Despite all the valuable work that those who lead volunteer engagement do for organizations and the community, the role is not recognized as a profession in the US .. .yet! AL!VE, the Association for Leaders in Volunteer Engagement, is working to enhance the profession through official recognition by the Department of Labor and others. (While we at VQ Volunteer Strategies have a global reach and honor our colleagues from beyond the US, this post is particularly relevant to our fellow US residents). You can join AL!VE’s initiative to recognize volunteer engagement professionals by advocating for an official occupational code with the Department of Labor – US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Why Advocate for an Occupational Code
Professionals in volunteer engagement play a crucial role in managing and coordinating volunteers, contributing significantly to community and organizational success. Despite having a certifying body*, we are not currently recognized as a profession by the Department of Labor – US Bureau of Labor Statistics. By advocating for an official occupational code, we can ensure our profession receives the recognition and support it deserves.
Learn More About the Initiative
AL!VE is offering webinars and information about the initiative and you can learn more here.
How to Advocate
- Watch AL!VE’s Webinar on August 1 or watch the recording: Gain insights from your leaders of AL!VE. View the recording and slide deck.
- Use the Template: Download the template here to ensure your feedback is impactful and structured.
- Submit Your Commentary: Use the live links below to submit your feedback directly by August 12 to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can reference AL!VE’s submitted Public Comment (pdf)
- Share with the Field: Encourage colleagues and other stakeholders to join the advocacy efforts.
Tips for Effective Advocacy
- Be Consistent: Make sure you are using the correct terminology — for us it is ‘Volunteer Engagement Professional’.
- Be Specific: Clearly describe the role and its impact on the organization and community.
- Use Data: Include statistics and personal anecdotes to illustrate the importance and necessity of the role.
- Stay Professional: Maintain a respectful and constructive tone to ensure your message is well-received.
Submission Process
Download the template here for the language and instructions to submit your comments.
Visit AL!VE’s page for step by step instructions and screenshots for easy reference.
Comments should be submitted by August 12, 2024 through www.regulations.gov —a Federal E-Government website that allows the public to find, review, and submit comments on documents that agencies have published in the Federal Register and that are open for comment.
Let’s work together to raise the profession of volunteer engagement to its rightful place so that employers, community leaders, human resources departments, and our myriad partners recognize the role with the respect, compensation, and influence the position warrants.
*The Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA) offers the Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA) credential, an international professional certification in the field of volunteer resources management. This credentialed certification underscores the expertise and professionalism of individuals in our field.