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Self-paced Learning Online

  • Competencies for Managers of Volunteers: Online Self-Directed Course (no cost)
  • LE@D: Lifelong Education at Desktop: The University of North Texas has a group of online short courses specifically for volunteer program staff. This LINK goes to the full catalog. Scroll to "Volunteer Management" for a series of courses. Fees are about $25 each.
  • The Resource Center provides online courses on a wide variety of topics (e.g., Community Engagement, Resource and Fund Development, Volunteer Leveraging). Although it's designed by the Corporation for National and Community Service (a federal agency) specifically to help strengthen its community volunteer service grantees, these no cost courses are relevant and available to any community volunteer program .
  • "My Improvement Plan" is a special tool at the Resource Center that helps managers and staff strengthen local volunteer program operations. Modules include: Volunteer Management; Staffing and Development; Board and Advisory Leadership; Community Collaboration; Financial Management; Marketing and Communications; Service Learning; and more. 
    Users create an account so work they complete can be saved and they can return to the same point at a later time. Each topic begins with a self-assessment of relevant operations. Results generate a resource guide tailored to the areas needing improvement. Users then read and explore the resources at their own pace.
  • Risk Management. The Washington DC-based Nonprofit Risk Management Center has14 online risk management classes. Fees are $29 for one course with discounts for multiple courses ($19 for 2-9, etc.). The Volunteer Risk Managment course is free. To take it, click here.
  • Social Marketing. The federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) developed an online guide and design tool for use by their grantees and partners. It is very valuable for any program managers whose volunteers are trying to change something in the community (literacy, health, waste reduction, energy consumption). The tool is no cost and is called the CDCynergy Social Marketing Model.
  • Emergency Response and Recovery. Volunteer programs that help meet community needs after floods, ice storms, and other emergencies can prepare by learning about the protocols, policies, and procedures used by officials. FEMA has a series of no-cost online Independent Study courses to prepare program staff.