8 Strategies for Inclusive Volunteer Program

8 Strategies for Creating a More Inclusive Volunteer Program

Many organizations struggle to engage volunteers who reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of the communities they serve. In response to this issue, the Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA) recently embarked on a research study which resulted in a set of eight strategies for creating a more inclusive volunteer program within nonprofit and government organizations. These strategies serve as a starting point for leaders who are seeking concrete next steps for better engaging volunteers from communities of color. In this interactive session, led by Lisa Joyslin, Inclusive Volunteerism Program Manager at MAVA, you’ll learn about the eight strategies, share your own experiences and create an action plan for launching a more inclusive volunteer program within your own organization. The session will be moderated by Jamila Cowan-Wideman, Director of Global Employee Empowerment at Dell, a member of IAVE’s Global Corporate Volunteer Council (GCVC).

About the Presenter – Lisa Joyslin: Lisa Joyslin is the Inclusive Volunteerism Program Manager at the Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA). Her work is focused on learning how to address systemic inequities in volunteer engagement systems to better engage communities of color as volunteers at nonprofit and government organizations. Lisa has worked in the field of volunteer engagement for nearly 15 years, including 4 years as the Volunteer Services Officer for the Red Cross Minnesota Region and positions at multiple volunteer centers. She holds a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Minnesota.

About the Moderator – Jamila Cowan-Wideman: Jamila is currently the Director of Global Employee Empowerment for 165,000+ Dell Technologies team members and is committed to helping underserved youth gain access to technology and exposure to STEM careers. She is equally passionate about innovation and mentoring the next generation of CSR leaders. Her commitment to community has brought recognition as a Community Ambassador Award winner and given her the opportunity to speak globally about corporate volunteer engagement. She serves on the POSSE Atlanta Leadership Council, the YWCA TGI Tech Advisory Committee, the Board of the Atlanta Business League and has been recognized as a Corporate Social Responsibility thought leader. Most recently she represented Dell Technologies at the United Nations headquarters sharing, with global leaders, the importance of private sector partnerships with public entities and highlighting Dell Techs pro bono collaboration with the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund.