Whatcom Volunteer Center...
is a one-stop center linking people of all ages who want to contribute their talent
and time to directly assist agencies in meeting community needs.

News

Upcoming Educational Opportunities

Volunteer Coordinator Round Table

Are you a volunteer coordinator looking for peer advice, professional feedback and networking opportunities? Although each volunteer program is different, coordinators can really benefit from establishing relationships with one another to share ideas, give each other support and learn from one another. This group meets monthly (typically the first Friday of each month)at the Whatcom Volunteer Center at 9am for a brown bag breakfast. Topics and dates for the next few meetings are listed below.

Friday, August 1, 2008 - Collaborations for Volunteer Engagement
Friday, September 5, 2008 - Tracking Volunteer Hours

If you are interested in participating, please call 734-3055 to pre-register. Space is limited to 20 people so please sign up early!

On Board Training *

Our nonprofit partners consistently identify one of their most crucial needs as finding and retaining sufficient numbers of board members with the appropriate skills, interests and passion for nonprofit service. Board training is a critical element in an organization’s ability to fulfill its mission and serve the community successfully. Whatcom Volunteer Center is introducing a new “Board Training 101” for volunteers interested in learning the basics of Board service. This basic training will cover the following:

What is a nonprofit?
How are Nonprofits Organized?
Roles and Responsibilities of Nonprofit Board Members
Personal Liability for Nonprofit Board Members
How to Choose an Organization

These trainings are free but advanced registration is required and class size is limited. Trainings are scheduled from noon - 1:30pm at the Whatcom Volunteer Center. Registration opens one month prior to each training. The current trainings will be offered:

September 11, 2008

*Whatcom Volunteer Center staff are available on a limited basis to present this training to nonprofit organization boards. There is a $50 charge to cover staff time and materials. Existing Partner Agencies are eligible for a 20% discount. Remember that this training is oriented to volunteers in their search for a meaningful board position;it is not board training. We advise organizations searching for training on how to make their boards more effective to talk to the Northwest Training Institute.

Volunteer Management 101

Learn to build an effective volunteer program for your organization. This two-day workshop will help you learn to recruit, retain, and recognize volunteers who want to help your organization achieve your goals. Examine other volunteer programs' effective practices and get your own program off to a great start.

This course is offered bi-annually. The next training will be held September 18-19, 2008 from 9am-4pm each day. The $120 fee includes lunch. People with special dietary needs should bring a sack lunch. For more information, contact Whatcom Volunteer Center at 734-3055. Please fill out the registration form and mail to WVC with check made out to "Whatcom Volunteer Center."

Volunteer Chore Training

The Volunteer Chore Program is now offering an Orientation Training class. This class is open to anyone thinking about joining the Chore team, as well as all new and existing Chore volunteers. Chore volunteers help low-income seniors and adults with disabilities with tasks around their homes to enable these clients to remain living independently. This training covers setting boundaries with clients, interpersonal communication, dealing with loss and grieving, and health and safety issues that face our clients. Free.

Upcoming Classes:
None scheduled at this time

Quarterly Trainings

Whatcom Volunteer Center offers a wide variety of short trainings designed for volunteers and volunteer coordinators. For more information on any of the following, please call 734-3055.
Our current schedule includes:

Incorporating Service Learning Opportunities In Your Volunteer Program
Date: TBD

College students can provide energy, passion and an eagerness to help your volunteer program if you know where to find them. In this training, find out more about the area's different collegiate service learning programs and learn how to work with them to find the right students for your program. Advanced registration and a $20 fee.
Registration opens June 23, 2008.

Incorporating Service Into My Culminating Project
Thursday, October 16, 2008
6pm-8pm, Location: TBD

Create a strong culminating project by incorporating service elements. We'll discuss how incorporating community needs can enhance your project and experience. This training is designed for highschool students and parents. Advanced registration and fee to be determined.
Registration opens Septemeber 16, 2008.