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VOLUNTEER MARYLAND’S TRAINING PROGRAM

Training Community Leaders

Each year, Volunteer Maryland (VM) staff members, alumni, and other colleagues and trainers in service and nonprofit management provide a comprehensive volunteer management training program. The participants of the training include the Volunteer Maryland Coordinators, who are AmeriCorps members, and the Service Site Supervisors, who are nonprofit and governmental staff. In addition, VM trains fellow AmeriCorps programs, volunteer center staff, and other nonprofit colleagues on the best practices of volunteer management.

Engaging Diverse Trainers and Participants

Volunteer Maryland’s training program is based on a cross-section of materials and activities that promote excellence in national service and volunteer management. The trainers and staff represent a diverse array of experiences, and the training materials have been culled from international, national, state, and local programs since VM’s inception in 1992. The VM training program also draws on the diversity of the participants and their communities.

Building Capacity to Manage Volunteers

The heart of the VM training program is the pre-service training (PST) for AmeriCorps members and Service Site partners. The PST is an intense and interactive 11-day training that quickly equips VM Coordinators with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to effectively manage volunteers at their Service Sites. The rest of the VM training sessions are dedicated to ensuring that the best practices of volunteer management are instilled in the Service Site by the time the VM Coordinator completes the year. VM Coordinators may receive up to 11 Continuing Education Credits for the successful completion of the training program.

For any VM training, the materials and activities will be tailored to meet the needs of the participants. However, the outcomes of any Volunteer Maryland training will address one of the following broad program goals. As a result of VM training, participants will:

1. Acquire and demonstrate an understanding of the history of national service and volunteerism in the United States;
2. Practice all key elements and skills of effective volunteer management;
3. Enhance their communication and problem-solving skills; and
4. Expand their leadership abilities and strengthen their abilities to work effectively as members of diverse teams.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Who designed the Volunteer Maryland training program?

  The program was created by VM’s founder, Ellie Young, and VM’s original Training Director, Paul Harris, in 1992. Since then, the training program has evolved over the years to reflect changes in volunteer management, nonprofit needs, national service, and more. All VM staff members, Regional Coordinators and Peer Leaders, and Volunteer Maryland Coordinators have contributed to the training program’s design and delivery over the years. The feedback and recommendations of all participants are immediately incorporated into the training program design. The training is a unique resource for all AmeriCorps members and programs in Maryland.

• When is VM training provided?

  The annual training program consists of the AmeriCorps member and Service Site trainings. This program is approximately 20 days each year, with a 10-day pre-service training and monthly in-service training sessions each month. The annual program also includes an overnight mid-year retreat for the AmeriCorps members (in late winter or early spring) and a full-day Site Supervisor Orientation (in the summer).

  In addition, VM will provide on-demand training for other colleagues or programs as requested. These trainings are scheduled per the need and demand of the requesting program. For more information or to request training, please call 410-767-6203.

• Where is VM training located?

  Volunteer Maryland is a state-wide program, and VM staff members schedule training sessions across the state. In general, the initial 10-day pre-service training will occur in one location with the remaining monthly sessions moving to various locations across Maryland. On-demand training sessions for additional colleagues and programs will occur at locations that are most convenient for the requesting agency. This may include the agency’s own office or conference space or at a nearby facility.

• Do VM training hours count as AmeriCorps service hours?

  Yes! All VM training hours count as service hours for Volunteer Maryland Coordinators and Peer Leaders.

• Is there a participant cost for VM training?

  For Volunteer Maryland AmeriCorps members and Service Site partners, there is no cost for the annual training program. All facility, materials, and meals are provided as a part of the federal AmeriCorps award each year.

  For on-demand trainings, payment will be required to cover workshop preparation, materials, facilities, and meals. Please contact VM’s office for more information about the training costs.