Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis The hot topics are written by Susan J. Ellis, a volunteerism expert and President of Energize. Through her travels and interactions throughout the world, she keeps current on the latest issues in volunteer management field. http://www.energizeinc.com/ en Engage: The global voice of leaders of volunteer engagement has launched http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2020/october <p>As of October 18,  <em>e-Volunteerism </em>is now <a href="https://engagejournal.org/" target="_blank"><em>Engage</em>: The global voice of leaders of volunteer engagement</a>.  </p> <p>Energize published <em>e-Volunteerism</em> over 20 years ago as a professional journal for the field.  Last year, <em>e-Volunteerism</em> became part of the <a href="http://susanjellis.foundation/" target="_blank">Susan J. Ellis Foundation</a> and we are excited to report that the Foundation has updated the journal and launched <em><a href="http://engagejournal.org/" target="_blank">Engage</a>.</em></p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2020/october">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Betsy McFarland) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2020/october Fri, 09 Oct 2020 17:42:11 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Value of Volunteering http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2020/august <p>We must go beyond simply counting the number of volunteers we engage and the hours they contribute. It is critical to also demonstrate the <strong><em>impact </em></strong>of volunteers.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2020/august">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Betsy McFarland) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2020/august Tue, 25 Aug 2020 14:08:50 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Re-Opening and Recovery: Volunteer Engagement Resources in a Coronavirus World http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2020/june_1 <p>As companies and organizations begin reopening, we felt it would be helpful to start another list of resources to help leaders of volunteers and others plan their next steps safely and efficiently. </p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2020/june_1">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Betsy McFarland) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2020/june_1 Fri, 12 Jun 2020 13:02:49 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis The Ellis Archive is Now Available http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2020/june <p>We are pleased to share news from the Susan J. Ellis Foundation. As of this month, the Ellis Archive website has been launched. </p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2020/june">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Betsy McFarland) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2020/june Wed, 03 Jun 2020 17:52:05 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis How Leaders Can Find Strength In Vulnerability http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2020/june_0 <p>This post was originally published in Forbes Magazine on April 16, 2020. You can <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2020/05/08/how-leaders-can-find-strength-in-vulnerability/#2541ebc6b510">read the post on Forbes website</a> here. Laura Maloney is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council and founder of <a href="http://www.adisagroup.com" target="_blank">Adisa</a>, which runs Energize and provides consultancy for purpose-driven leaders and organizations.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2020/june_0">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Maloney, Laura ) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2020/june_0 Fri, 29 May 2020 12:32:38 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Supporting Volunteer Efforts During Coronavirus http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2020/march_0 <p>Energize has been diligently working to compile a list of resources to help leaders of volunteers deal with this quickly evolving situation.  Access the list or share your resources! </p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2020/march_0">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Betsy McFarland) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2020/march_0 Fri, 13 Mar 2020 15:16:22 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Susan J. Ellis Foundation: Supporting the Volunteer Engagement Profession http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2020/march <p>Energize’s founder, Susan J. Ellis would have celebrated her 72<sup>nd</sup> birthday this month.  In her memory, the trustees of the Susan J. Ellis Foundation want to share with you the exciting work of the Foundation which was established by her estate.  </p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2020/march">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Kristin Floyd) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2020/march Sun, 01 Mar 2020 10:46:52 EST Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Energize in 2020 http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/january_1 <p>With the start of the new year, Betsy McFarland takes a few minutes to discuss how Energize is changing and what will remain the same.  Betsy also introduces the Susan J. Ellis Foundation.   </p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/january_1">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Betsy McFarland) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/january_1 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 12:25:42 EST Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis The Volunteer Engagement Cha-Cha http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/november <p> Erin and Rob ask some questions that every volunteer engagement professional will want answered about professional associations.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/november">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Susan J. Ellis) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/november Tue, 22 Oct 2019 09:37:13 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Fueling Volunteer Passion: Empowering Volunteers to Self-Motivate http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/october <p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Learn to help volunteers to better understand their own (sometimes changing) motivations for volunteering.</span></p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/october">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Sheri Wilensky Burke) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/october Thu, 26 Sep 2019 09:25:24 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Revisiting Credentials and Certifications in Volunteer Engagement http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/september <p>Get ready for an upcoming webinar and revisit the many perspectives expressed in articles about credentialing over the years. </p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/september">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Cara Thenot) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/september Sat, 31 Aug 2019 06:08:49 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis When "Just" a Volunteer is Better than a Paid Employee http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/august <p>We hear a lot about why a role has to be filled by a paid employee; let's explore when a volunteer would be a better fit.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/august">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Jayne Cravens) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/august Mon, 29 Jul 2019 16:59:19 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis S#%& Words We Need To Stop Saying: Words and Phrases to Erase from the Lexicon of Volunteer Management http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/july <p>Rob Jackson and Erin R. Spink explore the words and phrases that no longer serve the volunteer engagement profession – and, in fact, may actually hurt us!