Volunteer Iowa Updates - August 2025

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Iowa’s State Service Plan

During the month of July, Volunteer Iowa held five in-person public listening sessions across the state to garner feedback from the public on the future of our work. Individuals joined us in Shenandoah, Grinnell, Mason City, Spencer and Davenport to provide their recommendations on the future of volunteerism and national service in Iowa.

Every three years Volunteer Iowa is charged with drafting a State Service Plan, which serves as a blueprint for identifying state priorities, themes, and areas of emphasis for Iowa national service and volunteer programs. Did you miss the chance to take our survey or join a public listening session? Please reach out to info@volunteeriowa.org to provide feedback or ask questions.

We will provide updates on the State Service Plan on our website and in our monthly newsletter.

A group of individuals sitting at tables in a square layout

Grinnell Publlic Listening Session


Volunteer Centers of Iowa logo

The Volunteer Advantage: Tools for Meaningful Engagement

Tuesday, September 30, 2025
1:00-5:00pm
United Way of Central Iowa, 1111 9th Street, Des Moines

Connect with peers and explore strategies to energize volunteer engagement during this hands-on session hosted by Volunteer Centers of Iowa.

Looking to strengthen volunteer engagement at your organization? Join the Volunteer Centers of Iowa for a high-impact afternoon of learning, discussion, and skill-building for those who manage, support, or work alongside volunteers.

This hands-on training includes:

  • A fresh framework for volunteer engagement
  • Risk management strategies
  • Tools for targeted recruitment and outreach
  • Practical guides for orientation, training, and supervision
  • Approaches for handling performance issues and fostering appreciation

Engage with your peers in small group activities, self-assessments, and large group discussions designed to leave you inspired and equipped with real-world tools.

Register now to take your volunteer program to the next level.


AmeriCorps logo

AmeriCorps NCCC: Project Sponsor Application Overview

11:30am-12:30pm CT
Thursday, August 7

Register here for Zoom login information.

Is your organization interested in hosting an AmeriCorps NCCC Traditional Corps team from January-March 2026? AmeriCorps NCCC is currently accepting Traditional Corps service project applications from organizations throughout the United States. Submit your Early Review application by September 5, 2025. This webinar will provide information about the NCCC program, sponsor requirements, the sponsor application process, and recent changes.


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AmeriCorps Seniors Virtual Celebration

AmeriCorps Seniors is hosting a virtual celebration of program staff, to honor the work, recognize outstanding staff, and share well-deserved joy and connection. Whether you manage, coordinate, support, or lead, your work behind the scenes fuels the success of thousands of older adults serving across the country. Your dedication makes a difference, and that’s something worth celebrating!

Guiding Stars: Illuminating Leadership in AmeriCorps Seniors
Tuesday, August 19, 1:00 p.m.
Register Here

Here’s how you can take part:

  1. Mark your calendar and register now! We’d love to see you there! Register today – select the August Call from the list.
  2. Share your “Why I Serve” video. Send us a 15-second video about what inspires you to support AmeriCorps Seniors. We’ll feature your reflections during the event. Send your video to ACSTraining@americorps.gov.

We encourage AmeriCorps Seniors program staff to gather in the same location and join using one login. This will allow you to celebrate in-person as well as with programs across the country virtually.


Iowa Nonprofit Summit logo

Iowa Nonprofit Summit - October 1 in Ankeny

Registration is open for the Iowa Nonprofit Summit, the annual nonprofit conference organized by the Iowa Nonprofit Alliance. Join your nonprofit colleagues for a day of education, networking, and revitalization. The Summit will be held in Ankeny on October 1. Learn more and register here. Register in August to get the Early Bird rates!


Current Volunteer Iowa Opportunities

Volunteer with us! Find volunteer opportunities with Volunteer Iowa here: Volunteer Iowa | Volunteer Iowa (galaxydigital.com)

Iowa AmeriCorps programs supported by Volunteer Iowa are also recruiting now. Find a listing of Iowa AmeriCorps programs at Join AmeriCorps | Volunteer Iowa.


Volunteerism in the News


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.


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