Collins is the Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) Program Officer at Volunteer NH, where she supports a variety of volunteer initiatives, including our grantee cohort, the annual Governor’s Conference on Volunteerism, and Get Connected, our volunteer-matching site. Mikayla has been with Volunteer NH since 2018 and spent her first two years working on Volunteer NH’s events and communication before transitioning into the VGF position. A proud AmeriCorps alum, Mikayla served two terms as an AmeriCorps VISTA member/Leader in New Hampshire. In her free time, Mikayla loves to read, write, cook, and spend time outside. Mikayla graduated from the University of New Hampshire, where she studied Communication, Business, and English.

      Emily Planchet is a Program Officer at Volunteer NH, where she supports the myriad of AmeriCorps programs operating in the state. She first served at Volunteer NH as an AmeriCorps VISTA member after graduating from college in 2015 and then came on as a full-time staff member at the end of her service in 2016. A lifelong lover of service, Emily also volunteers for her local Catholic church. She loves watching movies, trivia, and singing in the office. Emily graduated from the University of New Hampshire (go Wildcats!) where she majored in English and Classics.

      Conference Agenda At-a-Glance

      Day 1: Tuesday, May 10

      Session Block 1 (8:30 AM – 9:45 AM)

      • 1 highlighted session: Welcome & Keynote
        • Keynote Speaker: James McKim, Organizational Ignition, LLC & Manchester NAACP
        • Presentation of the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Manager of the Year award by Governor Sununu

      Session Block 2 (10:30 AM – 11:45 AM)

      • 1 highlighted session: Networking

      Session Block 3 (12:30 PM – 1:45 PM)

      • 2 session options:
        • In This Together: Lessons Learned from UNH Extension’s Pilot DEIJA Training for Volunteers
        • Senior Volunteers: The Hidden Workforce

      Session Block 4 (2:30 PM – 3:45 PM)

      • 2 session options:
        • Utilizing Storytelling to Build Community
        • Volunteer Journeys: Increase Engagement and Retention

      Day 2: Wednesday, May 11

      Session Block 1 (8:30 AM – 9:45 AM)

      • 2 session options:
        • Boundary-Setting: Establishing Realistic Volunteer Expectations and Reinforcing Role Division 
        • Master the 7 Types of Listening

      Session Block 2 (10:30 AM – 11:45 AM)

      • 1 highlighted session: Lessons from the Pandemic: Effective Advocacy and Engagement with Your Communities

      Session Block 3 (12:30 PM – 1:45 PM)

      • 2 session options:
        • Amplify Volunteerism Through Marketing & Communication: A Collaborative Space
        • Fostering and Maintaining Emotional Health

      Session Block 4 (2:30 PM – 3:45 PM)

      • 2 session options:
        • Effectively Measuring and Communicating Impact to Funding Sources
        • Neurodiversity: What It Is and Why It’s Your Volunteer Team’s Superpower

      Day 3: Thursday, May 12

      Session Block 1 (8:30 AM – 9:45 AM)

      • 2 session options:
        • Aligning Volunteer Goals with Programmatic Outcomes
        • Inclusive Leadership: Igniting Staff and Volunteers for Optimal Performance

      Session Block 2 (10:30 AM – 11:45 AM)

      • 1 highlighted session: The Transformative Power of Engaging Volunteers with Lived Experience

      Session Block 3 (12:30 PM – 1:45 PM)

      • 1 highlighted session: Trivia & Reflection

      The generous companies below are investing in building strong and connected communities throughout New Hampshire.

      2022 Annual Sponsors

      Trailblazers:

      Community Builders:

      Friends of Volunteer NH:

      C&S Wholesale Grocers

      Davis & Towle Insurance Group

      Hypertherm HOPE Foundation

      Nathan Wechsler & Company

      2022 Conference Sponsors

      Community Builder: