Volunteer Iowa Day at the Capitol
Volunteer Iowa (the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service) and Iowa MENTOR host Volunteer Iowa Day at the Capitol each year to share with legislators the latest information on the tremendous contributions volunteers and mentors make and their impact in Iowa’s communities. It is also an opportunity to educate lawmakers about the impacts their policy decisions have on Volunteer Iowa programs and services. This year, Volunteer Iowa Day at the Capitol will be on Wednesday, February 5.
Staff members and participants from Volunteer Iowa programs including AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps Seniors, RSVP, Volunteer Centers and Mentoring Programs, will share with lawmakers the impact their programs have across the state and will inform them about the tremendous program support and resources provided to them by Volunteer Iowa and Iowa MENTOR. Commissioners and programs of Volunteer Iowa are invited to take part in this annual event to help us:
- Highlight the importance of service and volunteering in Iowa
- Build legislators’ awareness of policy issues important for expanding our sector
- Provide a venue for volunteer and national service programs to connect with their local legislators
The Volunteer Iowa staff create a handbook each year that can help attendees navigate through the process to prep for the day, reach out to legislators, and help with social media the day of the event. For more information, contact info@volunteeriowa.org or 800.308.5987. Register today to join us for Volunteer Iowa Day at the Capitol!
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Certificate in Volunteer Engagement Training Program
Join the Volunteer Centers of Iowa, in partnership with Volunteer Iowa, for an exciting six-session virtual training program beginning January 28! This dynamic series will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the core aspects of nonprofit volunteer engagement, equipping you with valuable strategies to recruit, retain, and recognize volunteers effectively.
This highly interactive training will offer practical tools and insights to create inclusive and impactful volunteer experiences, with each session designed to support your growth as a leader in volunteer engagement. Plus, upon completion, you'll earn a Certificate in Volunteer Engagement, boosting your credentials and enhancing your professional toolkit!
Throughout the program, you’ll explore key topics such as:
- Establishing the Framework for Success
- Planning for Effective Volunteer Engagement
- Outreach Strategies and Creating Opportunities
- Streamlined Intake and Onboarding Processes
- Supportive Supervision Techniques
- Evaluation and Continuous Improvement
Whether you are brand new to volunteer management or looking to deepen your expertise, this program will provide you with the skills and confidence to make a lasting impact. Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your knowledge and earn a Certificate in Volunteer Engagement!
Dates: January 28, February 4, February 11, February 18, February 25, and March 4. All sessions run 10:00am – 12:00pm (noon). Cost to participate is $125. Click here to register.
Give Back Iowa Challenge
The 11th Annual Give Back Iowa Challenge registration is now open! Now is the time to begin planning for the two-month challenge. The Give Back Iowa Challenge is an eight-week statewide challenge, which serves as a competitive way to encourage organizations and businesses alike to participate in community volunteering. The Challenge runs from April 1st through May 31st. It’s simple; register your organization, track the hours of your employees, record those hours on our system, and celebrate your employees and their dedication to volunteerism!
There are a variety of ways to help out in your community. There are many volunteer opportunities statewide, including youth mentoring, college and career mentoring, assisting food banks and food pantries with packaging and distribution, skills-based opportunities, and more. Volunteer opportunities in your area can be found on our statewide volunteer opportunities portal Get Connected.
Visit the Give Back Iowa Challenge website to learn more about this year's challenge. Please contact Betsy Shelton at betsy.shelton@volunteeriowa.org with questions.
Adopting a Mentoring Mindset
Introduction to the "Becoming a Better Mentor" Series
Virtual Training for Mentors
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 4:30-6:00pm
Register to attend the training
Iowa MENTOR will host a virtual training session on the mentoring mindset in February. This training is for any individual who in interested in becoming a mentor or is serving as a mentor in a mentoring program. A perfect "first step training" where we will explore some critical attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that serve as the foundation of being an effective mentor. Participants will receive a certificate of completion and should come prepared to learn and interact with others.
The mentoring mindset training is meant to engage mentors in the journey of self-awareness and supportive engagement. Questions? Contact Toni Lampley.
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Volunteerism in the News
Current Volunteer Iowa Opportunities
Volunteer with us! Find volunteer opportunities with Volunteer Iowa here: Volunteer Iowa | Volunteer Iowa (galaxydigital.com)
Other Iowa AmeriCorps programs supported by Volunteer Iowa are also recruiting now. Find a listing of Iowa AmeriCorps programs at Join AmeriCorps | Volunteer Iowa.
Come work with us! Volunteer Iowa currently has two positions open.
Important Dates
Looking for a way to give back? Visit Get Connected today to find volunteer opportunities. Organizations can post volunteer opportunities on Get Connected as well at no cost.
This email was sent to you by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. https://hhs.iowa.gov/
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