Professional Development in Volunteer Engagement with Faiza Venzant, CVA

This interview with Faiza Venzant, CVA, offers a comprehensive exploration of professional development in volunteer engagement, highlighting the importance of leadership, continuous learning, and ethical practice in fostering effective volunteer programs.

Interview with Faiza Venzant, CVA

In this interview, we’ve had the pleasure of sitting down with Faiza Venzant, CVA, Executive Director of the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA), to delve deeply into her extensive experience and insights on professional development in volunteer engagement.

Faiza Venzant, CVA: Certainly! My journey into volunteer engagement began unexpectedly during my university years. Originally studying social work, I discovered my passion lay in coordinating volunteers during my summer breaks. This experience ignited my interest in harnessing the power of community involvement for social good.

Over the past 25 years, I've had the privilege of managing various volunteer programs, from corporate initiatives to community-based projects, each enriching my understanding of effective volunteer engagement strategies.

Faiza Venzant,CVA: What inspired me most was witnessing firsthand the transformative impact volunteering can have within organizations and communities.

From mobilizing resources for local charities to spearheading advocacy campaigns, volunteers play a pivotal role in driving positive change.

I saw an opportunity to bridge my passion for social impact with the structured discipline of volunteer management, which ultimately led me to pursue a career bringing volunteers and community together.

Can you tell us about your involvement with CCVA and the Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) credential?

Faiza Venzant, CVA: Absolutely. As the Executive Director of CCVA, I'm privileged to lead an organization committed to advancing the profession of volunteer administration. CCVA administers the Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) credential, a globally recognized certification that validates the competency of volunteer administrators across seven key areas.

These competencies include strategic planning, ethical standards, volunteer recruitment and onboarding, data management, and more.

The CVA credential not only enhances professional credibility but also equips administrators with essential skills to effectively lead volunteer programs.

What are some key competencies that CVAs need to succeed in volunteer administration?

Faiza Venzant, CVA: CVAs possess a diverse skill set tailored to meet the multifaceted demands of volunteer administration.

They excel in strategic volunteer engagement planning, advocating for volunteer involvement, and cultivating meaningful relationships with volunteers and stakeholders alike. 

Moreover, CVAs are adept at documenting volunteer impact, managing data to optimize program outcomes, and upholding ethical standards in volunteer management.

These competencies collectively empower CVAs to navigate challenges, foster innovation, and drive sustainable growth within their organizations.

How do you see volunteer engagement evolving, especially in light of recent global events?

Faiza Venzant, CVA: Recent global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have underscored the resilience and adaptability of volunteer engagement practices. 

Organizations have increasingly relied on volunteers to support critical initiatives, from healthcare assistance to community outreach programs. 

This shift has accelerated the integration of technology in volunteer management, facilitating remote volunteering opportunities and enhancing communication between volunteers and organizations. 

Furthermore, there's a growing emphasis on inclusivity and diversity within volunteer engagement, ensuring equitable access and participation across all community sectors.

What advice do you have for volunteer engagement professionals?

Faiza Venzant, CVA: My advice would be to embrace a mindset of continuous learning and professional development. 

Seek opportunities to expand your knowledge, whether through attending industry conferences, pursuing advanced certifications like the CVA, or participating in communities and spaces dedicated to volunteer management. 

Building a robust professional network can also provide invaluable support, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities. 

By staying informed about emerging trends and practices in volunteer engagement, professionals can enhance their leadership capabilities and drive meaningful impact within their respective organizations.

Any final thoughts or insights you'd like to share with our volunteer leadership readers?

Faiza Venzant, CVA: I'd like to emphasize the potential of volunteer engagement in fostering social change and improved community health. 

As professionals in this field, we have a unique opportunity to leverage our skills and passion to create inclusive, sustainable volunteer programs that positively impact lives. 

By prioritizing ethical standards, embracing innovation, and nurturing collaborative partnerships, we can collectively engage volunteers to make a meaningful difference in our communities. Together, we can build a future where volunteerism thrives as a catalyst for positive social impact.

 Faiza's Suggested Resources 

• Become a CVA: Learn more at www.cvacert.org
• [FREE SIGN UP] Volunteer Management Ethics Education: Recurring Monthly Training
  
  
• Universal Declaration on the Profession of Leading and Managing Volunteers
• Assessing Diversity and Equity in Volunteer Inclusion (ADEVI) Research Study
• [WEBINAR] Volunteer Recognition: Motivation + Appreciation in Diverse Settings with Faiza Venzant, CVA
• [WEBINAR] Current Trends in Volunteer Engagement: From Strength to Strength with Faiza Venzant, CVA
  
  

  7 Competencies of Volunteer Administration

  1.  Plan for Strategic Volunteer Engagement
  2.  Advocate for Volunteer Involvement
  3.  Attract and Onboard a Volunteer Workforce
  4.  Prepare Volunteers for their Roles
  5.  Document Volunteer Involvement
  6.  Manage Volunteer Performance and Impact
  7.  Acknowledge, Celebrate, and Sustain Volunteer Involvement
  
  

  5 Pillars of Ethical Volunteer Engagement

  • Citizenship
  • Respect 
  • Accountability 
  • Fairness 
  • Trust 

 Guideposts from Faiza Venzant, CVA

• Make professional development a part of your growth as a person and a volunteer leader
• Let your leadership at your organization know what you’re doing to grow as a volunteer leader
• Start with free online trainings, resources, & tap into local associations of volunteer engagement professionals
• Build your core skillsets and volunteer engagement competencies 
• Learn the ethics of volunteer engagement 
• Build community among other leaders of volunteers!