Do you manage volunteers? Even if it’s not the only thing you do, you should consider getting a CVA.
The “Certified in Volunteer Administration” (CVA) credential, sponsored by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA), is the only international professional certification in the field. It provides benefits to the certified individual, the nonprofit employing them and to the volunteer management field as a whole. Read on to learn more:
1. Increase Your Credibility and Confidence
Unlike degree programs in nonprofit and volunteer management, the CVA is not meant to teach you “how” to manage volunteers, but to measure and applaud the skills you’re already using. So you’ll walk away feeling really good about yourself, with a certification that proves you deserve to feel that way. It can have concrete impact on your career, as well. One CVA participant negotiated a higher salary and a work-from-home situation after getting her credential.
2. Increase Your Volunteer Program’s Credibility
Volunteers, partners, and potential funders will all rest easier and say “yes” faster when your nonprofit’s program is run by someone with a professional certificate. So many organizations are driven in large part by the work of volunteers, and this credential demonstrates a commitment to excellence that resonates with your audiences.
3. Identify Ways to Improve Your Skills
“It really makes you think and dig deep within yourself to determine why you do what you do and what drives you in the field,” says one CVA about the credential. The CVA process is a great way to reflect on your career. You’ll understand your work and the work of others better, and be able to identify ways to improve.
4. Define the Volunteer Administrator Profession
We know that volunteer management is often more than a full-time gig, and involves significant expertise. The CVA defines your role as part of an established profession. This has the added benefit of creating a network of peers that is a resource for anyone in the field. “Best of all,” says one CVA, “The network of CVA’s has formed professional friendships that will, I’m sure, last my entire career.”
5. It’s Simple and Convenient
The course consists of two parts: a portfolio and a multiple-choice examination. It’s a self-study process with no class time or travel, so you can fit it easily into your schedule.
At VolunteerMatch, our own volunteer manager, Jennifer Bennett, recently obtained her certification. You can read about her journey here.
Learn more about the CVA in the special free webinar “The CVA Credential: A Mark of Excellence,” offered by VolunteerMatch on Thursday, January 13th. You’ll learn more about the process for attaining your CVA credential, how it can benefit you and your organization, and how to take advantage of the 14% discount offered to VolunteerMatch users.
Click here to register for the webinar.
Many people pursue a CVA after years or even decades of working in the field, because they recognize the value of the benefits described above. If you recognize this value, as well, consider taking the webinar and pursuing a CVA credential.
