Conferences for Maine Volunteer Directors and Leaders

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Workshop Descriptions

In addition to using this page online, you may want to print a hard copy to use as a reference as you plan your conference participation. The brochure (see link above) also has these details and a hard copy of the registration form.

Below are descriptions of worshops in the Morning Session, Afternoon Session, and your options for the Risk Management Expo. Presenter Profiles are provided at the bottom of this page or you may click on the presenter's name as you read through the workshop descriptions.

Keynote Presentation

Fixing the "Leaky Bucket" of Volunteerism

Presented by David Eisner, CEO, Corporation for National and Community Service

One out of every three people who volunteer in a year do not volunteer the following year -- that's the leaky bucket. Learn what is causing the leak and what can be done to fix it.

During David’s tenure at Corporation for National and Community Service, there has been a significant amount of research focused solely on America's volunteer sector. Prior to this work, investigation of volunteerism was a rare topic in the larger body of nonprofit sector research.

David will discuss the findings that describe the challenges and opportunities facing American volunteer programs as well as the implications for civic engagement and community life.

Morning Sessions

Select one workshop from these options.

• "Boomers" Perspective: Attracting Retired Professionals As Volunteers
PRESENTER: CarolAnne Dube, Director of Development, St. Joseph's Healthcare
Discussion about attracting, recruiting and retaining those volunteers who have recently retired (otherwise known as "Boomers") is just about everywhere you go in the volunteer leadership community. While we've all heard from the professionals, here's an opportunity to listen to what the experts (volunteers who happen to be "Boomers") have to say about their reasons for volunteering, their expectations from the volunteer manager and organization, and how their life and career experience fits into the picture.

• Expanding Your Volunteer Pool to Include People with Disabilities
PRESENTERS: Janet May, Coordinator of Transition and Adults, University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies, and Avery Olmstead, Graduate Student Library & Information Science
The demographic profile of our state is such that this issue needs to be addressed from two perspectives: disabilities acquired as a result of aging, and disabilities that influenced a person’s development from an early age. The session is intended to help agencies/programs 1) see people with disabilities as potential volunteers not potential service recipients; 2) assess what tasks or functions in their program could be filled by volunteers with disabilities; and 3) become familiar with recruitment, selection, placement, and support issues that should be addressed or integrated into overall operations.

• Integrating the Services of Two Volunteer Programs to Meet a Community Need
PRESENTER: Elisabeth Stefanski, Executive Director, Maine Women's Fund
This session will be a facilitated discussion with a panel that is anchored by a funder who requires collaboration when it awards grants to address community needs. The “twist” in this session is that the focus will not be on what the community project does but a conversation among the collaborating partners about the opportunities and challenges of joining forces, how to manage differences in corporate cultures, what difficulties others can anticipate when entering into collaborations, how the partners assessed and meshed their strengths to the benefit of the project, etc. The funder will be asked to provide their observations about partners as an outsider that resources the collaboration but is not part of the process.

• Managing for Success: Hiring and Firing Volunteers
PRESENTERS: Gigi Rolfes, Executive Director, Hands on Network and Megan Latimer, Director of Network Expansion, Hands on Network
Volunteers can be your organization's greatest asset as they significantly increase your capacity to serve the community. Matching the right person to the volunteer role is vital. In this session, you will explore how to build your volunteer program by recruiting, screening, and selecting for success. You will also learn management techniques for dealing with difficult or disruptive volunteers.

• Work Smart...Using Technology
PRESENTER: Jason Scott, Training Officer, Corporation for National and Community Service
Technology is revolutionizing our world in much the same way that automobiles replaced traditional "horse power." Yet the introduction of new technologies, software, and web-based applications can raise more questions than answers at first. How will I find time to learn to use this new software and computer? Will the new programs work on the old computers? Is our office ready to be networked, and how will that help us? Who will set it all up? Being tech-smart isn't just about computers, network connections, e-mail, and digital cameras. It's about making good use of technology to help you do what you already want to do--to achieve your program goals. In general, a tech-smart office is one that makes efficient us of resources (including people, equipment, and materials) in order for work to be done smarter and more productively.

