- Designed for beginning and experienced managers of volunteers.
- Co-produced by the School of Extended Studies and the Institute for Nonprofit Management
- Topics Cover the main subjects of Engaging Volunteers:
- Recruiting
- Training
- Leaderhip
- Supervision
- Evaluation
- Recognition
- Courses are 4 to 8 weeks in a fully online format.
The Volunteer Engagement and Leadership Program ( include two series of courses (Standard and Advanced) that cover the dynamics of creating a successful volunteer management program. Each VELP course is delivered in the online Blackboard learning environment and is described below.
Participants who successfully complete a full series of VELP courses will receive written acknowledgement of completion from Portland State University’s Institute for Nonprofit Management and/or college credit.
Completion of the full Standard Series of VELP courses may be used in lieu of INPM’s “Volunteerism & Volunteer Management” course in meeting the criteria for INPM’s Certificate in Volunteer Program Management.
Completion of the full Advanced Series of VELP courses may be used in lieu of INPM’s “Advanced Volunteer Management” course in meeting the criteria for INPM’s Certificate in Volunteer Program Management.
For more information on INPM’s Certificate in Volunteer Program Management, please contact INPM@pdx.edu or go to http://www.inpm.pdx.edu/inpm-certificates#VolunteerManagement.
Professionals who want to enhance their knowledge of volunteer management, but do not want to complete a full series, may enroll in single courses.
Online Standard Series of Volunteer Engagement and Leaderhip Program courses:
Recruitment
Volunteer Recruitment Strategic Planning (8 weeks) Course covers the impact of societal changes on volunteering. Practical strategies for organizing recruiting include conducting needs assessments, strategic planning, and position descriptions. As well as the basics of marketing in the volunteer arena, advertising and promotions, screening and volunteer recruiting teams.
Training
Volunteer Training ,Planning, and Delivery(8 weeks). Course covers the principles of adult learning, selection and organization of content, and writing behavioral learning objectives. Course also includes training techniques and devices, making a training workshop plan, and evaluation of training.
Management
Volunteer Leadership and Communication - Volunteers (4 weeks) Course covers styles of leadership, relations with volunteers, and motivation.
Volunteer Supervision of Volunteers (4 weeks) Course covers communication with volunteers, resolving conflicts, and documentation of volunteer participation.
Volunteer Evaluation (4 weeks) Course cover the evaluation of volunteer programs and events, evaluation of volunteer performance,
Volunteer Recognition (4 weeks) Course covers formal and informal recognition
Dates offered VELP-1 online courses
- courses begin January March June and September
- You have the flexibility to take many of the Online VELP-1 courses in any order. It is recommended you take Volunteer Recruitment first it is offered every term.
- Contact online registration at 800-547-8887 X 4822 or at karinena@pdx.edu
Four week courses are $229.00 (these are one credit courses)
Eight week courses are $318.00 (these are two credit courses)