</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/july">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Rob Jackson and Erin Spink) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/july Mon, 24 Jun 2019 07:44:52 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Volunteering Trend Watch: What Can We Learn from Looking Back? http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/june <p>Reflect on volunteering trends noted in 1999. Do they still hold true today? And, if they did, wouldn’t it be worth reflecting on the same issues?</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/june">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Cara Thenot) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/june Sat, 01 Jun 2019 01:29:59 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Could Volunteers Replace Paid Staff? Have No Fear! http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/may <p>An organization’s decision to bring in volunteers may spark fears that volunteers could eventually replace staff. Betsy McFarland explains why paid workers have nothing to fear. </p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/may">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Betsy McFarland) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/may Tue, 30 Apr 2019 12:12:40 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Lessons Learned About Leading Volunteers From a Volunteering Working Mom http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/april <p>Tap into your own volunteer experiences to strengthen the way you lead community involvement. </p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/april">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Sheri Wilensky Burke) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/april Tue, 26 Mar 2019 11:38:19 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Remembering Susan J. Ellis http://www.energizeinc.com/remembering_SusanJEllis <p>With sadness we share the news that our president, colleague and friend, Susan J. Ellis, passed away February 24, 2019, after successfully living with cancer for over eight years.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/remembering_SusanJEllis">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Energize Team) http://www.energizeinc.com/remembering_SusanJEllis Sun, 24 Feb 2019 17:58:15 EST Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis The Times They Are a Changin’—Even for Volunteers http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/february <p>Rob Jackson considers the challenges of taking volunteers through a change process—why can’t we use the same process for paid employees? </p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/february">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Rob Jackson (UK)) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/february Tue, 29 Jan 2019 10:56:22 EST Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis How Volunteer Action in 2018 Can Focus Us for 2019 http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/january <p>Energize President Susan J. Ellis highlights volunteer impact on several major events of 2018 and advises us how to keep volunteers in the limelight in 2019.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/january">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Susan J. Ellis) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2019/january Thu, 27 Dec 2018 10:58:47 EST Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Seeking Funder Support for Volunteer Engagement? Assess Your Approach! http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/december <p>Funding specifically for the support of engaging volunteers remains elusive. Betsy McFarland proposes ways for leaders of volunteers to approach potential funders that may lead to more success.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/december">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Betsy McFarland) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/december Thu, 29 Nov 2018 10:39:16 EST Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Volunteers? Donors? Let’s Call Them All Supporters! http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/november <p>Find out why Energize consultant Sheri Wilensky Burke firmly believes organizations need to stop making a distinction between volunteers and financial contributors and start thinking of them all as <em>supporters</em>.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/november">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Sheri Wilensky Burke) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/november Mon, 29 Oct 2018 09:58:03 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Leaders of Volunteers: Stop Being So Bloody Nice! http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/october <p>Rob Jackson officially introduces himself as part of "Team Energize" and explains why he strongly feels leaders of volunteers need to take off the halo once in a while!</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/october">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Rob Jackson (UK)) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/october Tue, 25 Sep 2018 10:43:24 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Good News: Today and Tomorrow for Energize, Inc. http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/september <p>As summer comes to an end in the U.S. and the northern hemisphere, President Susan J. Ellis rallies the Energize “troops,” giving us a positive update on her health, future plans, and the status of Energize, today and <strong>tomorrow</strong>. </p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/september">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Susan J. Ellis) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/september Wed, 29 Aug 2018 12:00:24 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Leader or Liability: Are Leaders Sabotaging Volunteer Engagement? http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/august <p>With a fresh perspective after changing careers, Andy Fryar discovers that many leaders of volunteers inadvertently sabotage their own volunteer engagement programs. He shares some of the most common mistakes he has seen out in the field.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/august">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Andy Fryar) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/august Tue, 24 Jul 2018 10:41:12 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis What Is the New National Alliance for Volunteer Engagement and What Will It Mean for Us? http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/july <p>Betsy McFarland announces an exciting new chapter for volunteer engagement in the United States—the development of a national body charged with bringing about unity and collaboration among networks, organizations, and individuals, driving a national conversation about the power and potential of volunteer engagement, and encouraging collective action for nationwide engagement strategies.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/july">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Betsy McFarland) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/july Thu, 28 Jun 2018 10:18:10 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Bribing volunteers: Should we be incentivising people for their time? http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/june <p>For several years now the practice of incentivising people to volunteer has become increasingly common. But is this the right approach? Some argue these incentives amount to nothing more than bribes, whilst others herald their success. What can this debate teach us about motivation in the modern age?</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/june">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Rob Jackson (UK)) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/june Thu, 31 May 2018 10:43:30 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Grow Volunteer-Staff Harmony: Plant New Seeds this Spring http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/may <p>When helping volunteer-involving organizations, consultant Betsy McFarland is frequently asked how to handle growing antagonism between volunteers and paid staff, often becoming an “us-versus-them” weed that invades the soil of the organization. In this Hot Topic, Betsy suggests ideas for cultivating collaborative relationships.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/may">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Betsy McFarland) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/may Thu, 26 Apr 2018 10:09:43 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Don’t Just Recognize Volunteers, Invest in Them…and Yourself http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/april <p>As the season of national volunteer recognition events get underway, Sheri Wilensky Burke, associate director of the <em>EveryoneReady</em><sup>®</sup> online volunteer management skill-building program, challenges leaders to recognize volunteers and their talents by investing in their development, what Sheri terms as “volunteer evolvement.”</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/april">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Sheri Wilensky Burke) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/april Tue, 27 Mar 2018 10:28:46 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Happy Birthday to Energize’s Founder and a Volunteer Management Pioneer http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/march <p><em>The Energize staff hijacks the Volunteer Management Hot Topic from Energize founder Susan J. Ellis to commemorate her 70th birthday. Join us in capturing this moment to acknowledge Susan’s impact on the field of volunteerism.</em></p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/march">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Energize Team) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/march Wed, 28 Feb 2018 10:06:22 EST Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Is Volunteer Management Really a Profession? http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/february <p>While volunteer management has been evolving over the past decades, some questions are still unanswered, particularly whether or not we can identify our work as a "profession."</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/february">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Susan J. Ellis) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/february Tue, 30 Jan 2018 12:09:40 EST Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis New Year’s Resolution for Executive Directors of Volunteer-Involving Organizations http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/january <p>This month guest writer Betty B. Stallings challenges top leaders of volunteer-involving organizations to start the year 2018 right by reading the following excerpt from her book <a href="https://www.energizeinc.com/store/leading_way_successful_volunteer_involvement" target="_blank"><em>Leading the Way to Successful Volunteer Involvement: Practical Tools for Busy Executives</em></a> about how to develop their organization's own <em>statement of philosophy on volunteer engagement!</em></p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/january">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Betty B. Stallings ) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2018/january Wed, 27 Dec 2017 10:35:31 EST Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Letting Fear Prevent Volunteer Involvement is Too Risky http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/december <p>This month guest writer Jayne Cravens challenges the belief that risk and fear should prohibit organizations from involving volunteers.  Do volunteers really differ from paid staff when it comes to risk management? How can organizations build safety into volunteer engagement?</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/december">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Jayne Cravens) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/december Wed, 29 Nov 2017 10:53:48 EST Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Leaders of Volunteers: Will You “Be the Voice” for Our Profession? http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/october <p>The theme of International Volunteer Managers Day 2017 (November 5) is "Be the Voice!" What does this call to action mean and how can each of us speak out effectively on behalf of our profession and the volunteers we lead? Consider what you "say" in actions as well as words.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/october">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Susan J. Ellis) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/october Wed, 27 Sep 2017 12:12:54 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Are You in a Volunteer Management Silo? http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/september <p>The principles and daily tasks of effective volunteer engagement are universal, no matter the setting. Yet, those of us who publish or plan conferences for the field find it a hard sell to attract an audience as diverse as the field itself. Find inspiration outside the familiar.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/september">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Susan J. Ellis) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/september Thu, 31 Aug 2017 10:26:32 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Three Great Days: Reflections after the Summit on Volunteer Engagement Leadership http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/august <p>Susan came to the 2017 National Summit on Volunteer Engagement Leadership last month with cautious hope and left with enthusiastic optimism. Read her reflections and consider our shared responsibility for moving the profession of volunteer management forward again.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/august">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Susan J. Ellis) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/august Mon, 31 Jul 2017 11:24:16 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis The “Social Compact” and Voluntary Action Are the Foundation of Democracy -- Even Today http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/july <p>On July 4th, Americans celebrate the concept of independence. We should recognize that the founders  were also defining co-dependence or inter-dependence as the basis for the "common good" of their wished-for democracy. Both citizen volunteering and taxes are implied in this social contract.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/july">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Susan J. Ellis) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/july Tue, 27 Jun 2017 11:19:13 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Find the Money for Priceless Conferencing http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/june <p>Do you only go to conferences if your employer covers the costs? Do you value your own professional development enough to pay for it yourself? Once you're at an event, are you doing everything you can to make it <em>priceless</em> for your learning and enjoyment? Susan offers a lot of tips to broaden your perspective.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/june">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Susan J. Ellis) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/june Tue, 30 May 2017 11:41:03 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis That Pesky Word “Volunteer” http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/may <p>Are we giving recognition to all the people who are actually volunteers? To some who are not? We cannot assume the word <em>volunteer </em>means the same thing to everyone – and have to communicate effectively exactly what we mean when we use it.