KAVA

Kalamazoo Association of Volunteer Administrators (KAVA)

Volunteer Kalamazoo plays an active role in supporting organizations that help nonprofit
agencies to build their capacity to serve the community. A long-term relationship has existed between Volunteer Kalamazoo and KAVA and we strongly support the mission and purpose of this organization. Our staff is actively engaged in KAVA meetings and serves on the Executive Board to promote the work of this very important networking and professional development group.

KAVA History
Established in 1980, the Kalamazoo Association of Volunteer Administrators (KAVA) was formed to facilitate the exchange of information and to promote networking between non-profit professionals working with volunteers. In November 1980, four officers were elected who together with four committee chairs formed the first KAVA Board. By January of 1981, KAVA had approximately 40 members and by June of that year, membership had grown to include 54 members.

Mission
The mission of KAVA is to shape the future of volunteerism by shaping, strengthening and promoting the profession of volunteer management. The purpose of KAVA is to provide an opportunity to share professional skills through training and information sharing, to promote volunteer leadership and administration as a profession, to support members in skill development, and to enable members to keep abreast of and have impact on legislative issues affecting volunteerism.

Members
Executive Board members are elected annually and are assigned specific responsibilities designed to contribute to the development of the group. With input from the general membership, the board is responsible for planning membership meetings, the Annual Meeting, and the biennial KAVA conference. Currently, the KAVA Board consists of four officers and six committee chairs.

The Annual Meeting features a special luncheon and presentation of the Volunteer Manager of the Year award. The biennial conference is a day-long retreat style event, which provides members and other attendees with an opportunity to participate in activities and educational sessions that will enhance their volunteer management skills.

Today, KAVA remains a professional organization comprised of individuals, working in the field of volunteer management in a variety of organizations in Kalamazoo County. For more information please contact us via email.

Membership Meetings

There are NO meetings in June, July, August and December.  Information on upcoming meetings can be found in the KAVA News – a regular newsletter mailed to all members.  Member input on possible topics, speakers and roundtable discussions are important. Please feel free to offer suggestions!

Additional Information:

• KAVA Membership Application
• KAVA Bylaws
• KAVA Membership Roster
• KAVA Handout Card

For more information about any of these services, please contact any Executive Board member, or send an email.