Afternoon Sessions

Select one workshop from these options.

• You Got Them, Now Keep Them
PRESENTER: Martha Wildman, Volunteer Coordinator, Eastern Maine Medical Center
This workshop is intended for new or novice volunteer managers or experienced managers looking for creative and new ideas. Therefore, the workshop should include basics of role descriptions, designing meaningful assignments, sharing impact of work, involving volunteers in evaluation, ensuring staff are welcoming to volunteers, and recognition or advancement.

• Jump-Starting Your Own Professional Development
PRESENTERS: Anne Schink, Program Officer, Maine Commission for Community Service
Volunteer Management Competencies have been developed to help you, your supervisor, and your program assess where you are in your professional development, track your own progress, and document your accomplishments through low cost/no cost informal networks, online programs, and national models.

• Partnering with Higher Education to Strengthen Volunteer Programs
PRESENTERS: Marty Deschaine, Assistant Director at the Harward Center for Community Partnerships at Bates College; Holly Lasagna, Assistant Director at the Harward Center for Community Partnerships at Bates College; Sara Seames, Coordinator of Community Service Programs at the Community Service Resource Center at Bowdoin College; and Andrea Thompson McCall, Director of Community Service & Civic Engagement at the University of Southern Maine
Collaborations with institutions of higher education can provide non-profit organizations with a wealth of resources ranging from hands-on volunteers to community-based research. Learn how connecting with student volunteers and engaged faculty can strengthen the work of your agency from professionals at Bates College, Bowdoin College, and the University of Southern Maine with experience in service learning, volunteerism, and civic engagement.

• Redesigning Service for Today's Volunteers
PRESENTERS: Megan Latimer, Director of Network Expansion, Hands on Network
In today’s unique culture, how do you rethink staffing patterns, work environments, expectations, assignments, and role descriptions so that potential volunteers say “yes” to serving with your organization? In this session, you will examine ways to transfer workplace tactics used to attract and keep employees to the volunteer sector; how to make volunteer opportunities and recognition appealing to different generations; and methods for a small organization to open up opportunities to many generations and lifestyles without overwhelming the staff or losing sight of your mission.

• Understanding the Connection Between Volunteers and Fundraising
PRESENTERS: Suzan Bell, Executive Director, Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross, and Mickey Sirota, Development Director, Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross
For years, national research and analysis of donors has shown that volunteers generously support the agencies, programs, and causes in which they volunteer. The goals of this workshop are to raise awareness of the facts, help volunteer staff explore aspects of their organizational culture and their personal feelings that shape attitudes about fundraising from their volunteers, and provide examples, tools, or messages that extend to volunteers the opportunity to donate cash.

• Special Disaster Training Simulation
PRESENTER: Sheila McFarren, Executive Director, The Volunteer Center of Madison County, and Gigi Rolfes, Executive Director, Hands On Macon
No community is immune to natural or manmade disasters including floods, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and chemical spills. Following disasters spontaneous, unaffiliated volunteers will come to the devasted area wanting to help -- these volunteers can be a great asset or another disaster depending on how well they are managed. Managing Unaffiliated Volunteers during Disasters is a two-part session that prepares national service participants and community teams to staff Volunteer Reception Centers that process, screen and manage spontaneous volunteers in times of disaster. The training includes the following units: Disaster Management Basics, Spontaneous Volunteers, Risk Management, Stakeholders, Public Messaging, and Volunteer Reception Center Training. NOTE: Online portions must be completed prior to the day. Simulation will be conducted during conference so teams may apply what they learned.

Risk Management Expo

Professionals with experience in Volunteer Risk Management will share tips, advice, and facilitate discussion of issues raised by session participants. Choose 2 topics from the list below and join a small group discussion for 30 minutes with each consultant. Consultants will also be available throughout the day in the Expo area.

