Volunteer Coordinators Network (VCN)
The Volunteer Coordinators Network (VCN) offers volunteer professionals the chance to meet other individuals in Itasca County who are involved in the recruitment, retention, and leadership of volunteers. Membership is free, with each member taking an active role in strengthening the network.
As outlined in our 2022-2027 Impact Goals, United Way aims to strengthen volunteerism across the Itasca area. Through this work, we aim to support volunteer engagement professionals through peer networking, training, and resources to help recruit, retain, and engage volunteers to better deliver on their missions.
We offer capacity building opportunities that are free for any nonprofit organization to utilize:
- Volunteer Coordinators Network (VCN)
The Volunteer Coordinators Network (VCN) offers volunteer professionals the chance to meet other individuals in Itasca County who are involved in the recruitment, retention, and leadership of volunteers. Membership is free; each member is expected to contribute to the growth of the VCN by hosting a meeting, presenting on a topic, attending brainstorming sessions, responding to information requests, etc. The VCN will meet quarterly, beginning December 15th, 2022.
- Volunteer Opportunities Database
In 2020, United Way launched Bonfire, the Itasca Area’s hub for nonprofit volunteer service opportunities. The platform provides an all-in-one platform for managing volunteer opportunities and documenting community engagement. Projects are available for individuals and groups alike. By registering your organization, you have access to a variety of resources, including:- Organizational profile on the site
- Promotion of volunteer and project opportunities, as well as job openings and events
- Corporate and group volunteering
- Receive ongoing volunteer referrals through the site and inclusion in marketing efforts
- Engage, manage, track and report volunteer hours virtually from anywhere (cloud-based)
- Training and support from United Way staff
If you’d like to learn more about resources available to nonprofit organizations in the region, we invite you to visit our Nonprofit Resources page, create an organizational profile on Bonfire, or sign up for nonprofit updates. You can also connect with us at 218-999-7570 or info@uwlakes.org.
VCN Meeting: Summer 2023
Date: June 15th, 2023
Time: 10 a.m. – Noon
Location: Children’s Discovery Museum, 2727 US 169 S, Grand Rapids
Admission: Free
The Volunteer Coordinators Network (VCN) meets quarterly. Meetings present a chance for members to get to know each other, share their challenges and successes, and identify opportunities for collaboration and improvement. Network members contribute to the network by hosting meetings, presenting on various topics, attending brainstorming sessions, and/or responding to information requests.
In addition to our own initiatives, United Way collects and compiles additional tools and opportunities that may be helpful to volunteer coordinators in the region.
Networking & Professional Development Opportunities
MAVA District Council Meeting – NE Region: July 13th | 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. | Virtual | Free
Join MAVA for a virtual District Council Meeting of the NE Region! Attendees will have a chance to connect with other volunteer engagement leaders in Northeast Minnesota, discussing the topic of volunteer appreciation and getting creative with budgets. This bi-monthly event is free and open to all volunteer engagement leaders in northeast Minnesota. Register
MAVA’s Volunteer Engagement Leadership Conference: July 19th-21st | Various Times | Virtual or Mount Zion Temple, 1300 Summit Ave, Saint Paul | $125-$450
Join MAVA for “The Great Volunteer Engagement Get-Together,” featuring two and half days of networking and interactive sessions, including large-group experiential learning and breakout sessions, facilitated by national and local innovators in the field of volunteer engagement, leadership, and more. Virtual and in-person options are available. Register by July 14th. Register
Find more resources for nonprofits on our Nonprofit Resources page.
Volunteer Portal
The Itasca area's volunteer portal ignites action in Itasca-area communities, connecting nonprofit organizations with dedicated, caring volunteers throughout the region.