CCVA workshop E4 at the 20th IAVE World Volunteer Conference, Panama 2008

Exploring Professional Certification 

• Name: Katie Campbell, CVA
• Position and Title: Executive Director
• Organization: Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA)
• Address: P.O. Box 467, Midlothian, Virginia  23113  USA
• E-mail: ccva@comcast.net  
• Phone:  804-794-8689

Profile of person submitting this proposal:
Katie Campbell has worked in the field of nonprofit and volunteer management for 30 years as practitioner, author and leader.  She is also a very experienced trainer and facilitator. From 1997 to 2003 she served as executive director of the international Association for Volunteer Administration (AVA), and participated in two global conferences during IYV 2001.

Workshop Abstract:
Credentialing in any profession increases credibility and promotes career development. 

Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA) is a professional certification in the field of volunteer management.  Originally developed by the Association for Volunteer Administration (AVA) several decades ago, the program is now sponsored by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA).  This credential recognizes individuals who meet specific standards as measured by an exam and a written portfolio assessed by their peers.

At this time most CVAs are in the USA and Canada; however, there is growing interest in expanding the program globally.  The history of this program will be presented, as well as the current status of international participation.  CCVA also wants to build relationships with similar certification programs throughout the world.  This session provides an opportunity for participants to discuss the concept of professional certification, learn about several existing programs and how they were developed.

All certification programs must be based on a set of established competencies.  Participants in this session will discuss the various core competencies which they feel are essential for effective volunteer leadership.  Are they the same for all countries and cultures?  Is it possible to identify a set of basic skills and knowledge that could be adopted universally for this profession?  How do these competencies relate to courses and classes being taught by academic centers and others?

This session will include as much discussion as possible, and will be of special interest to leaders from national volunteer centers, associations of volunteer managers, and universities.

Workshop Title:   Exploring Professional Certification

Relevance to the conference:  Leaders of volunteers are increasingly interested in demonstrating their professional skills and management expertise.  Some countries have well-established certification programs in volunteer management, while others are just beginning to think about the value of such a program.  This workshop will provide an opportunity for sharing information about these types of programs, discussing professional competencies, and assisting those who may want to introduce certification in their part of the world.

Methodology, format and type of facilitation:  The presenter will present a brief history and overview of the CVA program.  However, the majority of the time will be spent facilitating a group discussion to explore several related questions and issues.

Audience:  It is anticipated that this workshop will be of particular interest to individuals who represent national volunteer centers, associations of volunteer coordinators, and perhaps universities.

Practical applications, innovative components or potential for new partnerships:  During recent months CCVA has been contacted by individuals in several countries to ask about forming a relationship with the CVA certification program.  This indicates growing international interest in the topic, and the conference provides a perfect venue for moving this discussion forward.  While CCVA is very interested in expanding global participation in the CVA program, we are also very willing to assist other countries in developing their own programs.  In the long term, this may lead to adoption of universal competencies and an international credential which is recognized by all.

Objectives and expected outcomes: As a result of this session, participants will:

• Understand the potential value of professional certification for individuals and their organizations
• Be aware of several national certification programs now in existence
• Understand the basic elements of the CVA certification program
• Understand the potential for universal core competencies in volunteer management