• Avoiding Claims of Discrimination When Managing Volunteers
• Background Checks: Protecting Vulnerable Clients and Citizens
• Continuity of Operations: Preparing to Operate after Fire, Flood, Unexpected Building Shutdown
• Engaging Volunteers in Activities with Known Risks
• Ensuring Website Security and Accessibility
• Managing and Resolving Conflict
• Risk and Money: Volunteers Engaged in Fundraising

Presenter Profiles

Suzan Bell is Executive Director of the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross, which meets the emergency preparedeness, prevention and response needs of people in Maine’s eight northern and eastern counties. In her six years with the Chapter, Suzan has worked with thousands of volunteers to carry out successful fund raising events and fund drives as well as service programs. The Chapter welcomes more than 300 volunteers this year, without whom the Red Cross would not be able to deliver its programs or find the resources needed to carry them out.

Martha S. Deschaines, Bates College '75, is the Volunteer Program Coordinator at the Harward Center for Community Partnerships at Bates College. She works with six Student Volunteer Fellows to develop volunteer opportunities and to involve as many students as possible in community service programming. Each Volunteer Fellow works on programs with particular foci and partners: campus student clubs and athletic teams; mentoring and child development; one-time volunteer events; hunger and homelessness issues; elderly programming; and new program development/student leadership opportunities. They work together to plan, publicize, and recruit for service opportunities as well as to administer grants for volunteer projects. Marty also works with Harward Center staff to administer the community work-study program and the summer grants. The community work-study program places students in community agencies year-round. Summer grants are available on a competitive basis to students who develop a service-learning opportunity with a non-profit group. Marty's goal is to continue supporting students in their efforts to meet community needs and to grow as campus and community leaders.

CarolAnne Dube recently relocated to the Bangor area, following a 30 year "temporary assignment" in the County. It is there that she was able to develop and fine tune her life around healthcare-first as a nurse, and in recent years, as the Director of Development and Community Relations at Northern Maine Medical Center. In addition to her responsibilities at St. Joseph Healthcare, she is Vice-Chair of the Maine Commission for Community Service, and a Co-chair of today's conference. Ms. Dube holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from the University of Maine at Fort Kent and a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Administration from the University of Maine.

Holly Lasagna is as Assistant Director at the Harward Center for Community Partnerships at Bates College. She directs the Service-Learning program at the Center where she connects student and faculty academic work to community engaged academic projects through course work, independent study, community-based research, and senior thesis projects.

Megan Latimer is the Director of Network Expansion for the Hands on Network.

Janet May is the Coordinator of Transition & Adults at the UMaine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies.Prior to coming to CCIDS, Janet worked as a regional transition coordinator for nine years in Maine's transition network. Janet has a BS in Physical Education and a Masters of Education in the area of Special Education from the University of Maine. For fun Janet likes to go to the ocean, bike, read and spend time with her family.

Andrea Thompson McCall Andrea Thompson McCall is Director of Community Service & Civic Engagement at the University of Southern Maine, where she has been a member of the student life staff since 1994. Working with a student coordinator and a VISTA, she reported 2,111 students contributing 28,614 hours of community service in curricular and co-curricular service learning projects in greater Portland in 2006-07. Over the last few years, she has participated in the development of USM's new general education curriculum, which includes specific civic learning outcomes that promise to be the basis for more and deeper community engagement for all students at the university.

Sheila McFerran Madison County has been home to Sheila McFerran, President/CEO of The Volunteer Center, for 27 years. A native of Dublin, Ireland, Sheila has had many experiences in those years – as a stay at home mom, founder and teacher for the McFerran Academy of Irish Dance, Director of Development and Community Relations at United Cerebral Palsy, Membership Director at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, and for the past five and a half years, as the President/CEO for The Volunteer Center of Madison County.

She has eighteen years of nonprofit management experience backed by a BA in Business Administration, and is a certified “Train the Trainer” for the Prudential Youth Leadership Program. Sheila is Ex Offico of the local United Way Executive Directors Association, President of the Alabama Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), belongs to the Rotary Club, and is a member of several Points of Light Foundation Committees including the Disaster Advisory Group; Faith-Based Task Force; and Corporate Volunteer Council Committees, and is certified as a Master Trainer for National Disaster Preparedness.