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/may">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Susan J. Ellis) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/may Thu, 27 Apr 2017 10:47:13 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Continuous Learning Is Not Optional http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/april <p>Who knew volunteer management was so complicated? We did. First we need to learn the basics, but it doesn't stop there. We need to keep up to date and challenged. Think you don't have the time? Find (or make) the time.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/april">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Susan J. Ellis) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/april Thu, 30 Mar 2017 10:18:54 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Energize Turns 40! http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/march <p>Where did 40 years go? Susan reflects on Energize's milestone anniversary by sharing her observations on what challenges to the volunteer field have never changed, which have gotten worse, and which have gotten better. Do you agree?</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/march">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Susan J. Ellis) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/march Mon, 27 Feb 2017 12:04:27 EST Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Don’t Forget Volunteers as Part of the Solution to 2017 Nonprofit Challenges http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/february <p>Susan responds to <em>The NonProfit Times' </em>article, "Nonprofit Workplace Challenges Predicted for 2017," pointing out how volunteers can and should be integrated into any organization’s strategic planning to react to change.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/february">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Susan J. Ellis) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/february Mon, 30 Jan 2017 12:21:54 EST Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Pride in the Volunteer Management Profession http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/january <p>How do you react when your executive requests something that you think doesn't make sense or may actually be negative for volunteers? Take pride in your professional knowledge and do your job: speak up for best practices.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/january">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Susan J. Ellis) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2017/january Thu, 29 Dec 2016 10:20:38 EST Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis When Things Look Dark, Volunteers Can Spark Lightning http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/december <p>This has been a year in which turmoil, violence, and uncertainty have affected too many parts of the world, often reversing social progress and opening deep divisions among people. Take heart: when things seem dark and cloudy, volunteers can be the bolts of lightning that can turn things around.   </p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/december">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Susan J. Ellis) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/december Tue, 29 Nov 2016 11:42:03 EST Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis What Volunteer Recruiters Can Learn from #GivingTuesday http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/november <p>Have you heard of #GivingTuesday? It’s a global fundraising event that connects to the pre-holiday shopping season. How can we link volunteer recruitment to this campaign? And what does it teach us about the fine art of “piggybacking” as a recruitment tool that we can use in many different ways?</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/november">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Susan J. Ellis) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/november Thu, 27 Oct 2016 11:36:38 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Get the Most Support: Blending Money, Things, and People http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/october <p>Although critical, raising money is not the only way for an organization to support its work. Are you, as leader of volunteer resources, included in planning for fundraising so you can suggest possible non-cash avenues to obtain some of what's needed?</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/october">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Susan J. Ellis) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/october Fri, 30 Sep 2016 11:25:13 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis The Limitations of Seeing Volunteers Only as Unpaid Staff http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/september <p>Volunteers are not simply “unpaid help” to assist employees. The differences between employees and volunteers are major and strategic. Susan compares and contrasts both sets of workers in an attempt to show how treating them as the same except for level of pay is deceptive and limiting.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/september">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Susan J. Ellis) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/september Tue, 30 Aug 2016 10:52:55 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Clients Are a Talent Pool, Too http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/august <p>Most volunteer-involving organizations serve “people in need” through a charity model that often works, but can also be paternalistic and disempowering.  Leaders of volunteers can change the paradigm by seeing clients as people with talents as well as needs – and their own desire to partner in finding solutions.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/august">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Susan J. Ellis) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/august Thu, 28 Jul 2016 10:31:55 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Inform, and Wow, Everyone about Volunteers http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/july <p>It is critical to record and report information about volunteer service, yet organizations rarely see what is significant about volunteers. Get some tips from the model of July 4th fireworks and capture attention with great reports!</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/july">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Susan J. Ellis) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/july Wed, 29 Jun 2016 17:55:57 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis The Division of Labor between Volunteer Centers and Volunteer-Involving Organizations http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/june <p>Susan explores the relationship between individual organizations and “connector” agencies such as volunteer centers created to increase community-wide volunteering.  They have mutual goals, but different perspectives. How do we assure partnership and avoid competition?</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/june">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Susan J. Ellis) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/june Tue, 31 May 2016 10:45:43 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis Political Campaigns: Epicenter of Volunteering http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/may <p>We in the U. S. are deep into one of the strangest presidential election process in memory. Susan offers a collection of recent volunteer-centered political news stories. Some are bizarre, some are moving, and all are revealing of the kaleidoscope of citizen action focused on social change.</p> <a href="http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/may">Read on EnergizeInc.com</a> info@energizeinc.com (Susan J. Ellis) http://www.energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2016/may Thu, 28 Apr 2016 11:07:58 EDT Volunteer Management Hot Topics with Susan J. Ellis