Sheila leads by example. She volunteers for events such as Big Spring Jam and the Whistle Stop Festival. She also shares her expertise with other individuals, agencies, and boards in Madison County by serving as a mentor.

Avery Olmstead, Graduate Student Library & Information Science, is a 1994 graduate of the University of Maine Farmington with a BS degree in Reahbilitation Services. He is a 2004 graduate of the MHRT certificate program at the University of Southern Maine. Avery was an AmeriCorps member from 1999-2002. His AmeriCorps experience fueled his desire to study Library and Information Science at the University of South Carolina. Avery will graduate from this program in 2008. He currently lives in Old Town.

Gigi Rolfes has been the Executive Director of Volunteer Macon, Hands On Macon since 1999. She received her Certification in volunteer Administration in 2002. As a member of the Georgia Commission for National Service and Volunteerism, she represented volunteer centers statewide. Since 2002. she has served on the Executive Board for the Georgia Association of Volunteer Administrators (GAVA), and National Volunteer Center's Strategic Planning Task Force. She is a judge of for the daily Points of Light Award Program, and is a member of the Hands On Network Leadership Faculty, a Master Trainer for the Points of Light Foundation and Leadership Plenty, and the Pew Trust for Civic Change. Gigi is also a member of the Kellogg Design Team for the Association of America's Service Commission, and of the Volunteer Center National Council.

Anne Schink joined the Maine Commission for Community Service in 1995. She serves as Program, Training, and Disability Officer for AmeriCorps programs. Anne has many years of experience in organizational development and nonprofit and volunteer management, primarily through the League of Women Voters, Planned Parenthood, church and community groups.

Jason Scott has served as a VISTA and VISTA Leader (1999,2000). He holds an MPA from the University of Delaware with a focus in Community Development and Nonprofit Leadership. He has worked for an AmeriCorps State Program and as an AmeriCorps Recruiter. Jason currently works as a Training Officer at The Corporation for National and Community Service where he oversees the delivery of the agency’s tools, trainings and resources online at The Resource Center (www.nationalservice.gov/resources). Jason volunteers with an international youth leadership nonprofit that brings together hundreds of young people from all over the world each summer to engage in peace-building activities, cultural sharing and exploration of global issues.

Sara Seames Sarah Seames is the Coordinator of Community Service Programs at the Community Service Resource Center at Bowdoin College. She oversees all direct service opportunities for students, including America Reads and Counts tutoring, student-run volunteer organizations, annual service events, and the Alternative Spring Break program. She is also currently pursuing her master’s degree in Public Policy and Management at the University of Southern Maine.

Mickey Sirota is the Pine Tree Chapter’s Development Director. He has worked with volunteers, volunteer Board members and others to help raise funds for good causes for nearly 30 years, has been an agency executive director, has taught fund raising, and has been a consultant to non-profit organizations both small and large. He is active with volunteer groups in his home town of Searsmont.

Elisabeth Stefanski is the Executive Director of the Maine Women’s Fund. As an accomplished social investor, Elizabeth brings to the fund over a decade’s experience investing in grassroots organizations around the world, deep knowledge of the new philanthropic tools available for affecting social change, an established fundraising and management, as well as expertise in the area of resource diversification and nonprofit capacity building. Prior to joining MWF, Elizabeth served in senior management positions at GlobalGiving and Ashoka.

Martha Wildman is Director of Volunteer Services at Eastern Maine Medical Center. She returned last fall to EMMC after 20+ years with the American Red Cross Blood Services, New England Region. Martha is also an active volunteer in the Bangor community.

The Conference is brought to you by:

The Maine Commission for Community Service
VolunteerMaine.Org
University of Maine Cooperative Extension

With Financial Support from:

• The Corporation for National and Community Service
• Dead River Company

Many Thanks To:

• Blaine House Conference on Volunteerism Planning Committee
• VolunteerMaine AmeriCorps*VISTAs Christy Monroe and Nichole Mitchell
• Donna Bradstreet, SPO Secretary

VolunteerMaine!